NYC Nostalgic Memories: GATA introduces YULISSA BENITEZ
To look at the photos of Yu Lez is to find yourself drowning in the 90/00s inspired daydream of an overactive imagination. Chunky plastic sunglasses, fish-eye lenses and a penchant for collage, the inspirations that have peppered the young mind of this NYC photographer are clear for one to see.
Yulissa Benitez Amaro, also commonly known as Yu Lez is a native New Yorker hailing from the borough of Queens. After joining a high school that focused on visual arts, Yulissa has spent her time dedicated to the craft of photography — pushing the language of colour, light and texture, to best express her creative voice. Often working with musicians, artists and designers, it’s obvious that the motives behind her creations lie in the artistic process itself. There is a purity and innocence that accompanies her images, like a wide-eyed child experimenting with the possibilities of the world around themselves.
Sitting down to talk to the GATA Team, Yullisa touched base with her origins in Mexico, the formative impact of New York as a whole and her future plans of diving into the world of film. From the films of Alejandro González Iñárritu to the nu-metal videos of Korn, the influences that inform this photographer are wide ranging and bountiful. Who knows where they will take her, but we are definitely excited to see.
G: Hello Yulissa, thank you so much for your time. Would you like to introduce yourself to the GATA family? Should we call you Yu Lez or Yulissa?
Y: Hi! Yulissa is cool, I get called both though so I don’t really mind which. I'm a NYC-based photographer!
G: When did you start doing photography, and why?
Y: I started when I was in high school, so around 2012/13 to be exact. I went to a public arts high school for visual arts and photography. I picked up everything there. I was around 15 years old. I don’t think I ever really thought about becoming a photographer, but I was sort of looking for something new to get into. So I ended up applying there not knowing where it would take me. Now I guess it’s more than I thought it would initially become. I love it.
G: We can see that you mainly shoot film photography and then edit them in post; could you tell us more about the creative process you usually follow to create your works?
Y: I actually started only with film photography. For a while, it was strictly film. Then I learned how to operate a digital camera and with that came the process of learning to retouch images digitally. I learned how to use editing software and experimented with styles. I don’t think the way I edit has significantly changed throughout the years, maybe it’s just gotten stronger/better. But now I choose to shoot mainly digital, at least for bigger shoots. I’ll do film too though, just not as much. I carry a film camera most of the time I'm out, mainly using it for intimate settings like when I’m with friends/family, at a show or a party.
G: Are there any specific cameras that you use? Why did you pick them and how do they help your style?
Y: I started off using a Nikon FM10 film camera, then a Nikon digital (I forgot which) but somehow I ended up using canons strictly haha, but I honestly pick cameras that I’m comfortable with using. Physically and strategically. I don’t think I have a favourite at the moment anymore, I’m in search for something new but I do have a couple of lenses I love. One being my fisheye, I think a lot of people recognise my work because of it and it’s definitely helped my style.
G: You mainly portray the youth. Is there any message that you want to convey with your images?
Y: Growing up in NYC definitely influenced me throughout my teens and now early twenties and I always wanted to keep a record of that. Looking at other people's photographs from when they were younger inspired me to do the same. I was surrounded by tons of creative kids. Going to shows, parties, events. Hanging out at the park. They were my main subjects.
Documenting their faces and specific moments was something I knew I wanted to keep memory of forever. I want to look back at these photos and remember what it was like to be young.
G: If you had to describe your photography in three words, how would you describe it?
Y: I personally think my photos range from moody portraits to a nostalgic memory, or a reference to an album cover you’ve probably seen somewhere. Idk. It’s kind of hard to think about how I'd describe my work, I’ve been working on that.
G: Your style has a very colourful, Lomography style, what does colour photography allow you to do, that black and white for example doesn’t?
Y: I started with black and white film photography, it took a little bit of time for me to get the chance to do colour, but once I found it, I was a fan. I love playing around with colour lighting, I feel like it helps amplify any given mood you’d like to portray.. I think its really good at impersonating certain feelings. I haven’t really found a way to do that with black and white. But I love black and white photography, I just don’t do it as much anymore.
G: We read you are from Mexico but are living in New York City at the moment, do these two places influence your career, if so, how?
Y: I’ve been in NYC most of my life, I wish I could’ve had the chance to spend more time in Mexico growing up. I think about how that would’ve influenced my work. NYC definitely did though, with the culture, people, opportunities and the many resources it has. I have honestly been blessed by it. I do want to spend some more time in Mexico these coming years, I want to experience it and touch base with my home.
G: Your style has a melancholic or sometimes aggressive touch, two opposite sensations. Has photography been a form to express your feelings?
Y: Photography is a form of expression for my feelings. I really love to feel my emotions and try to understand them as much as I can. So I guess they do transfer over in some way into my work.
G: Are there any future projects that you’re working on?
Y: I’m currently working on releasing a photo book and potentially doing a few solo shows. I’ve also been dabbling into film. Those were 3 things I really wanted to dive into. I finally pushed myself enough to make them happen, I’m really excited!! I can be timid when it comes to showing off my work to the general public but I think it’s the year I get over that fear.
G: We love cinema, would you tell us a few movies that perhaps have influenced your style?
Y: Spun, Amores Perros, Made in Hong Kong, Crank, Hackers, Chungking Express, Before I Disappear, Johnny 316.
That’s a list of movies I could think of that I enjoy visually. I definitely look up in their direction but honestly I’m known to fall asleep during movies, so I usually resort to music videos for visual inspiration. Too many to think of but I’ve been into Korn’ music videos a lot lately. I love the colour grading in a lot of the older rock and nu metal music videos.