Meet Frederic Cisneros | Commercial Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Frederic Cisneros and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Frederic, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
It has certainly undergone significant changes and transformations over the past three years. The pandemic brought about a profound shift in my perspective on various aspects of life, including my physical and mental well-being, family, and future aspirations. At the start of 2020, I held the position of lead in-house photographer at a boutique social media marketing agency in Atlanta. During that time, my life revolved entirely around work. In retrospect, I realize that I had little understanding of what a work-life balance truly meant. Growing up, my parents were always engrossed in their jobs, even during holidays, inclement weather, or when they were unwell. Our financial circumstances required them to never miss work, take extra shifts, or explore additional means of income, such as selling food from the back of our car.

Fast forward to 2020, and I found myself working tirelessly day and night, both at the office and at home, even during vacations. Being confined to home during the quarantine period felt like being inside a pressure cooker. Although it was an immensely challenging time, I was fortunate to find an excellent therapist who helped me recognize my worth as a creative individual and emphasized the importance of prioritizing self-care. They guided me in becoming more attuned to my body’s signals and needs. Previously, I held the belief that work-life balance simply meant working and then having some time to rest. However, as a creative professional, it is difficult to separate oneself from the work being produced.

Now, when contemplating work-life balance, I prioritize myself. My foremost concerns are my physical and mental health, my husband, my home, and my craft. If I find that I am not enjoying what I am doing, I consciously make an effort to be more present in order to identify the underlying causes of distress and determine if I have any control over them. I believe that achieving balance involves respecting personal boundaries and adhering to self-imposed rules. It entails remembering that my well-being, safety, and personal needs take precedence. After all, I cannot be there for myself or my loved ones if I neglect to care for my own well-being first. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m passionate about storytelling, the why behind the art, and the audience’s perspective. One of my favorite personal projects is my Oaxaca series. In September 2020, my husband and I traveled to Oaxaca to participate in an elaborate religious ceremony with his family. This experience deeply impacted me, allowing me to appreciate the beauty of my culture in a profound way. It wasn’t solely about the customs; it was about the extraordinary individuals who embodied that culture, exuding remarkable beauty. When looking into the eyes of the models, you can feel life, energy, and the transcendence of the moment.

I had the privilege of showcasing this series at The Woodruff Arts Center during the annual Donor Cocktail for the Latino Community Fund. Witnessing the viewers’ interpretations of my images at that event was overwhelming. It sparked numerous conversations and made me realize the power of my storytelling. Although validation from others isn’t necessary, it was truly rewarding to see the impact of the work I had poured my heart into. Lady Gaga’s words, “I live for the applause,” resonated with me in that moment.

While commercial shoots may not grant me the same level of creative control, I still strive to infuse each project with a story, feeling, or emotion. Currently, I am most excited about exploring and pushing myself further, particularly in the realms of fashion and editorial photography.

My professional journey has been a continuous one, characterized by perseverance and learning from challenges. There were moments when I wasn’t certain of the exact direction I should take, but I realized that standing still only led to a dark place that became increasingly difficult to escape. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed to cross paths with some incredible creatives who unknowingly provided guidance and second chances. They seemed to recognize that I was battling depression and anxiety and saw something special in me. Their belief in my potential pushed and challenged me, even during times when I felt like a complete failure. While I still face occasional self-doubt, their support and mentorship have been invaluable.

I’ve learned the importance of not letting external opinions dictate my creative thinking. Previously, I spent excessive time worrying about others’ perceptions of me and my work, allowing those opinions to control my artistic vision. However, I now understand the significance of staying true to myself and my creative instincts.

In essence, my brand and story are rooted in storytelling, capturing the essence of cultures, and evoking emotions through my photography. I’m grateful for the lessons learned, the connections I’ve made, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Itinerary for an Exciting Day in Atlanta:

Morning:

​- ​Start the day with coffee from Spiller Park, The Corner Cup, or Dancing Goats.
Afternoon:

​- ​Explore nature at Arabia Mountain, The Botanical Gardens, Piedmont Park, or take a walk on the Beltline.
​- ​Enjoy lunch at one of the amazing options like Raging Burrito, Gypsy Kitchen, or Gusto!
Evening:

​- ​Immerse yourself in art at the High Museum or SCAD FASH.
​- ​Visit downtown Decatur and savor the treats at Butter & Cream.
Night:

​- ​Have a late dinner at Tortuga & Chango, enjoying their delicious offerings.
​- ​​Fun nightlife at Lips or attend Chaka Khan​ and dance​.
​- ​For a more laid-back atmosphere, head to the rooftop bar at Hotel Clermont or 9 Mile Station on top of Ponce City Market.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Irving Becerra, my husband, for always supporting me in my career and school.

Mae Lutzz, friend, mentor, and ex-boss, for giving me my first job as an e-commerce photographer and challenging me to be a stronger creative.

Imagine Media Consulting, Shantel and Margot, growing with this company taught me so much. Probably the most impactful thing that has helped shape my career and my creative thinking.

Website: fredericcisneros.com

Instagram: @fredericcisneros

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederic-cisneros-1b7a1480