Filipino photographer Irvin Rivera makes mark
in Los Angeles fashion scene
There are numerous Filipino-born photographers with the talent and commendable track record to show. But not too many of them are in Los Angeles.
And when Irvin Rivera casually mentioned to me that he is now working full-time for Los Angeles Magazine—a status he earned by proving his worth, showing up, and contributing good stuff over time—I realized I was in the presence of perhaps the most underrated Pinoy lensman.
Yes, Irvin is a certified Pinoy pride—a Filipino immigrant who went through it all and then decided to create his own opportunity. He literally shines while behind the camera, so he is not your typical Filipino achiever hugging the limelight and savoring fame. His photograph of comic act Margaret Cho, described as “stunningly spiritual,” earned him second place at the 2024 National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards. The picture was used in an article titled “Margaret Cho – Ride or Die Bride.”
His portfolio’s long list of high-profile celebrities would make you think he must be joking. But there are pictures, some of them published, serving as proof of his talent and tenacity.
Los Angeles Magazine, founded by Geoff Miller in 1961, “covers people, food, culture, arts and entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle” through feature-length news writing that captures Southern California in all its guts and glory.
Last Sunday at Noble Creations boutique in Artesia (southeast of L.A.), during an event highlighted by the presence of actor Enchong Dee, Irvin exuded humility and hospitality as he approached and said hello, fashionably dressed as always. As expected, he filled the air with positive vibes.
Around this same period last year, we had a sit-down chat where he gave me a picture of his journey—from a hardcore activist in UPLB (UP Los Baños) to an award-winning fashion photographer in La La Land.
“I used to be a stay-in caregiver, and I recall my patients kind of liked me. I enjoyed the job, but it came to a point when I wanted to do something else,” he said during our conversation at his studio in downtown L.A. “From Sacramento, I took the bus to Los Angeles. I had a backpack, a laptop, and a lot of urge to go to L.A.”
It’s often not easy when you’re starting out in a big city. Irvin found work as an assistant in a clothing company warehouse, where he did everything from being a manual laborer filling up an 18-wheeler container to working as a security guard. He did that for six years.
This son of a soldier father and nurse mother carried the weight of the world in his small frame—with a sweet smile.
“Doon ko natutunan to work smarter, not harder. I eventually quit and went freelancing.”
Freelancing is best for the super creative and determined.
Before it even dawned on him, Irvin found himself at home in a social-professional circle where his communication arts college course and eye for business fit in. He put up his own print-on-demand magazine, christened A Book Of. It is innovative in a way, as a particular subject fills up the pages of one whole issue, like a special edition for a certain celebrity.
A number of inspiring and established, as well as up-and-coming talents, have already graced Irvin’s passion project, including Paul Klein of the band LANY and actress Jenna Ortega. Thanks to his ability to artistically play with lights, shadows, and colors using his camera—and to warmly tell stories himself using the pen—he has earned the trust of people who made it.
Sounding like every dedicated writer would, Irvin said that it matters to him if at least one person gets to read A Book Of. It’s poignantly easy to understand where he is coming from. One person reached out to him and said that going through one of his magazine’s issues stopped him from hurting himself. That issue is now posted on the wall of that reader.
Irvin shared, “Nakakatakot man when you’re still building your portfolio and establishing your reputation, pero matututo ka sa small victories. I needed to learn the business aspect of things. I had to do my research, and I did experience failures.”
Last October, I attended the opening of his new GM studio—an even bigger facility than where I met him for the first time. GM stands for Graphics Metropolis, the studio being a venture with his business partner Cece Asuncion, founder and creative director of Slay Model Management, which courageously represents transgender fashion.
Irvin messaged me the night after, saying, “Hope you had fun and met some people.”
Yes, he won’t forget to assure that things are fine or that it’s going to be okay.
“Dito sa America, pwede mo gawin kung ano ang gusto mo. You just have to do it right,” he noted. “Wear different hats. You can really be anything.”