Hispanic Heritage Month reminds our community of how ingrained Hispanic influence is in contemporary creative industries and our culture. One leader in editorial photography is Raul Tovar, a fashion photographer and director based in New York City.

The Mexican-born photographer is widely recognized for his polished approach to the female form. Deriving inspiration from women’s movements, Tovar embeds his mission to evoke feminine strength by always making his subjects look their absolute best. Tovar moved to New York City, in 2011, where he started assisting legendary photographers David LaChapelle and Ruven Afanador, before booking his own shoots.

Fast forward, over a decade later, Tovar’s photography can be seen in publications such as Vogue México & Latin America, Vogue Brasil, L’Officiel, and Harper’s Bazaar. His subjects range from supermodels; Christy Turlington, Irina Shayk, and Kendall Jenner; to global musicians, including Rosalía and Maluma. Stand-out commercial clientele includes Neiman Marcus, Chanel, Longchamp, Christian Louboutin, and more.

You can check out more of Tovar’s work here on Creatively and @hellocreatively on Instagram.

What is the first creative project you remember?

Perhaps, it is the quintessential solar system project they ask you for in elementary school. I remember staying up all night and going all out using neon paint, lights, and glitter to make my project stand out.

Describe your aesthetic in three words.

I always struggle with that word… but, someone once described my images as if all the models were “hot” in them. I like to describe it as “polished and refined.” I’m so inspired by the female form; I aim to always make my subjects look their best.

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

There are so many projects that are close to my heart, mostly because of the people who helped create them. Most recently, I had the opportunity to work on a project (soon to be released) with Angolan model, Amilna Estêvão, who I had seen everywhere before. Her energy on set and her desire to make beautiful images struck me, and I will remember that for a long time.

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

As cheesy as it sounds, the more projects I do the more I learn from my mistakes; that’s why going through my past images is always terrifying, but also necessary. Earlier this year, I directed a video for the Met Gala with Spanish singer Rosalía. Given the nature of the project, it was a crazy day in which I had to wear so many hats and please so many people, while also doing my job. I learned that if I stay focused and on a positive mindset I can achieve almost anything; I also learned that I have more patience than I thought!

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with or something you’re taught?

I believe that every human being is creative in their own way, but I also think that creativity and the brain are a muscle that you have to exercise every day by writing down your ideas, creating new projects, and working constantly.

What’s the last dream you had?

I read somewhere that as humans we dream every night. However, I can never remember my dreams. Often, I’ve dreamed that I found myself naked in the street or that I lose my teeth.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

We have access to so many images today that I can only hope people write about my work while I’m alive; they can say whatever they want, I just hope they say I was easy and fun to work with.

Follow @RaulTovar on Creatively.

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