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HOLLYWAY magazine

Shining in the park

A compilation of captured memories, where Monica (Shainy DJ) is shining. A beautiful and fashionable contrast between nature and the model's beauty.
A compilation of captured memories, where Monica (Shainy DJ) is shining. A beautiful and fashionable contrast between nature and the model's beauty.

Creative Director/Photographer:

Julio Cesar Flores @julio_alfilms

Model/Makeup Artist:

Monica Mondragon @shainydj



Exclusive Interview


Julio Cesar Flores is a talented photographer and cinematographer whose journey began in Mexico City and has since flourished in Los Angeles, California. At just 25 years old, Julio has already built an impressive portfolio, capturing the essence of human emotion and aesthetic beauty through his lens. His work, deeply inspired by films and classic paintings, bridges the worlds of fashion, portraiture, and cinematography. With a passion for storytelling, Julio has collaborated with renowned artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Sofia Reyes, and Piso 21, and has contributed to prestigious publications such as Harper’s Bazaar Mexico and Vogue India. His unique vision seamlessly blends the rawness of nature with the complexities of human emotion, crafting images that resonate deeply with viewers.Julio Cesar Flores is a talented photographer and cinematographer whose journey began in Mexico City and has since flourished in Los Angeles, California. At just 25 years old, Julio has already built an impressive portfolio, capturing the essence of human emotion and aesthetic beauty through his lens. His work, deeply inspired by films and classic paintings, bridges the worlds of fashion, portraiture, and cinematography. With a passion for storytelling, Julio has collaborated with renowned artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Sofia Reyes, and Piso 21, and has contributed to prestigious publications such as Harper’s Bazaar Mexico and Vogue India. His unique vision seamlessly blends the rawness of nature with the complexities of human emotion, crafting images that resonate deeply with viewers.



Julio, your journey from Mexico City to Los Angeles has been a significant one. How has living in Los Angeles shaped your career and artistic vision as a photographer?


Julio, your journey from Mexico City to Los Angeles has been a significant one. How has living in Los Angeles shaped your career and artistic vision as a photographer?
Living in Los Angeles has been transformative for both my career and my artistic vision. The city is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and creative energy. It’s impossible not to feel inspired here. Whether it’s the vibrant art scene, the diverse people I meet, or the cinematic quality of the city itself. Los Angeles has taught me to think bigger and take risks, both in my work and in the way I approach storytelling. Coming from Mexico City, which has its own rich culture and history, I’ve been able to merge those roots with the expansive, dreamlike opportunities that Los Angeles offers. It’s a city that encourages you to dream boldly and, more importantly, gives you the networking, if you are proactive, to turn those dreams into reality.



Your work is heavily inspired by movies and paintings. Could you share some of your favorite films or artists and how they have shaped your artistic approach?


Your work is heavily inspired by movies and paintings. Could you share some of your favorite films or artists and how they have shaped your artistic approach?
Absolutely. Films like The Lighthouse , In the Mood for Love, and The Tree of Life have profoundly influenced me. These movies are visually stunning, with each frame feeling like a painting. I’m drawn to how they use light, color, and composition to evoke emotion—it's something I strive to emulate in my photography and cinematography.

When it comes to classic paintings, I’m captivated by the works of Caravaggio and Vermeer. Their mastery of chiaroscuro—playing with light and shadow—has shaped how I think about contrast and mood in my work. Modern artists like Gregory Crewdson and Alex Prager have also inspired me with their ability to create cinematic worlds within a single frame. These influences remind me that every image has the potential to tell a story, no matter how subtle or grand it may be.


Nature and human emotion are central themes in your photography. How do you balance these elements to create such captivating and harmonious imagery?


Nature and human emotion are central themes in your photography. How do you balance these elements to create such captivating and harmonious imagery?
For me, nature and human emotion are intrinsically linked. Nature has this raw, unfiltered beauty that reflects our own vulnerability and strength as human beings. When I create, I focus on the parallels between the two—the calm of an open field mirroring inner peace or the chaos of a city skyline echoing complex emotions.

Balance comes from finding moments where the setting complements the subject rather than overpowering it. It’s about connection—allowing the person in front of the lens to feel at ease and genuinely express themselves while being grounded in the environment. I think the key is honesty: capturing what feels authentic and letting both nature and emotion speak for themselves.


You’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Sofia Reyes. Can you share what it’s like collaborating with such high-profile figures?


You’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Sofia Reyes. Can you share what it’s like collaborating with such high-profile figures?
Taking photos for artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Sofia Reyes has been a privilege. These are individuals who are not only incredibly talented but also deeply passionate about their craft. When you work with people at that level, you realize how important trust and communication are in the creative process.

It’s inspiring to witness their dedication and vision firsthand, and it pushes me to bring my absolute best to the table. What I enjoy most is the collaboration—finding ways to merge their artistic identity with my own visual language to create something meaningful. At the end of the day, it’s about capturing moments that feel true to who they are while telling a story that resonates with their audience.



Being the cinematographer for a Harper’s Bazaar Mexico fashion video and contributing to Vogue India is no small feat. What was the most rewarding part of these experiences?


Being the cinematographer for a Harper’s Bazaar Mexico fashion video and contributing to Vogue India is no small feat. What was the most rewarding part of these experiences?
The most rewarding part was the opportunity to work alongside such talented teams and contribute to something that feels timeless. For Harper’s Bazaar Mexico, it was an extensive collaboration between me and the creative director Paola Ramones. Where we created a beautiful pice that merges the role of women in the film industry, along side with the glamour of fashion. Creating a fascinating audiovisual experience. Vogue India was equally fulfilling—knowing that my work would reach a global audience was both humbling and exciting.

These experiences reinforced the idea that attention to detail and collaboration are everything. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the final product and know that every decision, from lighting to framing, came together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.


As both a photographer and a cinematographer, how do you approach storytelling differently in still images versus film?


As both a photographer and a cinematographer, how do you approach storytelling differently in still images versus film?
In still photography, every frame is a story in itself. You have one shot—one moment—to convey emotion, context, and meaning. It’s about finding that perfect balance of elements to create something visually compelling and emotionally impactful.

Film, on the other hand, allows you to tell a story over time. It’s about movement, rhythm, and layers. Each frame builds on the last, and you have the luxury of guiding the audience through a narrative. While photography is more about distilling a story into a single frame, cinematography gives me the freedom to explore depth and nuance over time. Both are incredibly powerful mediums, and I love the challenge of working in both.


What advice would you give to aspiring photographers and cinematographers who want to bring their unique visions to life in the way that you have?


What advice would you give to aspiring photographers and cinematographers who want to bring their unique visions to life in the way that you have?
My biggest advice is to stay true to your voice. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and take risks. The journey isn’t always easy, but every challenge teaches you something new about yourself and your craft.

Find inspiration everywhere—in films, art, music, or even the everyday moments around you. But more importantly, learn how to translate that inspiration into something uniquely yours. Practice constantly and share your work, even if it feels imperfect. Your growth comes from putting yourself out there and learning along the way.

Lastly, remember that storytelling is about connection. Whether it’s through photography or film, your work has the power to move people. Follow your passion relentlessly and trust that your vision has value. If I can do it, so can you.



Thank you, Julio, for sharing your journey and artistic philosophy with us. Your passion for storytelling and creating visually stunning work is truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see what incredible projects you’ll bring to life next!



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