Those with a Checkered Past- Fabian Guerrero
Welcome to our new series: Those with a Checkered Past- A new docu-series featuring the friends of Slow & Low that are the Dreamers, Doers, Builders & Fixers that are creating a splash in their respective industries with their vision and ingenuity. See these features here in our Journal as well as on our Instagram feed and in our stories and IGTV...
Those with a Checkered Past: Episode One- shines a light on Mexican-American photographer, bartender, and LBGTQ member, Fabian Guerrero, who was commissioned to create a photograph in celebration of PRIDE month. We spent the day on set with him to learn more about his work and what PRIDE means to him:
Q: Where are you from?
A: My name is Fabian Guerrero. I'm from Dallas, Texas originally. Currently I am a bartender/photographer based in LA.
Q: How did you get interested in photography?
A: I got interested in photography at a very young age. My dad would a always buy me a disposable camera and ever since, I became hooked on taking photos.
Q: What is your style/technique in photography?
A: My style is very documentary style. I like to bring out the stories and characters of whom I’m photographing... into who they are and what they believe in. Capturing the best versions of themselves as our way of connecting.
Q: What other artist/photographers inspire you?
A: Definitely Stefan Ruiz, Dorian Ulises Lopes and Deana Lawson!
Q: What fascinates you as an artist?
A: The ability to work with what you have and make something happen. Picking your brain and really digging out the magic... and doing your best to bring it to life.
Q: You created the Slow & Low PRIDE celebration photo… What does PRIDE mean to you?
A: Pride to me is more than just a rainbow flag, it’s a feeling, it’s a power we get to express as queer people... to transcend, evolve, be the best versions of ourselves and take hold of our magic.
Q: In addition to photography, you are a talented bartender. How did you get involved with bartending?
A: I got involved in bar tending by becoming a barback at Midnight Rambler bar in Dallas, TX. I didn’t know anything about spirits or mixing. I just wanted to create with my hands. The crafting skill of bar tending was something I knew then that I wanted to do... to serve art in a glass. I worked hard to learn. Currently, I work at Chestnut Club in Santa Monica.
Q: In bartender speak... do you prefer stirred, down and brown? Or light, up and shaken?
A: I definitely prefer stirred. I still love a good spirit forward tasting drink where I can prominently taste and smell the spirit. Plus, maybe a citrus zest to brighten the spirit.
Q: Any similarities between photography and bartending?
A: Yes, I think it’s working to the best of your ability to create, practice, and work hard to achieve a great photo or cocktail. They both require knowledge, patience and consistency.
Q How do you like to Slow & Low… ex. Neat? A Proper Old Fashioned? With a beer (Checkered Past)?
A: I like my Slow & Low neat! It’s literally an old fashion in a bottle so can’t beat that. Just pop the bottle open and serve.
Q: If you could share Slow & Low with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?
A: It would def have to be with my family or friends... what better way to connect and bring a new experience to the people closest to you.
Q: How have the events of 2020 changed you?
A: I think overall it has changed me mentally, really digging deep down to find what truly makes you happy and going for it.
Q: Lastly, what’s next for you?
A: Bigger projects and bigger ambitions. I have a cover shoot for Out magazine for Ricky Martin, so that’s a start!
Want more? Check out our video docu-series from our day spent with Fabian at: https://vimeo.com/432597941
