Creative Freedom in L.A.: Meet Fine Art Photographer Korbin Bielski

A native Midwesterner, Korbin Bielski moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film production. Although Hollywood lost its appeal, Korbin was able to turn his photography hobby into a career — and Southern California into a beautiful backdrop for his work.

Cinematic Expression

Korbin has photographed fashion, architecture, and dramatic SoCal landscapes, which makes for a wide spectrum of moods across his portfolio. And although he said goodbye to Hollywood, his work is trending toward the cinematic. The photo above, "American Primitive: Fox #1," is part of a series that serves as a commentary on social media: We expose ourselves while hiding behind socially constructed masks. Korbin shot the photos in LA’s old abandoned zoo, and crafted the polygonal fox mask himself.

A Strong Framework

“Standing Strong” is from Korbin’s “Joshua Tree” series of landscapes photographed in California’s Joshua Tree National Park. The piece is framed in a black Wood Frame Profile 526 from Frame Destination. Korbin told us the story of a time when a frame arrived with scratched glass. “I contacted Frame Destination and they sent out a replacement glass immediately,” he recalls. “I received it very quickly. It was a really great experience.” We’re not perfect, Korbin, but we sure will work to make it right.

See More of Korbin’s Work

Keep up with Korbin’s latest projects on Instagram and his online portfolio. He has websites dedicated to residential photography and fashion photography. In my Q&A with Korbin below, you’ll learn about his Instamatic origins and his favorite book for clearing creative blocks

Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Korbin Bielski …

1. What is your background; how did you get started?

As a teenager growing up in Detroit, Michigan, I discovered photography and art. My mother really nurtured my art by enrolling me in art classes and my father saw my love of photography. I would take my mother’s Kodak Instamatic and photograph family and landscapes around the neighborhood. My father bought me my first film SLR camera, a Minolta X700, which I still have to this day. After graduating from film school in Orlando, I moved to Los Angeles, discovering that working up the Hollywood ladder was not for me. I turned my hobby into a career in 2011, shooting headshots, fashion, and homes. Recently I’ve been concentrating on fine art photography. I love allowing my creativity to run wild and to experiment with no limits.

2. How important is it for a photographer to "connect" with their subject?

It's very important to connect to any subject whether a human or a mountain. There needs to be a story, and the connection is what tells the story.

3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?

To believe in yourself and find your voice. And most important, to not give up. As an artist, you get a lot of no’s, or maybe a piece just doesn't get the reaction you were hoping for. But keep going. Failure is only failure if you quit. Not every art piece or every shoot is going to be a success, but it is an opportunity to learn.

4. In what ways does your work reflect your personality?

Well, my moods change a lot and if you look on my website you will see that. I have happy palm trees and beaches and dark, moody photos as well. I am moving toward more conceptual, cinematic, and thought-provoking images.

5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?

Creative blocks are part of being an artist. For me, the best way to get over blocks is to take my time and not push, to get into nature by taking walks on the beach or hikes. Writing morning pages and keeping a journal have been incredibly helpful for me; allowing myself to write with no agenda always clears blocks and births great ideas! There is a great book called The War of Art that has helped me and also lets me know I'm not alone.

6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)

Painting is another great creative outlet for me. It’s different than photography because it's not instant; it takes time and helps me learn patience.

7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?

I am working on finishing my series American Primitive, which I'm very excited about! I have some really great locations planned. Unfortunately, covid has put a hold on this because of travel and working with models.

8. What "fad" gadget do you most regret purchasing?

I don't really buy anything unless I know it's going to further my art.

All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.

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Last Updated December 7, 2021