From Waiting Tables to Fashion Photography | Enrique Vega

What does it take to build a photography career in New York—and what do prestigious editorial credits leave out? Enrique Vega shares the work, uncertainty and financial decisions behind the images. The fashion and beauty photographer joins Vlada and Ines to discuss moving from Mexico, leaving an unhealthy assistant job and supporting himself by waiting tables. They explore his visual style, communication on set, editorial economics and AI. The episode also revisits a personal connection: Enrique photographed Ines’s final modeling shoot. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introducing fashion photographer Enrique Vega 02:16 - The story behind Ines’s final modeling photoshoot 09:48 - Moving from Mexico to New York 13:58 - Leaving a difficult photography assistant job 15:00 - Earning more waiting tables than working in fashion 18:14 - Supporting yourself as a creative in New York 20:56 - Defining success & happiness 30:42 - Developing a glamorous visual style 36:58 - The financial reality of shooting magazine covers 40:51 - How the atmosphere on set shapes an image 47:28 - Pre-production & developing a clear vision 52:16 - Why photographers need to communicate with models 57:04 - Learning on film & moving to digital 01:00:54 - Teaching masterclasses & questioning technical rules 01:19:54 - AI & the future of fashion photography 01:30:52 - Learning to ask for payment as an artist 01:40:02 - Building a supportive photography community 01:42:25 - Concerns for teenage models arriving in New York 01: