Raven B. Varona is a photographer born and raised and currently living in the Bronx. She’s shot for the likes of Beyonce and Jay-Z for their On The Run II tour—for which she received an iHeartRadio nomination for Best Tour Photographer—among other celebrities.
Varona has become a bit of a celeb herself as she jet-sets around the world to shoot for major events. Ahead of a weekend trip to Las Vegas for the Canelo vs. Jacob boxing match, Varona shares how she keeps it together in a life on the go.
CAREER
Since I was a child, I loved photography and documenting memories. I took a photography class in high school and it made me realize that I needed it to be a staple in my life in some way. When I entered college, I started doing it on the side as a hobby and then eventually as a part time gig. When I was 25, I decided it was time to do it full time. I am constantly on the go for work. Working freelance, you go where the work is—that could be LA or it could be Japan. You just have to be ready to travel.
“Since I was a child, I loved photography and documenting memories.”
PACKING
I want to pack efficiently but light, so really just the essentials. The C-Rush brightening gel creme, the Olehenriksen dark spot toner the banana eye cream. I tend to travel with a Soap and Glory cleanser. For beauty, most of my makeup is Fenty. Definitely been bringing a jade roller with me too. I definitely feel like it works the products better into my face and I’ve been told it stimulates lymph node drainage, so basically more glow and less puff. I tend to only pack sneakers and boots because I’m on my feet so much for work, but for this trip I’m surprisingly bringing some heels.
- 1Olehenriksen C-Rush brightening gel creme, $45
- 2Olehenriksen Glow2OH™ Dark Spot Toner, $12
- 3Olehenriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème, $38
- 4Jade roller, $14
- 5Caudalie Beauty Elixir Mini, $10
- 6Nike leggings, $60
- 7Away Weekender in Olive, $245
- 8Away Dopp kit in Navy, $45
- 9Away embroidery, $35
- 10Nintendo Switch, $300
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
I prefer to wear leggings—Nike’s are my favorite—or a pair of sweats. I definitely always have a hoodie because it gets cold on planes and I want to be cozy when I take a nap in the air. I always have my neck pillow, Airpods, and portable charger. [My go to in-flight drink is] white wine for sure. I also like to play my Nintendo Switch—Super Smash Bros., Mariokart, Crash Bandicoot. Sometimes it’s good to pass the time, sometimes it’s just some fun to get my mind off work.
“I’ve grown to love the idea of getting to be in two places in the world in one day.”
JET SET PHILOSOPHY
I feel like I’ve grown to love the idea of getting to be in two places in the world in one day. I love new experiences, meeting new people, trying new foods. I rarely fly it, but I love flying Delta One if I can—I love the lay down and their warm cookie.
WHERE TO NEXT
I’d love to take my mom to Italy. I’m part Italian so I feel like I will always have a draw to the culture and my roots. My other dream is a week in Bora Bora—it’s just beautiful. It looks like the most peaceful blue place on earth.
