Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Garcia.
Jose, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was your average college student, not really sure what I wanted to do, following the rails of what seemed like a good career in Computer science. I was just never 100% into it though. Like I was missing out on something. Fast forward a bit to meeting my wife. Gorgeous woman, and like most girls she had an interest in modeling but no ideas on where to start. So, I started contacting small eBay stores and offering them simple product shots with a model (my wife). In the process of setting up a cheap home studio, I had to learn everything from scratch. I’d spend hours upon hours on YouTube learning about all the things we would need to not only get started but do it well.
I’d occasionally help take some of the photos and had to watch tutorials on how to use the camera in manual to get the best images. Occasionally getting these drop jaw reactions from my wife at the shots I would take compared to her own. Then one day while researching ways to make the shots even better, I realized I was putting 8 hours plus into watching YouTube tutorials on photography, and it finally clicked. THIS is what I want to do. So yeah, my photography education is basically a bachelor’s in photography from YouTube University hahaha. Self-taught would normally be a demerit but when it comes to photography, the photos speak for themselves.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
The thing I look for in my work, even in my commercial lifestyle/fashion shoots with models, and staged poses, is a connection with the subject through the lens. To capture that look that as you browse through your feed or a magazine etc., that you just stop and stare at that shot for a few minutes and can’t look away. To get that feeling, my main concerns while shooting are the lighting to create depth and really pull your eye through the image, the framing to guide the eye of the viewer towards the point of interest, and last but not least the look in eyes of the subject. This is the key.
Even without a smile, or a real eccentric or unique pose, the eyes can say so much more. If you’ve ever had a time when you are in a crowded place, and happen to make eye contact with an absolute god or goddess of a human being and you have that half a second that feels like an hour of just looking at each other, THAT type of moment captured in a frame is just pure magic.
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
The main thing I would tell new artists especially if they are still in college is this: Take a business course, or major in business. Find any classes on tax laws and prep and just be ready. Being an artist is fun and all, but remember you are also a business owner. That’s a whole other ball game guys and gals. Roll those sleeves up and get ready because you have to enjoy the grind if you want to grow.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My Instagram is my favorite place to post:
@raidenphotos
My YouTube channel which I’m working to get better on and grow:
Search Raidenphotos.
My website:
Raidenphotos.com
and my Facebook:
Raiden Emery Photography
If you’d like to help support my work the 2 best ways are 1: to get in touch and book a shoot for your business.
and 2: you can make small donations on the Venmo App @Raidenphotos. Just make sure to leave a message so I know why I’m randomly getting paid hahaha.
Contact Info:
- Website: Raidenphotos.com
- Email: Saywowphotos@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raidenphotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaidenEmeryPhotography/
Image Credit:
Model in the beach walkway: Tess Lancaster from WSM Talent
Male model in blue shirt, grey pants: Cyril Neal, from Donahue Models
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
