Meet Hector Reyes of Hector’s Images Photography in Richardson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hector Reyes.

Hector, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve had an interest in photography going back to my college days. I was mesmerized by the striking images in newsstand magazines like Time, National Geographic and Elle. I bought a used Nikon and a 50mm lens at a camera show at the Dallas Convention Center and contracted “photography fever”.

I took photography courses, read photography books and found a couple of photographers who I pestered to take me under their wing and serve as my mentors. They shot headshots for Mary Kay Cosmetics and I served as their assistant.

Upon graduation, I slowly put my cameras and strobe lights away as I concentrated on my Engineering career. As a bit of serendipity, I worked for a major defense contractor designing gun and missile targeting systems based on high performance cameras and lenses. In 2017, I retired from my engineering career as the Chief Engineer responsible for all our company’s missiles, missile launchers and targeting systems for U.S. Army applications.

About five years ago, a few years before my retirement, my wife put a brand new Nikon under the Christmas Tree… she figured I’d need something to do in retirement. That gift re-ignited the “fever” I had so many years before. I found myself on a familiar path: taking photography courses, reading photography books and looking for photographer mentors. I also found myself focusing on Fashion Photography as it truly sparked my interest.

I knew I was on the right path when I entered and won citywide photo contests with some of my fashion images. I also had an image selected as one of the Top 100 photos of 2016 by AdoramaPix. This inspired me to start posting my work to social media where I’ve been developing a following ever since.

Today, aspiring and established models reach out to me to help them develop their portfolios. My family and friends joke about how I’ve gone from “Missiles to Models”

Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s been difficult but the first challenge was how to figure out how to get into Fashion Photography.

We are very fortunate today in that there are so many resources available to us to help start and develop a career. These resources come in the form of in-person classes, online tutorials, YouTube how-to’s, blogs, Facebook Groups, Meetups and professional organizations. I took advantage of all of these resources.

Which brings us to the next challenge, there is so much out there it can be overwhelming so how does one make sense of it all? For me, that’s when I reached out to photographers whose work I admired and met with them to ask my questions.

I’ve developed a network of professional photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists, wardrobe stylist and models and I’ve looked to all of them for insight.

I still don’t have all the answers. I’m still on the path but I’ve been having a blast finding my way.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hector’s Images Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in fashion, lifestyle and beauty images for new and established models. I’ll do the occasional executive portrait but I’m really known for Fashion.

I think what gets me noticed first are the images themselves. I think I’m able to make striking fashion or beauty images by placing the model in the most flattering light and capturing a great expression or a striking lifestyle image by creating a composition that allows me to capture that expression that tells a story.

Hector’s Images Photography is a brand that focuses on high quality and professionalism. I did not offer my services until I felt the quality of my work was at a professional level.

I want my clients to know I’m not just another GWC (Guy With a Camera). With me, they are in a safe, no judgment environment.

I’m also flexible to the needs of the client. If an actor just wants a simple headshot and they’d like to shoot 1 on 1, I’ll do that. If a model is looking for a full 5 look fashion editorial and is looking to me to hire the Make-Up Artists, Hair Stylists, and Wardrobe Stylist and plan the logistics of the entire shoot, I’ll do that.

I’m proud that in such a short time my work has been noticed such that I’m able to keep my calendar full two months in advance.

I also want my clients to know that my shoots are a lot of fun. I’m not a “photog-zilla” and there is usually a lot of laughing on set whether it’s in my studio or on location.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Dallas. I came here from South Texas to go to SMU and have been here ever since. Dallas is a large city by most measures. You can do most anything you’d want to do in Dallas at almost any time of day. We’ve got industry, educational institutions, hospitals, sports, arts, and mass transit. But at the same time, Dallas is not like Houston or L.A. or New York. I can get across town in 20-30 minutes… and… everyone is still pretty friendly.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hectorsimages.com
• Email: hector@hectorsimages.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hectors.images/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hectorsimages/

Image Credit:
Models: Cara Jolley, Alyssa Hukill, Alexandra Stiles, Mika McCroan, Julaporn Mercado, Bella Fenoglio, Meriah Gober, MUAs: Elizabeth Rist, Nati Fernandez, Cindy Ho, Melissa Tobias, Crystal Zarazua, Pilar Villalobos,
Stylists: QueenBee & LionHeart, Layla Komal

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas 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.