Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaias Martinez Jr.
Isaias, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My interest in photography first bloomed in 2010, when I was 16. All my friends were on Facebook at the time and I was the last one in my group of friends to get on Facebook. They all had pictures that I saw throughout my newsfeed and thought to myself, “I should really start posting pictures as well.” So I did just that with what I had at the time, which was an LG Chocolate Touch phone. It was then that I started to compose my images before snapping them, and realized that I really enjoyed taking photos so much so that I had asked for a camera for Christmas and was gifted my first DSLR camera, which was a Nikon Coolpix P500.
At that time, I was just getting started and still learning and had no intention of doing photo shoots. I would just drive to nearby parks and walk around and take photos of whatever caught my attention. After many months of walking around parks and taking photos, I decided to enroll into Northlake Community College and take a photography course and that’s when I was introduced to the world of film photography. After many more courses at Northlake and plenty of knowledge, confidence, and new equipment, I now have a sense of what I want to pursue.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’d be lying if I said its been smooth sailing since I first started shooting. There was a time where everything was going great. I had people contacting me to do photo shoots left and right, but shortly after turning 23, I had developed some major social anxiety. Over the years it had gotten really bad. To the point where I didn’t want to do photo shoots. I was an extremely outgoing guy who loved to do things with his friends but I couldn’t bring myself to get out there again and so I started distancing myself from friends and clients almost to the point where I had no work to share with anyone. I still had an urge to go out and shoot but couldn’t bring myself to make contact with other people.
So I decided to turn to landscape photography, which later evolved into an amateur form of storm chasing and astrophotography. After many months of shooting landscape, storms, and the Milky Way I realized that I didn’t want to be seen as a landscape photographer and began to get inspired to shoot other concepts with people. But unfortunately my social anxiety was getting in the way and that’s when my sister suggested going to counseling. I took her up on her suggestion and started my sessions. After a several months of counseling, I started to improve and grew past my anxieties which in turn helped me with my aspirations of shooting photos with people again.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Isaias Martinez Jr. Photography – what should we know?
I’ve covered quite a wide range of styles in photography. I love taking portraits and I am currently focusing on fashion photography. I specialize in both film and digital but my love for film has grown over the years. I appreciate film because you only get 24-36 exposures per roll. So you have to make them count. I’ve shot everything from nature, urban, storm chasing, astrophotography, fine art, Boudoir, fashion, landscape, and product photography. I believe I’ve shot some notable photos throughout the years but I am known for my candids at parties, concerts, get-togethers, and bars.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
For me, connection is key during my photo shoots. Before even taking photos of anybody, I try and connect with my clients on a personal and intimate level. I get to know them, their stories, their goals, and dreams, their struggles, etc. In return, I open up to them and let them know about me. I let them feel like they’re more than just another model/client in my viewfinder, and I am more than just another photographer with a camera. After we get to know one another, that’s when the real fun begins. I joke around with my clients and throw a little sarcasm in the mix as well. As soon as my clients see that I’m a laid-back guy, they loosen up and relax.
Pricing:
- Quick Portrait session: $75 for 30 minutes, one location, one outfit, 3-5 photos
- Full Portrait Session: $150 per hour, 2+ locations, 2-3 outfits, 10-15 photos
- Boudoir Session: $400, one location, 3 outfits, 15+ photos
Contact Info:
- Website: cheech3photos.com
- Email: isisim.333@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheech3/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/circa_circa/
Image Credit:
Tommee Peeravong
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