Today we’d like to introduce you to Josimar Vela.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Josimar. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Never in my life did I think that I would take up photography. I never showed interest in it when I was young and I certainly didn’t think that I wanted to become a photographer. Until I came across an app called PHHHOTO, that had a unique and fun way of taking pictures. Instead of taking regular photos, the app allowed me to take moving pictures, sorta like a gif. I was hooked and loved it because it was something new and had so much potential to be creative with it. I toyed around with the app and slowly began to love more and more of it. It was like any other social media app that allowed you to follow others and like and share others ‘phhhotos’. I loved the app but I also enjoyed being inspired by the people on the app. I felt the need to make beautiful moving images through it and ever since discovering it, I transitioned into considering pursuing photography. The app died and I was devastated, but I’ll always be grateful that I had the opportunity to be on the app to create memories and allowed me to find my passion for photography, to create friendships with the other users, and to be inspired. And I’ll take what I learned from PHHHOTO and strive to become the photographer that I want to be.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I like to think that it has been a smooth road. But the only kind of struggle that I still sort of face today is that I compare my pictures with others too much. Don’t get me wrong I still get inspired by the pictures, but sometimes I underestimate my ability to take photographs as good as the photographers I look up to. I need to stop comparing myself to others and need to focus on me and my work. I need to continue to grow and to never stop progressing as a photographer. I need to change my mindset and I like to think that I have. I’ve had so much help from my family who always encourage me to find the perfect shot, my friends who hype me up when I get discouraged and people online who actually love the pictures I create. I’ve still got a lot to grow, but I’m not worried because I know I’ve got people who’ll support me every step of the way.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I feel like I’m still trying to figure out what my specialty is, but I mostly do portraits. I like taking pictures on my camera and I try to find a setting worth for my model. If it’s interesting and distinctive, I somehow try to incorporate my model into the setting. Even though I mainly take portraits, I like to step out of my comfort zone and take pictures of landscapes or anything that catches my eye no matter how weird or uninteresting it might seem for others. I like to think that that’s what sets me apart from others, the ability to look where others don’t and try to uncover those hidden gems. Even though it’s just me, I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish by myself and though I’m known only by a small community of people, I’ll continue to persevere as a business, but also as a person.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had the chance to start over, I would have taken more walks. It’s amazing where you can find inspiration. When I tried to come up with settings for my photography, I’d always get kind of pessimistic since I always second guess myself on if it was a good enough location for my models. But a while ago, I started to work out and wanted to lose weight by running. Those jogs around the neighborhood gave me the multiple settings I could use for potential photoshoots. Those jogs made me realize that you don’t need tall buildings or a beautiful sunset to take amazing pictures. You can find potential anywhere. Even the places you don’t expect.
Contact Info:
- Email: velafamily6@gmail.com
- Instagram: Josimarvela
Image Credit:
Josimar Vela
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