Meet Luis M. Cara

Today we’d like to introduce you to Luis M. Cara.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Ever since I was a child, I’ve always loved looking at things, appreciating everything that makes you stop for a second to really contemplate it, from movies to landscapes, to color palettes. Everything that makes you wonder how it was achieved, everything that gives the word “amazing” its meaning. I think that’s why I decided to major in Computer Systems but focusing more on the artistic side of it — 3D, visual effects, Photoshop, video edition — to try to generate that connection with and evoque those sentiments in the audience.

For years, I was only part of post-production, and not really generating content myself. I had a camera, nothing fancy, and used it occasionally to take photos during my trips. It wasn’t until I was about to get married that I met an incredible Mexican wedding photographer, Salvador Carmona. We became fast friends and he taught me a lot, including how to take photos using the Manual setting. I replaced my old camera and bought my first DSLR; I started taking pictures of everything, from buildings, to plants, animals, landscapes, reflections, textures, basically a little bit of everything. Portrait photography was not my focus at all at the time.

It wasn’t until I moved with my family from Mexico City to Orange County, CA about 4 years ago, that I decided to venture into the portrait photography world. We didn’t know anyone in California, and what better way to meet people and make friends than by taking photos of people. I tried reaching out to a lot of models but no one would even reply to me — I’m guessing because I didn’t have a portfolio — so I started reaching out to fashion bloggers, who were excited to get new material for their blogs. That’s how I met one of my really good friends in OC, an awesome stylist with whom I worked with on countless shoots. Once I started building relationships and a more solid portfolio, models, actors, dancers, and everyday people began reaching out, asking about my services. And the rest is history.

Please tell us about your art.
I do portrait and fashion photography. I love to find a connection with the eyes of the person on the other side of the camera and capture their true essence in a picture. I strive to focus on that person and highlight their natural beauty using different techniques, including compressing the background, complimenting colors to emphasize certain traits or wardrobe, or soft natural light so highlights and shadows are not a distraction for the spectator.

Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Right now, photography is not my main job, so my financial stability does not depend on my work as a photographer. Pursuing a career in photography can be quite costly, but the most important thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t matter how expensive the equipment you buy is, but your vision as a photographer and the talent of the person behind the camera. Start with what you already have and everything will start falling into place.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I post almost every day on my Instagram account, @luismcara. You can also check out my work on my website, http://luismcara.photo, where I post more photos of each photoshoot, with slightly better resolution. I’m also on http://thehhub.com, where I’m hoping to find and meet other creatives in the area because I literally moved to the North Dallas area 3 months ago.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://luismcara.photo
• Email: hello@luismcara.photo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luismcara/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuismcaraPhoto/

Image Credit:
Amber Koval, Elena Uvarova, Caitlin Monahan, Kalyssa Alynn, Taylor Cox, Haley Van Dien, Marina Laswick, Gillian Nation, Miki Macovei.

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