Today we’d like to introduce you to Eduardo Padron.
Hi Eduardo, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was a rave enthusiast in the Dallas EDM scene, attending both mainstream and underground raves as I took a liking to many genres and recording phone clips. Around this time, my cousin handed me down her Nikon DSLR before leaving to the army, giving me the chance to learn the basics of photography. I became a part time photographer working in real estate for my uncle; eventually, I combined both activities in Fall of 2023, after a friend suggested a bring my camera to a rave. I knew absolutely no one in the industry asides from fellow ravers like myself, and after reaching out to multiple venues and promoters, I was given the chance by Full Grind Texas to capture media at some of their shows. From there, I went on to meet a number of talented DJs/producers who were also working on their projects and needed media for their shows. Fast forward 2.5 years to today, I can say I’m blessed to continue working in artist media as I’ve captured the careers of multiple Dallas based artists who I’ve come to also call friends, as well as reputable artists touring through Dallas. It’s taken a lot of hard work and patience, but it’s been driven by a love of the game and the support of everyone who has followed my media journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My road has been as smooth as some of these Dallas roads.
All jokes aside, it certainly has been not, but all great things do not come easy. Some obstacles were financial, as media is expensive to invest in. Given how this was all still a side hustle, I had to slowly upgrade my gear over time, expanding my knowledge and skill set for low light media. Other obstacles were mental, as I’ve had to contend with working a full time job and being a single homeowner, time management had become difficult. Many working hours, not enough sleep, and the occasional burnout would sometimes bring me to question whether I’m capable of maintaining a business that represents my artistic capabilities. These moments trained and reminded me to appreciate the grind and the enduring process it takes to chase your ambitions.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In the realm of concert media, I specialize in electronic music, and within that umbrella I specialize even further in dubstep and riddim, which is considered some of the more niche and unconventional genres of EDM. I’ve been listening to these genres since I was in middle school, so I genuinely have an appreciation for the craft and music in general. Over time, I’ve come to work with many artists in different genre bubbles of the Dallas scene, but a lot of my work stems from these bass shows, both in the mainstream and underground circuits. I pride myself in understanding artists and the effort they put into their passions, being knowledgeable about music production and having a good ear has also contributed to the way I capture and invest in these projects. As the saying goes: do it for the love of the game, and the game will love you back.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Learning how to navigate people in an industry as bombastic as nightlife is crucial, as you will encounter many different characters from all walks of life. Discernment and humility are great assets to have; when I first started out, I reached out and asked plenty of questions to photographers and videographers on Instagram, not all of them answered or viewed them, but the few that did were eager to share their insight with a newcomer looking to step into the game. I admired how these people were quick to share their knowledge and noticed it stemmed from passion as well, so I now do the same whenever I’m asked for industry advice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.projectobscura.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epadronphotography/
