Today we’d like to introduce you to Óscar Garza.
Óscar, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Monterrey NL, Mexico. My family and I immigrated to the US when I was around 10 years old.
Growing up, I was always had an inclination to anything that gave me the freedom to be creative; from drawing, to writing, and everything in between. Settling into my teenage years, and living through the struggles of being an immigrant, I would find myself in search of an outlet that would feed that creative hunger I constantly felt.
Finally when I was 16, I found photography.
I began to explore it, with a small camera my family owned. The idea of expressing my creativity through images blew me away instantly. At the time, social media was just beginning, and like every other teenager, my obsession with self-portraits was in full rage. But I always took it a step further. I would set up a tripod; use household lamps for lighting, and created different kinds of backdrops using old recycled materials.
I quickly realized that photography wasn’t just about taking a photo, but rather a collection of different elements to create a visual that sparked an emotion.
I fell in love with portraiture and fashion, and would buy magazines that made me feel inspired. Then try to recreate images from them. Keyword try. I would also read about the technical side of photography; lighting, composition, post-processing, etc.
To say I was fascinated is an understatement.
After high school I got my hands on my first (used) DSLR. I began to feel confident enough to photograph friends and family. I would go out and trespass abandoned warehouses and railroad tracks to photograph my subjects. I also began to meet real professional photographers, which gave me the opportunity to assist them and be behind the scenes. Most of the time I would just carry heavy equipment for hours, but I loved being around them. I learned by watching what they did, and hearing that they said.
After some time of doing that, and getting progressively better. I started to charge and landed a few gigs on my own and working with other photographers.
Fast forward to present time, I recently turned 27, and I’m a freelance photographer.
I look back, and although I have yet to get to where I’d love to be, I’m very proud of every struggle, every mistake, and every hour spent.
Years have passed and I still feel like that sixteen year- old. Same passion, same hunger, and always hoping to inspire anyone who witnesses my work.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all. It still isn’t. Being an immigrant in this country came with many struggles and limitations growing up. The opportunities that I longed for were unfortunately not given to me.
I had to work very hard to obtain what I wanted, and still do.
Many times I felt like giving up, and even attempted to. But photography always found its way back to me. I’ve also been blessed to have an extremely supportive family and support system that never let me.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Óscar Garza Photo – what should we know?
I specialize in stylized portraiture. I’m heavily involved in every aspect of every session; from the location, to the styling, to the makeup. Many of the sessions, I style myself.
I love making people feel confident, I love making them see themselves in a completely different light and create magic. I feel like everyone should be photographed the way they want to be remembered by at least once in their lifetime.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.oscargarzaphoto.pixieset.com
- Email: oscargarzaphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/oscargarzaphoto
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