Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Aguilar.
Hi Adam, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began shooting in middle school, but only to keep memories of friends as we left for different schools. Sometime during my teen years, I had an epiphany on how photography can be art – as effective as paintings and sculpture. I guess my introduction to cameras and photographs were family, friend and memory oriented so it was a sudden turn. Since then, all my decisions have been photo-related. I’m happy to say that it’s still a fun and wild ride to have passion, creativity and art be the driving force.
Alright, 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?
Not at all, but it’s always fun. I knew early on that the arts were not for stability or comfort. There were many times when I had nothing but rejections and empty pockets and the thought of giving up was logical. But honestly, it was a mix of stubbornness and the joy of photo that kept me choosing the camera. The hardest part is the beginning and another factor was beginning at the time film was on its way out and digital was taking over. The game was changing and I just started. When many things are going bad, it’s clear to see what’s important. Photography was a top priority even in those times.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love people, faces and portraiture. I developed a unique lighting technique using a mix of glass, colored gels, strobe lights and a long shutter drag to create my own style. I wanted to mimic in some way the classical paintings I fell in love with as an adolescent. My set allows for each frame to be one of a kind! It was a bit of a struggle to get the settings right with several failed experiments. But again, my stubborn mind kept attempting until it worked. That style I can call my own – nobody can take that away.
Another aspect of my repertoire I feel sets me apart from others is working with niche companies. I have worked with fountain pen companies. Fountain pens! I didn’t know that world existed or would have guessed people still use and love. I’ve been on tour with a dance company and learned the professional world of Dance! The one that I had the pleasure of being a part of was working with JPL and NASA on the James Webb Telescope. Starting in Pasadena California and ending in Mauna Kea Observatories in Hawaii was a dream job.
I hope to continue being invited into these different realms. It’s the best way to learn about us.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Let’s start with the bad so we can end on a good note. It’s currently the latter half of 2021 so I don’t even need to go into detail on what’s wrong with our city. Choose a topic haha its bad! One thing I notice the most ties in with what I love so much about Los Angeles and that’s our differences. Everyone is so divided – if you are not with us, you are against us seems to be the mentality here. But it’s just perspective, at least for me.
I always wanted to travel and see different cultures, try new foods and listen to language I couldn’t understand. You can easily mark that off your bucket list with LA! I took it for granted or maybe I can plea ignorance. This place is a melting pot and even though it’s hard to see the good right now, it’s truly amazing to have all these walks of life in one location. Hopefully, we can come together again.
Pricing:
- $200 For Basic Photo Session
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: StudioJouett.com
- Instagram: @StudioJouett
Image Credits:
Lisseth Chavez Danny Lawn Chrisy B.
