September 14, 2016

Meet Pasadena Photographer: Gustavo Loera

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gustavo Loera.

Gustavo , please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
For most Americans families, photography is something that keeps a timeline and my family growing up was no different. Capturing those special moments on camera was mom’s specialty and she had a knack for album making. I also had an uncle with a fancy Polaroid camera and was always excited to see the instant results of his snapshots. It would be fair to say that they were my first early influences with photography. As a teenager & young adult, I would take a point and shoot camera with me to photograph my own perspective of my life. It wasn’t until (for a birthday gift) a girlfriend registered me into a college photography course that I started to see photography as something more…

I received my vocational training in photography from Citrus College in Glendora California earning my photography certification. I joined the campus newspaper the Clarion and later Logos magazine. I was a staff photographer & writer for both and became photo editor for the magazine. I received many awards and accolades for Citrus College and also in Statewide competition. I graduated with a Associates in Science in Photography & a Associates in Language Arts.

During all this time and after graduating I continued to freelance photography and work on personal projects of my own for about 3 or 4 years. My passion was also to continue my studies in photography and to receive a Bachelors degree from a University. I enrolled and began my further studies at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. I first went with the intent to hone in my skills as a Photojournalist, although early on the Academy saw my ability to work with people, landscapes, and such. I focused on a degree in Advertising & Illustration Photography making my strong point in Fashion Photography. I had images featured at the Academy’s annual Spring show & Fine Art Photography auction. I graduated from the Academy of Art University first with an A.A. in Photography and later with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree.

Today I tend to work on Fashion, Glamour, and Portrait Photography although with the experience I have I consider myself an all occasion type of photographer and providing affordable quality photography to my community and the greater city of Los Angeles.

Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth journey. The tight market & the unexpected passing of my father have been setbacks.

Today I have more clarity and my focus and vision for my photography career is getting stronger. I’m working on creating and capturing the decisive moment with a newer and more user-friendly website for my present & future clients.

What role has luck had in your life and career?
Luck is an interesting notion. If it’s being in the right place at the right time, so goes being somewhere at the wrong time. As a photographer, I’m always on the look out and waiting for the decisive moment. I’m never quite sure who’s paying attention and for that matter my attention may be focused away from other distractions or opportunities.

There have been times where I was approached while on the job or assignment which lead to future work and collaborations. And that is lucky to me. And of course, I’ve put myself in harm’s way to get a great shot. Fortunately, I’ve gotten smarter (lol) by avoiding those types of predicaments. I suppose timing has everything to do with luck. Although I realize the more prepared I am, the luckier I’ll be to capitalize on them (lucky situations).

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Eagerness and a great attitude go a long way. Being confident, ready, & mindful are helpful attributes to possess for success.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best about our city is the rich diversity of culture and the endlessness of it. Although in some areas where culture seems in decline or void, a new pair of lens is needed so to speak. I’d be glad to bring a fresh light on it/to it. To preserve and showcase what is overlooked or lacking. Educating ourselves on what the city has is the key to appreciating it.

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