Meet Sergio Garcia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sergio Garcia.

Sergio, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had an interest in the arts from an early age. From drawing to coloring to eventually moving into sculpting, painting and playing the Cello. I remember being the most excited on days when I would go into my art class and dreading anything with that had to do with sports and math.

My first camera was an Olympus FE-300. My mom surprised me with it for Christmas after months of on-going pleading. I was so thrilled when I opened the box and saw it! I remember that day exactly … afterwards, we went to a friend of my moms home, and I remember staying outside the entire time shooting anything and everything around her home — trees, light poles, concrete slabs. Everything I looked at had the potential to be shot – and it was!

From there I continued with landscapes for a brief time, maybe one year tops, and then moved onto shooting my family members. Mainly my sisters and a cousin. I remember dressing them up in garbage bags, putting random fixtures in their hair to make them more “fashion-y.” I still have, and haunt them with those photos today! Myspace was huge around that time, and I would add my photos to my page to showcase.

I came across a guy on Myspace who I randomly befriended thinking he had a good look to shoot. Nothing really happened in terms of shooting him, but a few weeks later I received an email from a modeling agency in Dallas, TX (I was living in Fort Worth, TX – at that time) and the agent wanted me to come in, and discuss shooting their models. I was more terrified than I was excited. Me? Shooting models?! For an agency in Dallas! I don’t think I had ever even driven to Dallas at that point.

I’m somewhat introverted in nature, so that thought of interacting with other humans had me sweating. Regardless, I said yes, drove to Dallas with my boyfriend and remember getting lost at first. Then we found the building, had no idea where parking was so he waited for me in the car while I ran inside to find the office. I walked into this cool, sleek office inside one of Dallas’ skyscrapers and next thing I know I am sitting in front of the agent who had reached out a few weeks ago.

Turns out, this agent, was the random guy I had added on Myspace! He had seen my work showcased on Myspace and thought I would be a fit to shoot their models. So random! We talked details for a bit, and then I left knowing. I think every part of my body was sweating. But I survived! I shared this with everybody. I was so excited! I had images out of magazines plastered on my wall showcasing these fashion models shot in exotic locations, and I dreamt about doing that, and now, even if it was just a small step shooting “real” models – I was starting to get my feet wet!

Moving along, I had no idea what I was doing, clearly. My boyfriend’s friend was a photographer for the school yearbooks and suggested we use a reflector when shooting people “to bounce light” and fill in shadows. What? Bounce light? What is a reflector? Sure … why not!

We did not want to look like idiots in front of a real model, not knowing how to use a reflector. Remember, at this point, we had no idea what one even was. So we bought a reflector, figured out there’s a shiny silver side on it, a white side on it and a mix side with gold/silver. What is the difference? No idea. We went out to a local park and started using it on those random big green trash bins you see laying around. We practiced on and off a few times and were amazed at what the reflector did hold at different angles. Mind = Blown!

Fast-forward a bit, we are now shooting models for this agency, and I am developing my style. I have not studio at this point, so we are shooting them in our garage, on location at public parks, alleyways, anywhere we could find that would make an interesting location. At some point, word started getting around – I’m not sure if it was the models talking, hair and makeup, stylist and/or the agents, but I started shooting for other agencies in Dallas and getting my name and work out there more.

I never intended to get paid for shooting and developing these agencies modeling portfolios, but again at some point, I started to get paid. I had no idea what to charge! So what does one do? Be sneaky and ask other models what they have been paying for paid tests in the area with other photographers. Slowly we started getting more paid model tests, and from there, amongst other things, we were able to join a studio co-op to shoot in. This cycle continued for a few years, and eventually, we also started shooting portraiture and actor headshot work. Business was booming!

Looking at the last few years of income, the business was growing by huge numbers year over year. I was finally able to open up my own photography studio 2016! Around 2016/2017 I was getting burnt out shooting the same stuff over and over again, I started to shift my focus into shooting actors in an editorial manner. I ended up coming to Los Angeles for a family event and fell in love with the city/state!

Everything from the energy, topography, and weather. I had a random idea … how about we move to Los Angeles, and I aim to start photographing celebrities, musicians and work for the entertainment industry? Why not. I had built such a successful and reputable business in Dallas, how different can LA be?

NOTE: Originally, we were planning to move to NYC and pursue a fashion photography further, and although I still enjoy shooting it, as mentioned my focus had shifted. In 2017, we made it a goal to move to LA by early 2018! I was willing to sacrifice all the hard work we put into Dallas and, essentially, re-starting my business in Los Angeles! Why? I was making 6+ figures annually in Dallas. Was it really worth giving it up? Yes! Once you have these type of ideas, especially the scary ones, I believe you should pursue them. If it is something you want, you will make it work!

During 2017, we flew back and forth to LA every other month to start building relationships, and we did! Our goal was to be in LA by May 5th, 2018, and we accomplished it! I gave up consistent work in Dallas, my studio, and leaving our family behind to pursue a bigger and better goal here and that’s what we are currently working on! Being here for a little over six months now, we have already accomplished some goals, and it is only up from here!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For the first few years, no. It was a lot of free work. No one knows who you are or what you do – even you as the artist don’t know. You have to be willing to do A LOT of free work to get your name out there.

We had to constantly spend money we did not have, to be able to produce the shoots I needed in my book to grow my business. We had to shoot some things we did not want to in order to build a relationship with the client.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I shoot editorial, fashion, and portraits. Not sure I would say I am known for anything, but I think my use of lighting is something that sets me apart. What sets us apart is our hospitality.

We treat everyone like family, and we strive to make everyone feel welcomed, appreciated, and comfortable at all times. We want you to have as much say in the process as we do. We are not ego driven and love to collaborate as a team.

What were you like growing up?
Shy! I was always the shy awkward kid who did not have much to say. I sat in the back of the class wishing I would not be called upon.

I remember theater class, yikes! I was so terrified that I made up the excuse to go to the restroom like three times before I was up to perform hoping that they would forget about me (i didn’t work, sadly).

I was an artist. I enjoyed art class, loved being left alone to draw and paint. That was my happy place.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SergioGarciaStudios.com
• Phone: 3237362029
• Instagram: @isergiogarcia

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.