Check Out Nancy A. Hernandez’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy A. Hernandez.

Hi Nancy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My photography journey started long before I picked up a camera. My interest in art started at a very young age. I was interested in writing poetry as a way of releasing all of my emotions. I would post them anonymously on Tumblr. The emotions I would release were the ones I felt from getting bullied most of my upbringing. Writing allowed me to relate to misunderstood kids like myself and find a connection. After a few years of writing poetry, I felt that the emotions could no longer be expressed through words. I started to see images in my head – this then became the photography I capture today. A lot of my work, for me, speaks on the beauty I see in others. The same beauty people couldn’t see in me growing up. And when I mention beauty, I mean more than physicality. My vulnerability allowed me to shine a light on the issues I faced while connecting to my community and coming out of my shell to be able to find subjects and honor space for them to share their stories. This brought me to where I am today.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road was definitely not smooth. It’s a rollercoaster. As an artist that didn’t go to school for their occupation, the road seemed longer and bumpy most days. There were so many things I had to learn how to do on my own. Every time I thought I had something downpacked I was met with a new obstacle/challenge to better myself and my craft. Being an artist that wants to create in a specific medium and not know what they want to create can be challenging in itself. I spent my first year photographing friends without any knowledge on how to properly use my camera. I was getting my reps in. This led me into a beautiful self-discovery journey that eventually showed me what I wanted my photographs to be about. Being an artist isn’t easy. It’s a never-ending quest to self. Every time you meet the new self your interests change and so does the way you create.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a photographer who specializes in commercial portraiture. My reputation is built on my ability to truly capture the essence of the individuals I photograph. I am able to do this by conceptualizing and creating a welcoming environment for my subjects. My work requires (sometimes) a lot of research. I like to scout models via Instagram or through my network of friends. When I am able to lock down the subject I am interested in working with, I allow myself to catch a vibe. Catching a vibe for me means feeling the energy of the subject and channeling that into a story I want to bring to life. Once I have a mood board and an overall idea of what I am looking to capture I contact the model and invite them to my studio, Happy People Studio, in. Downtown LA and create magic. I’m most proud of where I’ve allowed my photography to take me. As an Afro-Latina from The Bronx, photography has led me to rooms and people I never would of imagined I’d see. It’s even brought me to Los Angeles, my new home. The perspective I’ve gained living in The Bronx has set my work apart. It’s gifted me a unique set of eyes to tell stories that are both raw yet soft.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Covid-19 is one of the reasons I moved to Los Angeles. It taught me in a quick amount of time that we aren’t getting any younger. This especially came up for me since at the time, I was living at home with my parents. It brought life into perspective. Quarantine was the only time I, a New Yorker, had the opportunity to slow down and reflect on what I wanted for my life. It was a moment that made me look at home a lot different. It served as a reminder that there’s more to life than remaining in your comfort zone.

Contact Info:

• Website: Nancy-hernandez.com
• Instagram: @NYCGoblin
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nycgoblin

Image Credits
Photographer: Nancy A. Hernandez