Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Galvan
Hi Martha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I became interested in photography in high school when I took a photo class as an elective. It’s funny because I avoided taking the class a couple times because I have an older sister who had taken the class and hated it. Since she hated it, I just assumed I would also hate it. Since it was the only class that fit my schedule that semester, I just went with it.
I ended up really enjoying the class. At that time it was all film so we mostly shot black and white film, processed rolls of film, and develop prints in the dark room. I use to love spending time in the darkroom, there was always something soothing about being in there that also felt scientific.
I continued to take classes after that and began developing more and more interest in Art in general.
I never really thought I could make a career out of photography so after High School I decided to go to college for Business , still I would always take photo classes. I had a photo teacher there who helped me understand the different ways to make money and ways I could turn it into a career. I started as a fine art photographer so it was also there that I started taking portraits of people.
I got my AA and then decided to pursue photography as a career. I moved to Santa Barbara to attend Brooks Institute of Photography, a school that focused and specialized in photography.
After graduating from Brooks, I moved to Los Angeles and began working at MILK Studios, a photography studio where I learned production and really got to see how professional photoshoots were ran. I learned a lot there from some of the best in the industry. It was also there that my career path shifted more into fashion, music, and the entertainment industry.
While I do focus in those areas now, I still shoot fine art and I think a lot still reflects in my people work.
After being at Milk for close to 5 years, I left and began permanently shooting. I’ve been shooting professionally for almost 10 years and in 2019 I created Martha Galvan Studio.
A studio that focuses on Photography, Film, and Production. While my focus is still photography, I am now also diving into directing, visuals, and other creative ventures.
That’s kinda where I am right now.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There has definitely been obstacles and challenges along the way. Just alone in how photography has changed and developed throughout the years.
When I started the industry was very male dominated so there was a lot of dealing with that. I also saw the change from film to digital, the recession, the rise of social media, the pandemic, the strikes, and now AI. While these are overall challenges throughout the industry there is many more that go along with the grind and hustle. Developing a business, getting clients, building a network, etc, etc…
I just feel it never will be easy for creatives or at least not for me because things are always changing. I’m also always trying to learn more, improve, and grow. With that come challenges and struggles.
I do try my best to adjust with the times, take on the challenges that come at me, and not be afraid when things change.
As stressful as this job is, it’s also super fun, and I’ve gotten to meet some really cool people. I have to always remember that, I get to do something I enjoy, and I think that’s really what helps me get through the hard times.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in fashion, music, and entertainment photography. I guess I would say what makes my work unique is the way I mix in my fine art work with portraiture work.
I think my style is pretty minimal, clean, and classic. I love simplicity, negative space, details, and clarity.
Ultimately the goal with my work has always been to tell a story and produce timeless photographs.
That’s really all I hope viewers can see or get from when they look at my work.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
If anyone is interested in collaborating you can reach out to [email protected]
You can support by sharing my work with others or following me on my socials, which will be linked below.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marthagalvan.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martymoes/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@martymoes
Image Credits
Tony Minas
