Meet Jason Hernandez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Hernandez.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
On the paternal side of the family, virtually every one of us has some sort of artistic bent whether it be wood working, stain glass, drawing, music, or photography. When I was in middle school, my dad introduced me to photography 101. I remember him taking me to North Torrance high school to practice different fundamental skills from depth of field, composition, focusing, etc.

And yes, these were the days of film! One day we were passing through the Sleep Hollow neighborhood of Torrance and I noticed a scene that caught my eye so I immediately asked him to pull over so I can get out and get a closer look. The golden afternoon’s sun rays were beaming through the trees above a beautiful corner house creating a captivating landscape I just had to capture. Putting together the basics he had taught me, I executed the shot and hoped for the best. When I got the film processed and prints made, the elated feeling that I experienced got me hooked, and there was no turning back!

Please tell us about your art.
My photography is largely centered around landscapes and travel. I strive to not only create lasting memories for my family and I, but to take my audience to the scenes I’ve captured. I realize we have been tremendously blessed with many opportunities to visit a variety of beautiful places that not everyone may be able to travel to. My desire is to give them a taste of that country, national park, or landmark as if they were there with me.

We are surrounded by so much beauty and I love bringing that to my viewers so they can experience the same awe and wonder I did when taking the photograph. My aim is to present my images as accurate as possible to how they were in person from colors, contrasts, and tones.

With that said, I do enjoy occasional enhancements to create a more moody feel or punch up the color to take that sunset to the next level. While most of my work is focused on what looks pleasing to me, I realize that my audience has to be taken into consideration so I stay aware of what some current trends are to present images they want to see.

Though I have my comfort zone in landscape photography, I enjoy challenging myself to grow my skill set by encouraging myself to take more portraits, candid street photos, or other genres outside of my norm. My goal is to master my medium to capture all of life’s moments no matter what setting they may be.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
I think one of the biggest challenges facing photographers, specifically, is the fact that anyone with a smartphone equipped with a decent camera can make a name for themselves. Now, in some ways this is great, but in others, I think it detracts from photographers who are seeking to make a full-time living off their craft.

I feel companies can easily leverage the fact that most people will willingly provide their images for free leaving the artist who is striving to pay the bills coming up short. It’s always been an uphill battle for artists to create a demand for their work; I think recent technology has added to that challenge. With that said, it’s not impossible, and I am up for the challenge. I have always been of the frame of mind that quality talent + a solid work ethic will pay off in the end.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
At the moment I am primarily using Instagram as a platform for others to see my work. I am in the process of rebuilding my website and am looking forward to having my own ‘home’ again for people to visit. I would be grateful for your readers to visit my profile, follow my page, and take a few moments to like/comment on the pictures that catch their eye.

An additional means of support, and perhaps the ultimate compliment, would be to purchase some prints to hang in their home or business. Furthermore, I am having one of my pieces displayed (and listed for sale) at the Orange County Fair this year titled ‘Golden Gate Golden Hour’. Come out and show your support to the many local artists who have made it past the pre-judging phase and have been requested to display their work in the exhibit!

Contact Info:

• Phone: (310) 421-8143
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdubyah_/

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.