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Meet Nico Cortez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nico Cortez.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Nico. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve loved photography ever since my family uses to make me take photos as a little girl during family parties. I always longed to get a professional camera. For my 15th birthday, instead of having the traditional Quinceañera, I asked my parents to get me my first DSLR camera. From then on, I just started practicing and eventually created my own vlogs and took photos for my brother-in-law’s band. I started concert photography as a teenager with ska bands. Eventually, I grew out of it and started to focus on things that I love, which is music. I started trying to shoot my favorite artists and snuck in my camera as much as I could to different events.

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?
It has been a very rigorous road. Some of the struggles I faced early on in my career was trying to get a media pass to shoot concert photos. At the beginning, I use to constantly sneak in my camera, which is super hard to do in any festival or concert. I still struggle trying to contact people to shoot festivals, but I don’t get too bummed out because I love doing portrait and lifestyle photography. Another challenge I face is just trying to connect with more artists/people on a personal level to where I can build a friendship and work with someone.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in concert, portrait, and lifestyle photography. What sets me apart from everyone else is how I utilize color and enhance color to make my photos vivid. I also love using neon lights to my advantage and create different vibes and moods through lighting. What I’m most proud of is how authentic my work flow is. I also use film cameras and VHS camcorders. I never try to edit any photos or videos to make it seem grainy or to give it a vintage look. I use devices that are originally known for their look and enjoy using different styles of devices other than just digital cameras.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always an active individual. I started playing club volleyball when I was ten up until I was in my freshman year of college. I still play and coach occasionally. I think even as a kid, I’ve always wanted to do whatever I wanted and not what anyone told me to do. I was a very diligent and hardworking individual.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Photos all by Nico C / @57nico

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