Today we’d like to introduce you to Luis Winters.
Hi Luis, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
To sum it up in a few sentences, I am a self-taught freelance portrait photographer with experience dating back to 2016 in both digital and film. What had started as inspiration from watching YouTube videos and following my favorite creators on Instagram, has led me down a very crooked road of overcoming depression and doubt, to finding what I believe was always the inevitable destination, photography. Within the last 4 years, I have taken my mere passion for photographing anyone who would let me, into something I now do professionally in the Orange County and Los Angeles areas. My experiences have ranged from brand shoots, concerts, unit stills, graduations, creative portraits, and engagements. I am lucky to say that I enjoy all aspects of photography – from the planning, collaboration, shooting, and editing. I supplement my digital work with film as often as I can for a textured but cohesive final gallery. My style leans documentary/editorial with a balance between the environment and subject, candid versus posed, and multiple perspectives to create the story. In 2025 I am looking forward to expanding my work into larger projects such as weddings, more studio work, and other collaborations with brands around the Los Angeles area.
Initially my jump into the visual arts was sparked through inspiration found by watching YouTube videos as a kid. From the comedy skits of the early 2010’s, or gaming videos, and vlogs, I would spend hours watching YouTube on the way to basketball practice, while playing video games, or lying in bed before sleep. However, it wasn’t until years later in 2016, when I discovered channels from creators like Justin Escalona, Taylor Cut Films, or Samuel Elkins that I began to see how, with some additional effort and creativity, the everyday vlog could be turned into something much more visually engaging. The cinematic quality of their stories stood out amongst the typical vlogging format and became something I desperately wanted to replicate myself. Their videos awoke a sense of adventure, youth, and excitement that I had not felt in media outside of watching my favorite high budget movies. I, of course, also followed their Instagram profiles, and discovered that not only did they make stunning motion work, but their photography also aligned with what I wanted to create. It was those videos that inspired me to get the Panasonic GH4 with a kit lens. This was my first real photo-video digital camera.
I took off running with inspiration, but with little knowledge of how to use a proper camera. Up until that point, my only experience taking a photo was through the one in my phone. Luckily, I had friends and new girlfriend (which I got to know first through photography) who would let me attempt my ‘cinematic’ videos and stills of them. However, I was frustrated. For some reason, my videos could never quite turn out the way my favorite creators did. This frustration turned to into a curiosity and drive to improve. It was then when I discovered the ‘YouTube University’ side of the YouTube platform. I watched countless tutorials on my camera and learned the ins and outs of what I can do to improve. I discovered that the auto settings, jpg files, and incorrect frame rates I was using, were holding me back from creating the work that was in my head. I began the switch to manual settings, raw images, and editing – and here too, discovered that I faced a new hurdle. I was once again back at square one on how to properly combine these things to create the work I sought after.
It was a few months later when I signed up for a film photography class offered by my high school. The idea was that this class would fast track the time it would take to learn the fundamentals of how to use the tool that I had. What I didn’t expect was that within those few months of experimentation in between, I had become enamored with the practice of taking photos. It was then too; I picked up my first SLR film camera in prep for the class. And when developing that first assigned roll of black and white film, I was hooked with both the format of film and photography itself. I would spend hours in the darkroom afterschool developing the class required assignments I had, along with the extra rolls I was able to get from my teacher. Those extra rolls became extremely important to my growth – they were my chance to experiment with film beyond the technical rolls that we were required to shoot. At that point I would take my camera everywhere, practicing with landscapes, the street, and portraits. It still amazes me how I can search inside my drawer of negatives and instantly be taken back to the memories of my photo excursions like hiking up a mountain, standing on a highway overpass, or wandering the streets of downtown in search for a new photo spot. Had I not been compelled to take photographs I am quite sure that I wouldn’t have those memories to look back on. I ended 2017, the first full year of having my camera, and last year of high school, with thousands of images, my first few video projects, and a new confidence with how to use my camera to create visuals more like the creators I still looked up to.
In that later half of 2017, I moved to Los Angeles, California to attend Loyola Marymount University and my cameras and passion came with, at least at first. I had selected photography as one of my interests on the random roommate questionnaire for on campus dorms, with the hope that I was paired with someone with common interests. Amazingly it could not have worked out any better. Just as it had done for me in the past, my camera had provided me with a way to find others that became important to my life. That freshman year roommate, who still is one of my best friends became someone I could bounce ideas off, take photos of, and combine networks with. Freshman year alone I expanded my work for brands like Prettyboy&Co. and Nosotros Tequila, along with my first ever graduation shoot for a senior in the fraternity I was a member of at the time.
However, with the excitement of a newfound freedom, I began to replace my connection with people that cameras and creativity gave me, with the false connections of parties and fleeting moments. After freshman year, I sparingly picked up my camera and within those next few years, I only have a hand full of personal creative shoots; something I still regret to this day. As someone who has always had a hard time accepting change, photographs gave me a chance to hold on to moments, people, and places. Without many of these to look back on during those years, I feel as though I lost them in a way. Additionally, I was a busy economics student. With an increased school load and on campus job, the more time I let pass without picking up my camera, and the less I saw the point of maintaining creativity and the more I became focused on getting a ‘good job’ once graduated.
It simultaneously became the start of developing poor mental health – something I had not been familiar with in the past. That is until 2020, when Covid-19 emerged, and I had moved back home to Seattle for a few months with new time on my hands. It was only then when I found myself taking a break from the disingenuous socializing and picking up my camera instead. Coincidentally, a good creative friend I had made in school, also lived 15 minutes away from my house in Seattle. The two of us would start our mornings each day with a workout in the park and about once a week, we would try to explore a new place, away from people, to take photos. Much of those for me, being on film again. I didn’t realize at the time, but that summer of being creative was another indicator of the positive force that taking photos has on me. This summer of shooting inspired me to once again sign up for a photography class, albeit the class I was taking was online with the use of digital cameras. And although this class was less of an opportunity to learn beginner technical skills, which by then I had a keen knowledge of, it was still an opportunity to get back into the routine of picking up my camera. At the end of my senior year, I had yet again built the routine up enough to expand my portfolio with more graduation shoots, which I then did for the next 3 years straight.
But like what had occurred in my switch to university, once again happened post grad after quickly moving into a corporate job only 2 months after throwing that tassel in the air. With each new graduation shoot over those next few years, there was a rekindling of joy and fulfillment and somewhere in the middle of that, I sold all my original gear and made my next big camera upgrade to a new Sony full frame camera and lens system. But those emotions were brief. I convinced myself that a spark was all it was going to be – that my corporate job was where I was supposed to be, so I curbed those feelings.
Over the next three years leading to 2024, I had been working my full-time corporate job, moved to a new city and all while my mental health began to deteriorate. And 2024 was the year I started therapy. I was fresh off a car crash, isolating more than ever, and completely unsure of who I was anymore and why I felt so unfulfilled. Through therapy I was able to rediscover the parts of my life that brought me the most joy and fulfillment. As I unpacked these things, it was clear that both sports and photography played vital roles in bringing me connections with friends, family, and new people that I had lost while in isolation.
Additionally, 2024 was the year I decided to give a sober lifestyle a shot. I had been curious about what this might look like in my life for some time but had not been convinced up to that point to follow through on the idea. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until I felt desperate enough to improve my mental health that I decided to take the leap. I took on the mentality that nothing was going change if nothing changes. I am now approaching my first-year substance free, and I am both proud of the accomplishment so far and excited for the growth still yet to come including more opportunities such as this one for Voyage LA.
Within this last year I have been retraining myself to always pick up my camera, talk about my passion with others, take bigger creative risks, and invest in myself through a wider range of professional gear, increased knowledge, and balanced health. What I believe is a result of doing so is that my outlook on life has greatly improved, a wave of opportunities has come my way, and consequently I have seen the largest leaps of improvements in my work. I have now worked as unit stills photographer onset of a music video, collaborated with new models, photographed multiple music artists, and worked with couples. I understand loud and clear now, that my happiness is linked to not only my physical health but also the spiritual fulfillment that comes from staying creative. In 2025 I am looking forward to expanding my work into larger projects such as weddings, more studio work, and other collaborations with brands around the Los Angeles area.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was not able to tell my story without sharing honestly about my internal struggles with self-doubt and isolation, and the healing that came with therapy and major lifestyle changes. However, apart from those hurdles on my journey back to photography, I’ve discovered a new set of challenges and growing pains that come with branching out on my own.
As a photographer, I would love to just take, edit, and deliver images at a steady and consistent pace but that far from the experience I’ve had. Wearing multiple hats is the reality of being a creative in today’s social media landscape. Along with being a photographer, I am my own social media manager, videographer, video editor, and promotor.
But with spending lots of time on social media, comes a natural sense of comparison. There are many other talented creatives out there, many of whom are also young and doing exactly what I hope to do already. It’s easy to view their larger followings, success being self-employed, or their luxury wedding bookings and feel behind. However, more recently I’ve switched my mindset to think of them fully as peers, who have fought through these very same barriers, and it inspires me to keep going rather than discouraging me from my own efforts.
Additionally, I am still in my corporate job. I am constantly playing a balance game, or what may seem to some, over working myself to do both well until I get to the point where I can fully support myself from my camera alone. Any downtime is spent brainstorming or posting new content to social media, learning about SEO optimization, updating my portfolio, and homing in on my editing practices. It can be a lot, but I do truly enjoy all aspects of the growth process – there is a much greater sense of pride and determination to succeed when doing something I am genuinely passionate about.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a freelance portrait photographer for both individuals and couples, with a strong focus on creating images that feel both personal and timeless. Before each project, I make it a priority to clearly communicate with my clients to establish a shared vision for the photoshoot. This process helps set clear expectations, eases any uncertainties, and ensures that the final images reflect each client’s unique personality. My goal is to capture the emotion behind every moment, so the photos evoke a genuine connection.
My style leans documentary/storytelling with a balance between environment and subject with multiple perspectives to create the story. To best portray each story, I prefer to blend both digital and film photography. I currently use a combination of a medium format digital camera, full frame digital camera, and 35mm film. Each bring a unique depth and texture to each shot. I think this combination is part of what makes my work distinct. Using multiple cameras may seem chaotic, but each has a purpose, and combining digital with film creates layered images that my clients value. Additionally, film adds qualities—such as grain, texture, and a distinctive way of capturing light—that digital alone can’t replicate; making my work feel more authentic. My clients have voiced their appreciation for the feeling that comes from merging the two formats when looking at their final galleries.
Since I blend both digital and film, my photo editing style leans more natural-filmic, giving my portraits a natural, nostalgic quality but with a modern edge and quality. I favor softer tones and a subtle filmic palette to enhance the emotional feel of each image. I strive to make images that don’t just look beautiful in the moment but will also stand the test of time.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
As someone who’s naturally introverted, I’ve tended to lean toward what feels safe or familiar so taking more creative and professional risks is something I’m actively trying to do more of. But when I have taken risks for the sake of self-expression or creativity, they’ve often come with the greatest rewards both external and internal. As I reflect on how I have always danced on the line of wanting to be more seen while also being comfortable in the background, one memory comes to mind. In high school, I auditioned for and got the second solo part of the song “Brown Eyed Girl” as part of the school’s men’s ensemble chorus group, which then was performed in front of a packed audience full of peers, friends, faculty, and families. I don’t exactly know why I was inclined to do such a bold thing, but I remember the anxiety leading up to the big moment and even more, the sense of accomplishment and relief I felt when the audience let out a loud applause as I placed the microphone back down into its stand. It is a memory that still gives me a sense of strength when I find myself in a moment of doubt.
Professionally, I have done what I am ‘supposed’ to do up to this point – as in getting a college degree and subsequently entering the corporate workforce. And though I feel very fortunate to have had an education along with the experiences and opportunities that has granted me so far, I increasingly feel the internal desire to break free from that. This approach to life so far has kept me in a place I am no longer satisfied with. Of course, there is a degree of risk putting out work when doing something creative; some may resonate with it, and others may not, but I am trusting the work I have put in over the years and the improvement I see with every project.
Furthermore, I am surrounding myself with and investing in experiences that can connect me with other successful people as much as I can. Places like my luxury gym membership, connecting with other creatives online, or interviews like this. One thing college and corporate America has done a great job of teaching me is: understanding the value of networking. Some of my most recent opportunities came from taking the simple risk of opening my mouth and speaking openly about my passions to people that may in positions to help spread the word or that may be in search of a skilled photographer themselves.
Looking ahead, my next big, calculated risk is one I’m working toward –– which is leaving my corporate job once my photography business is robust enough to support me itself. I know that when that day comes, it will be a mix of liberation and fear, as it will mean fully relying on my creative work for my livelihood. But I believe that when I do take this leap, it will be one of my greatest accomplishments.
Pricing:
- Please See Website or Reach Out Directly For Full Pricing Details!
- ENGAGEMENT/COUPLE SESSION – Starting at $200
- GRADUATIONS – Starting at $250 (group pricing available)
- STUDIO SESSION – Starting at $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://luiswinters8827.myportfolio.com/welcome-1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luiswinters/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/luis-winters-6b2262199
