Meet Argenis Galvez | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Argenis Galvez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Argenis, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
When I correlate my happiness to my photography, what makes me happy is the idea that there’s no pressure on it. Photography is not my primary source of income; it’s a passion project. Photography allows me to remove my corporate “hat” and immerse myself in a creative mindset. I’m not restricted by the confines of right or wrong, the black and white, if you will. While some have called it a side gig, my photographer role is more than just a side gig. A side gig is secondary, something you do to gain extra income, but that’s not what photography is to me. When I grab the camera and meet the individuals I photograph, this switch turns on, and I feel like I’m finally my true self. Photography is where I find my happiness. When I share my images and see people get excited and inspired, it ignites a fire in me to want to grow more and continue to feed this passion, unrestricted by the idea that I have to make money off of this.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I try not to think about what sets me apart from other photographers. My art is my art, no one else’s. It took me many years to realize I didn’t have to be like anyone else. I didn’t have to edit in a specific way to please the masses. I’m not stressed about gaining a huge following on social media because that’s not what this is about for me. I’m proud that I’m finally at a place where I can say that with my photography. Was it easy? Absolutely not. I’m my own toughest critique. Overcoming the thought that I wasn’t good enough because I only had a few people liking my images compared to other photographers was challenging. But at the end of the day, you must remind yourself why you are doing something. Do you only do your passion for praise, or do you do it for yourself? If and when someone comes across my work, I want to convey the importance of following your passion. Embrace the support when you get it; when you don’t, learn to reassure yourself. You’d be surprised at what you can accomplish and how much you can grow as an artist when you continuously remind yourself of what started your passion in the first place.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oof, for San Diego, that’s so difficult. We’re spoiled here by the number of scenic beaches, diverse cuisines, and overall things to do in this city. Unfortunately, I will have to gate keep some stuff because I don’t want it ruined by influx of people. If you’re curious about what I choose to gatekeep, send me a DM. You could go anywhere in San Diego and have a good time, especially since each part of this city has its own unique characteristics. But if I could choose a handful of places to take someone, it would start with Fernside in South Park. The atmosphere is always great, and the quality of food and the selection of drinks is solid. During the week, I’d take my friend to Part-Time Lover in North Park, but only on a weekday because it’s not the same if you go on weekends. For tacos, you have to go to Tacos El Gordo. Some people may find that generic or “basic,” but come on, that place hits. A drive down the strand during sunset, roll those windows down and feel that ocean breeze is a must. It’s almost a reminder of how lucky we are to experience what California or, better yet, San Diego offers. There are people that have never seen the ocean. We get to experience what some people only see in movies.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s difficult to articulate one entity, person, or thing that has pushed me to feel “successful” in this field. There are several photographers whose work or, better yet, their art has inspired me. Strangers I have encountered throughout my photography have complimented my images and encouraged me to continue my work. My friends, family, and clients are all pillars supporting my passion. A pool of many things lay the foundation of my success, all connected and all required for me to be where I am now.

Website: https://www.argenisgalvez.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/argenisgalvez/

Image Credits
Models:
Andrea Wadswoth
Andrea Zaplata
Danielle Pessotto
Emily & Jenna
Eli Corominas
Kysten Quiroz
Taylor Brady