Meet Joel Ortiz | Portrait and Event Photographer

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

Hi Joel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was a long process that started off as a hobby. My clients started recommending me right away, and my business has been consistent thanks to word of mouth advertising for around 20 years.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My approach to photography is unique in that I use studio lighting for portraits and event photography. I know many new photographers prefer natural lighting. Although I do natural lighting portraits, most of my photos have the studio look, even in outdoor settings.

My journey to becoming a professional photographer was gradual, and I took one more photo jobs as they came. I was in no hurry to get clients. They came to me. I taught English as a Second Language full time at SDSU, so I didn’t mind if one weekend I had no photo shoots.

The only challenges I faced were trying to decide which new camera to get. I love upgrading my equipment whenever possible, but I have learned that just about any camera can do the job if you have the right lighting conditions.

I want the world to know that my goal is to make my models look their best by having flattering lighting and bringing out their personality in my portraits.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in San Diego are La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Seaport Village, and Coronado. La Jolla has incredible places to shoot the sunset and several unique places to eat after a nice walk on the beach. Carino’s Pizza is my favorite place in La Jolla.

Pacific Beach is lucky to have Crystal Pier. You can take a walk there and admire the surfers enjoying some waves at sunset. Then, it’s time for dinner at City Tacos, a quick walk from the Pier.
This is a popular place for surfers to enjoy authentic Mexican food.

Seaport Village is perfect for long walks around the San Diego Bay with a view of Coronado across the bay. You will find excellent dining here. My favorite place is Edgewater Grill, where you can enjoy fresh seafood or a nice cheeseburger with a romantic view of the bay.

Coronado is my favorite part of San Diego to enjoy the sunset by The Hotel Del Coronado.
On Orange Ave, you will find many fine dining opportunities and enjoy the best Gelato at Paradiso Gelato.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are three groups of people who have been very supportive of my photography business. First, the San Diego, La Mesa, and Santee pageants have hired me consistently for over almost 20 years. Second, as you may know in San Diego there are many people from India, and they love to celebrate many cultural and family events. I have been one of their go-to photographers for the last 18 years.
Third, the Coronado community has been very supportive of my landscape photography, and several of my photos have been featured in their magazines, marketing, and social media.

Instagram: joelphotoguyortiz

Image Credits
Stephen Howell credit for my bio pic of me holding my camera