Meet Joe Gutierrez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Gutierrez.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve always been fascinated by anything visual but more specifically photography. I guess because its real, as in a photograph of a real thing, be it a person, thing or event. Consequently, I picked up a camera as a teenager and have been taking photos ever since. I already had an art background in drawing so I just applied that bit of creativity to photography. I was mostly self-taught but I did take photography classes at a local community college.

The advent of photographic editing programs like Lightroom, Photoshop, etc. has been a game changer for many artists, myself included. The limits of a photographer’s creativity now has no bounds. I truly enjoy being a photographer with the day to day, moment to moment mystery of what my mind and the world is going to visualize for me.

Please tell us about your art.
My photographs encase a variety of genres; portraiture, creative portraiture, glamour, boudoir, fashion and exotic. All of them contain a specific look created with lighting, shadows, and colors or black and white. Some critics insist that a photographer should specialize in just one specific genre in order to master that genre. I’m not a believer of that school of thought. Who knows what prompted him or her to shoot today. Only the photographer knows. What is it today? Fashion? Portraiture? Exotic? It’s whatever my creative mind came up with and that’s much more important than mastering a specific genre.

Not all of my photos contain a noticeable message. Some are just beautiful photos of a person, place or thing. If the viewer sees beauty that’s great, that was the message. Photographs can have a very personal effect on people. They, the viewer, internalize photos in their own way, so consequently, I have very little say in what they take away from my photos. I do take pride in my photographs. I have very high standards. I’m my toughest critic. I won’t put anything out there or give my clients anything but my best.

As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
To be recognized by your peers and your community is one part of being a successful artist, either through receiving an award or being congratulated and complimented on your work or fulfilling a client’s request. Collaborating with other artists, businesses, and community leaders in a positive way is also key to being a successful artist. Giving back to your community is essential because we’re all in this together. Through art, we can create a better quality of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.joesphotography.net
• Phone: 480-399-9810
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @joegphotos
• Facebook: @joegphotos

  
Image Credit:
Joe G Photography

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix 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.