Art & Life with Andres Widener

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andres Widener.

Andres, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’m a local photographer based out of Chandler Arizona, and I’ve lived here my whole life. I started photography when I was about 15 years old. I was struggling heavily with my depression, and my cousin had needed some bus passes to get around the valley due to her car being totaled. My mom just so happened to have some, and with that, my cousin traded me a Canon Powershot SX20IS for them. That moment, I knew what I wanted to do with my life. Every day, I was out riding my longboard taking photos of everything I could find, from nature and animals, to local shows. I shot for free for about two years give or take, and I realized I could start making a living out of it in the future. I think what sets me apart from most, was I was editing 100% of my photos on my phone for the first few years. The reaction I got from my peers was incredible, and only pushed me to continue this hobby and turn it into my passion.

Photography has helped me so much with my happiness, and I honestly don’t know where I would be if my cousin had not given me that camera. Before, I was just drumming in my room and hoping to be on stage one day, still a dream of mine, photography is where my heart is.

I stuck with photographing local shows for the first year of doing this as a paid gig, even going on a couple tours with a local melodic hardcore band named Withered Bones. I could never thank them enough for allowing me to live my dream as a touring photographer.

Although I loved shooting shows at home and around the US, I slowly transitioned into doing portraits and more family-oriented bookings. This is what really kickstarted my career path. I love when I show someone a straight out of camera photo, and they say “wow, you make me look so beautiful!” Then they see the finished photo set and are ecstatic to see how marvelous they are. That’s why I do this. Allowing others to see the beauty that not only I see, but what they all should all see in themselves.

Photography is more than just pressing a button. It’s a lifestyle, a mentality. You need to have the image of what you want to create and make it real life. The people and experiences you meet and have, are simple reminders as to why I will never give this up.

Find something you love, whether its playing music, painting, or photography, and stick with it. You’ll know what your passion is when you find it, it’s a feeling I could never explain with words.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I try to let my work speak for itself. A lot of people don’t understand what goes into a session. All they see is the finished product, and double tap while spamming and scrolling through their Instagram feed. They don’t see all the smiles, stories, and funny moments behind each session. That’s what inspires me to continuously shoot. I could never thank those who have helped me create my art. A lot of my inspiration comes from Danny Batista, Drew Butler, and Andre Nguyen. I love the really in your face, beautiful, vibrant style of photos.

I want people to see that anything is possible. I came from really depressive teenage years, and now, I’ve been the happiest I’ve ever been because of my camera. Your happiness is the most important thing in life, when you find something you’re passionate about, stick with it, and watch how much your life changes for the better.

What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
We live in a world where everyone is on their phones 24/7. The only advice I can give is, interact with those on social media, whether it’s a comment on their post, or a private message. It’s a lot easier to do that than going out in public and dealing with the intimidation factor. Go out with other friends who are artists and link up for some lunch or an event. Share experiences with them and build friendships. Us artists are a lot nicer than people would expect! A lot of us welcome other artists and creatives, so don’t be shy!

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
People can support my work on Facebook and Instagram at the moment. I’m currently building a new website since my last one crashed.

Contact Info:

• Email: andres@homesick.photography
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesick.photography/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HomesickPhotos/

Image Credit:
Photo of myself in mask was taken by Aubrey Holland.

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