Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Escoto.
Chris, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I picked up a camera when I was 4 1/2. I know this because the first the I shot was my younger brothers’ birth. I continued shooting all over my younger sibling’s home births, 5 totals. At around 15, I began photographing weddings and portraits. I did this through my mid 20’s when I got a corporate job. At this time film was transitioning into digital and the only thing I invested in was a small point t and shoot, but I was still always looking for the best lighting and angle. In my mid 30’s I quit the corporate world and decided it was then or never to follow my passion. I bought a digital camera about and was determined to make some money with it. I had to, it was a big investment for me. Over the years I have taken on seasonal jobs to make ends meet. But am grateful to my friends and family and all the referrals and am now able to do this full time.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I love capturing people being themselves. Setting them up in the best possible light and angles helps, but my real goal is to get natural expressions. My hope is that my photos evoke some emotions from my clients. They will be brought back to that special time and place and it be more than just a memory, but a feeling. I usually spend some time getting to know my clients, this helps put them at ease in front of the camera, hopefully they forget the camera is there and have fun! I love when clients walk away from a session with smiles, telling me how much fun they had and excited to see their photos because they are sure I got some great shots.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
It has definitely become harder. Anyone with a decent camera claims to be professional photographer. But this is my livelihood, I invest all of my time into learning and perfecting my skills. Every genre of photography requires certain types of equipment and training, so it is not as easy as it seems. Everyone can get lucky and take a beautiful photo from time to time, but to consistently deliver in challenging situations is what makes a professional worth every penny. I’m not quite sure, I’ve participated in many art festivals, with my personal work (mostly scenery) people love to look, but few see any value in a photographic print. Be aware of the time that is involved in a single print and appreciative of the effort that was given for that, much more than the physical value of the paper it is printed on.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I am not currently in any exhibitions. They can support my work by following me on social media and keeping me in mind for a wedding or special event.
Contact Info:
- Website: EscotoPhotography.com
- Phone: 619-483-1303
- Email: chris@escotophotography.com
- Instagram: @chrisescoto
- Facebook: Facebook.com/EscotoPhotography
Image Credit:
Escoto Photography
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