Today we’d like to introduce you to J.J. Del Mar.
J.J., we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
It’s not been easy. I’ve always liked photography. I traveled inside Mexico with siblings when I was attending college there. We had point and shoot cameras which we use to photograph ancient ruins in Mexico and the cities we traveled to. But for me, being in college, I just didn’t have the money to purchase an entry-level DSLR.
It was a couple of years after college that I started working as a video editor in the area of subtitling and translation. My practice was mainly with video editing software, but I became to be more interested in still cameras, especially video cameras at that moment.
Sooner than later my interest grew to still photography, and I began playing with DSLRs I borrowed from friends and colleagues. I can say, I didn’t feel particularly confident with the results of the stills I took. So I continued to be a video editor and subtitler for some years.
Later on, I got my very first DSLR camera. I was able to learn a lot practicing new techniques with that first camera. Also, I started renting more expensive equipment, and I also started shooting video professionally. My confidence grew as I kept practicing for around seven years before I produced photography that is at a professional level.
I took photography and lighting course in Mexico, and my work kept improving over the years.
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 have worked as a photographer and videographer service. It’s the eighth year of having launched online. I do travel photography and videography for events such as weddings and some quinceañeras, individual and group or corporate portraits, corporate video, boudoir and fashion photography. In my “free” time, I like to delve into urban photography.
I am really trying to focus more on portraiture. It is now two years since I started taking portraits and I think every person is a message in his or herself. Through portraiture and urban photography, I hope to keep capturing the essence of every person who lets me be behind the camera.
How can artists connect with other artists?
Yes, being an artist can be lonely, but focus on your work and never stop having a solid determination. That is the key to success. However, determination alone will not get you where you want to be. A deep knowledge and professional practice in your industry will advance your career in order for you to reach your professional goals. Acquiring the knowledge does help you.
In sum, focus on your work. Be prepared, learn, learn and never stop learning new ideas and techniques from, well, anybody.
There must be other photographers [artists] in your area that have gone through what you are experiencing, and they can give you advice, and you can learn a lot from them. Never be afraid to ask. Do a web search and ask to collaborate and participate in their support groups.
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?
After seven years of being in the United States, I launched my service online in 2008 and started with my own website [www.jjdelmar.com]. Two years later in 2010, I launched Writer’s Look, now WL Media. These websites are for my professional practice and how I make a living.
However, people can visit my social media especially Instagram @jjdelmar_ and YouTube josejuandelmar to learn more about my upcoming projects and leave much-appreciated feedback.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jjdelmar.com
- Phone: 818-658-6673
- Email: info@jjdelmar.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jjdelmar_
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/JJDelMarPhotography
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/jjdelmar
Torre Bonorte
Image Credit:
J.J. Del Mar
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