Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaris Remigio.
Hi Jaris, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In my adolescence, my father was a hobbyist photographer so I was exposed to cameras and photography at an early age. It wasn’t up until 2020 where my interest for photography came to grow into a passion. I never really pursued photography prior due to my financial priorities being elsewhere, but I got lucky and received a hand-me-down camera from a family member. Once I received this camera back in the beginning of 2020, something came over me and I was deeply invested into understanding its functions and what it takes to compose great photos I would see online, in editorials, or in magazines.
For months, I would research about my specific camera, lenses, and other logistics before testing things out for myself. By no means am I an expert in my field or about my camera and camera systems as I am still learning till this day about all the things photography. Later on within that year, I decided to experiment with friends to see if I was able to capture pictures or things I envisioned in my head. As with all people starting new hobbies or passions, there were definitely some growing pains and frustrations. But through all that, I got a better sense of the kind of photographer I wanted to be and where I want to take photography in the future. Although still a new profession and passion to me, I was able to land some freelance jobs and an actual job as a portrait photographer.
To this day, I am finding new things to learn about within this field and am slowly progressing as each session goes by. My story is not a long one, but one with a simple start that has bloomed into new beginnings and opportunities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest things I seem to face all the time is being too self critical about the work I produce and being proud of it. I often fail to give myself some grace and be content with myself. I would say I have perfectionist tendencies and they typically come out when I’m in work mode. It’s a blessing and a curse, but its something Im continually working on. But I haven’t been a photographer for too long so the struggles I have faced were very minor ones. However, I do expect to face some significant obstacles along my journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a more recent professional photographer. I do work for a local studio in San Diego, but I also do freelance work from time to time. I mostly take portrait pictures and explore that realm often. I find a lot of joy in portrait photography and the products I am able to produce for clients. I think portraitures are some of the most vulnerable and impactful type of pictures as it captures different emotions, personalities, and natural beauty. Right now my portrait work focuses a lot on making my subjects look and feel as if they are the main attraction or as if they should be on the cover of some kind of magazine. I like to bring out peoples confidence in themselves with my work as well as show them the strength and power that they possess internally. I find myself being most proud when I am able to switch people’s perspectives of themselves and showing them what they already possess within. Friends and family can tell you all these things about you, but to have something tangible or a visual for yourself, in my opinion, is a little more impactful.
Outside of my studio job and freelance work, my friends and I are in the works of creating a sort of production team called Happy Fits. We are currently figuring out what path we want to take, but we have been diving into the realm of fashion editorials and promotional videos. We are just a group of friends who came together to produce content as a collective and for ourselves. Our current team has a few aspiring photographers, videographers, stylists, and directors involved. We hope to turn this project team into a company or more notable collective in the future.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
As cliche as it is, one of the biggest things I learned was not be scared to try new things. I never knew photography was something I would become passionate about. It was just a random day when I picked up my camera and decided to go out and take photographs of friends which started my journey into this industry. I don’t think its just trying new things, but also not being scared to try it just because others are really good at it and things along that line. I often find myself worrying about other peoples progress which makes me lose focus on my own. In those moments I have to remind myself, everyone has their own pace, their own path, and own skillset. There’s always someone who is going to be better at you at something, but just because they’re better doesn’t mean at some point you won’t progress past them.
Contact Info:
- Email: jarisremigio@gmail.com
- Website: https://jarisremigio.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: @jaris.img | @happyfits
Image Credits
Ysa Penarejo
Lea Gredonia
