Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikey Avila.
Mikey, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today
In 2008, I started doing photography during my Junior year of high school.
It all started with a friend of mine who just recently purchased a Canon Rebel T2I and he would should me the ropes on how it worked. I’ve became really interested in it because I’ve always wanted to capture a moment or a scene in real-time in creative ways. A year later, my father bought my first DSLR and it was the Sony A350 when they first started a DSLR series. Soon enough, I’ve touched different categories of photography from portraits to scenic or landscape shots. Eventually, as the years go by, I started to lose my drive and would leave it on the shelf, as it would collect dust because I felt like I was shooting the same thing every time.
During college, I was going taking classes and working as a pharmacy tech at CVS.
I was trying to find myself during the time, figuring out what to do with my future. I was lost and confused, spending a lot of time in my room exploring options and imagining if becoming a pharmacist was the ideal future for me. As time went on, I was exploring the internet typically digging into music, finding local shows, and trying to meet other people. Eventually, I started using my spare time going out to different cities, spending time with friends and bringing my camera along to capture all the memories.
I was doing things out of my comfort zone to find some light of inspiration to keep doing what I love the most. I started meeting new people through mutuals and created connections not only in San Diego but in some different cities. Soon enough I started showing up to local art shows and music events with my camera trying to capture every bit of moment of emotion from people. It triggered an inspiration to start shooting photos again. It pushed a drive out of me to start capturing people whether if it was crowd or the artist. Slowly, I found my niche and got better in what I enjoyed the most.
Working with local talent and events, my work as progressed so much more than I expected. It took some time for me to get a grasp of what was going on. But with what I do, I get to enjoy different genres of music and various art styles from all the curated events I’ve attended.
Till this day I’m still in awe where it’s gotten me and it happened so quick.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The past decade of doing photography, it always has its ups and downs. I’ve touched every category of photography trying to find what I love to do most. There were some places I thought I’d see myself enjoying but sometimes it just different feel right. The moment I found myself where I needed to be, it slowly became repetitive and draining to the point where I just have to take a step back. I needed to find some time and space to breath before I tire myself out to the point where I don’t want to be able to do it for a while.
Also, I try to find balance between two jobs by managing my time. Knowing what days I’ll be working my pharmacy job while trying to figure out what events or concerts I need to cover for the weekend or in months to come. When I feel uninspired, I always take a step back and go back to my roots. Whether if its asking friend to hang out and take portraits of them or exploring and scouting different areas for potential shoots. There are just times where you either take a step back and breath. Or find ways to get back on it again with time and patience.
Please tell us about your work.
Currently, I work with The Travelers Club SD and 143 Worldwide.
I specialize in concert and events photography.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://mikeyavila.photos
- Email: mikeyavilaphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/mikeyavila
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