As a child growing up in Panama, I remember looking at books on different cities and skylines of the world. I looked through every page, mesmerized, but one photo in particular was very intriguing to me. How did they get those white streaks on one side of the shot while the other side had a red road? It was a mystery, and it was that photo that planted a seed in my head about the wonders of photography…
Photography soon became my hobby. I was shooting lighthouses, trees, architecture, landscapes, and of course, skylines with car streaks. And all that time, I never imagined that one day photography would be my career. In 1998, I received my degree in Commercial Photography from the Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology in Dayton Ohio and then moved to Chicago where I thought I could land a job right away. Not quite! Starting from the bottom is always a humbling experience but also a great way to learn the business. Sometimes “photography” actually means cleaning floors, carrying heavy cases, burning your fingers on hot bulbs, and running around to labs. But finally, I got a big break, and worked with the most prestigious architectural photography firm where I learned my craft.
Growing up I was shy and very reserved --- I would usually let my sister or mother do all the talking -- but I realized that if you want to make it in this business and in life, you have to let everyone know you are out there and ready. I love my job!