When it comes to photography there are so many various styles and the way people capture their work. From @camerafino, @texaspeed, @notodoesunjuego, @redsphotos.co ect. With their equipment in hand whether it be point and shoot cameras to videography to which we can't forget the usage of their eye behind the lens which have allowed them to capture various moments/people/projects in the name of art. This week's feature is Fidel, from @goldtriggerphotography who as an artist has his own style which he states is "moody and honest" as he captures exactly what's in front of him in their true nature.
Let's begin with Fidel introducing himself,
"My name is Fidel Reyes, I'm 28 years old, I am a photographer, editor, and the man behind Gold Trigger Photography. Gold Trigger Photography is my professional brand where I try to showcase the work that I do in collaboration with others alongside my business and commercial work." When it comes to his collaborations and pieces of work on his social media @goldtriggerphotography it is very organized and color coordinated. When it comes to the themed shoots such as "Sweet Disposition" (Model @Joannargl01) for example he uses the model's wardrobe which is this statement 2 piece outfit which hits with the sunlight as Fidel captures the contrast beautifully. Take a look into his social media account to see much more.
Sweet Disposition - @Joannargl01
What got you interested in photography? What was your first instance behind the camera where it just felt "right" that this was something you wanted to continue to do?
"In 2013 I was attending college at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. During my first semester I had been diagnosed with depression, which eventually evolved into suicidal depression in Spring 2014 semester. A lot of issues came along with suicidal depression and intrusive thoughts, one of them being dissociation and dissociative amnesia. In my Fall 2014 semester, I would go on long walks around the campus at night and one night I decided that I wanted to capture the moments of serenity and loneliness that I was experiencing so I decided to pick up a DSLR camera that my parents had given me as a gift and use it to capture how I saw the world at the time. On the night that I attempted to take my own life and failed, I picked up my camera and decided to go for a walk, so that I would never forget that night. I apologize if I am running over details, there is a lot from that time that has been blocked out by my mind. Point being, after that experience photography became intrinsically tied into my soul, and it hasn't left me since. Ever since then I decided to not only take photos for my personal journey but also for my professional one. Eventually, that journey led me to Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi where I got my second degree in a film program, so cameras became a sight of comfort. The hobby that rounded out my therapy ended up becoming a passion of mine, I take photos because I want to not because I have to." The idea of "I take photos because I want to not because I have to" is important when it comes to our hobbies or rather our passion. We don't want what we enjoy to become a "job" or end up feeling like "work" when that may be already working. Our hobby can become our therapy. As someone who has dealt with suicidal thoughts and has abused substances for a period of time post graduation with the thought of "what comes next" well my hobby of Outinthe956 is a therapy session for myself. We can find joy in what we do for fun and as mentioned our therapy, but we must not let his feel like "work." Thank you, Fidel for sharing as I look forward to where your passion takes you.
What would you say your style is when it comes to photography?
"My style is moody and honest, I like to capture the world the way I see it and how I feel. I don't particularly care too much about following the rules or trends of photography." Aren't the rules in film and photography meant to be broken? I feel like I've heard someone say that before. I haven't used my digital camera in MONTHS and when I bought it I didn't read the instructions. I went straight to an event that day and used it to the best of my abilities! I was also clicking the "take picture button" but then I realized I had to hold it down. Yeah I broke every rule basically.
If you could give your style its own name what would it be?
"I'm not exactly sure what I would call it, only that I am attracted to high contrast, darker colors, and the concept of shadows." As Fidel mentions "darker colors, and the concept of shadows" we can use his works titled "S K Y F A L L" as an example of the darker colors when it just not coming from the clothing used by the model, but the darker hue of the ocean water, the shades of grey from the cloudy sky. Really bringing this title "S K Y F A L L" to life. Really puts you in the mood to watch a 007 Daniel Craig film.
When behind the lens of the camera what do you wish to capture?
"I care about capturing what my eyes see and my mind feels, in a way my photographs are a reflection of who I am. It's almost as if I bare my soul out, open a wound, or even express the positive things in my life through the camera."
What do you look for before taking the picture?
"I'm a little chaotic to be honest, I don't like to overthink a shot or overthink what lens I'm holding. I simply take what I feel looks and seems right to me, I act through instinct." I've felt the rush of using the camera while feeling "limited" by my equipment, but honestly this "limitation" feels fun especially if you have to get in CLOSE for the picture or find a way to make it work. In this case as Fidel says "I don't like to overthink a shot" I feel as artists we expect or want something to come out certain way if we plan it or "overthink", but sometimes the best things just happen on the spot.
When it comes to photography, what feels "right" when you're behind the camera?
"Whether it's a personal photograph, a portrait, or even a spontaneous shot as long as the photo feels honest to my style and I capture something truthful from my subject."
What completes the picture for you?
"I am picky with the objects and people I work with, because I like to make sure that I can get something honest or reflective of their nature from them."
As Fidel mentions "I like to make sure that I can get something honest or reflective of their nature" we can see this from shoots such as "Free." When it comes to "Free" Pt. 1 (as mentioned in their Instagram) you can see the subtle like blur from the flowers as they move alongside the wind as he captures @Joannargl01 in the vast never ending island. As he mentions "I capture something truthful from my subject...honest or reflective in their nature" as the title and the gaze of his subject says it all.
When it comes to photoshoots do you create your own projects?
"I like to create my own projects, at the moment I am trying to develop photoshoots that are a little more artistic and odd. I think I'd like to take photos that seem interpretive, lucid, or even surreal. I love shoots that are spontaneous and candid. However, there is a certain pride that comes from photos that have been planned ahead. Such as a recent photoshoot that I had in the dunes of SPI against the sunset and showcasing someone's art." Yes "Free" Pt. 2 where Fidel shows the photos mentioned. As Fidel mentions "a little more artistic and odd" we can use "In Bloom" who their partner in art modeled @Mitzi.Venus as an example. Someone in the comment section mentioned this to be like the opposite of the infected from The Last Of Us from their perspective and that got me thinking and imaging it once I looked more into "In Bloom." It's artistic with what's being used, but especially with the choice of lighting and what it causes. The shadows casted in general gives it this ENERGY in the image used down below. I can't describe it, but it's rather menacing compared to what we think when it comes to flowers which is pretty interesting. I dig it.
What do YOU enjoy taking pictures of the most?
"I enjoy street photography the most, that's how I started. It's still like therapy to me. Especially if I can make it moody." Always gotta return to your roots.
I see you were interviewed and published in a magazine called Rebel along with another published on HAZL. How does one get published?
"I just submit my work through the appropriate websites and hope for the best."
Are there any steps along with having to keep an eye out and just send out your work to publishers?
"The best resource is to look for pages and social profiles for magazines you like and click on their links. The hardest part of submitting is not giving into doubt, as an artist you should never give into doubt. Believe in your work and someone out there will also believe in it." I would agree the hardest part would be "not giving into doubt" I mean if the submission box is there why not?
What are your thoughts on organizations such as Let's Stay Creative that allow photographers and models to come together and work? "I believe that organizations such as Let's Stay Creative help people come out of their comfort zone and work with others. We often get so caught up in our own minds that we forget that others also feel hesitation to take the leap. Again, don't give into doubt. If you see an event that interests you and you think it would be something fun or beneficial to you, someone out there does as well. So attend, take the leap, and you'll see that everything will fall into place." I've never been able to attend due to my previous work schedule, but there is a new Let's Stay Creative event coming up. That's another chance for someone interested to show up and participate!
How do you wish to continue with your work? Do you have ideas on how to experiment with your work as well?
"I have a few ideas on how my work will change and evolve moving forward. At one point I was directing and editing films and short films, I've kind of stepped away from it these past few years. But I think that returning to filmmaking would be something that could prove beneficial for my work as a photographer." :eye emojis: we will have to wait and see on that. I'd say that coming back could give you insight or ideas on how to incorporate it into your work. The possibilities are there with experimentation.
What are your thoughts on the local valley scene,
"I think the local valley scene is full of passionate and supportive people who like to see how others capture the region in their own way. We all see the world differently, that includes the valley, and it's comforting to see artists of all kinds supporting and pushing one another." Any final comments you'd like to make,
My therapy became my career and passion, so I tell everyone that if they really love or find comfort in something positive to go for it.
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