We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alex Garcia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Alex thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I’m mainly self taught! I learned the basics from a film program I was in back in high school but everything else has been my own trial and error, as for me thats the best way for me to learn something.

I don’t feel like there is anything I could’ve done to speed up that process. I think because of the time I’ve invested learning the craft is what has allowed me to fully learn from every experience. If I had that process sped up I don’t know if I would’ve been able to take away as much from every experience by speeding up that process.

You’re dealing with lots of different people on set with lots of different problems all at the same time. If you can manage the stress of all of it the quality of the work is gonna be much better for you.

I feel like my own appetite has limited me learning more. I feel like I’m always wanting to learn more about cinematography but theres only so many things I can try to learn at once you know?

Alex, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Alex Garcia, I am is a self-taught Mexican-American cinematographer. Throughout my several years of working as a cinematographer, I’ve worked with clients such as Saweetie & Justin Laboy as well as Oreo, Tostitos, & Def Jam Records. With experience in filming Music videos, Commercials, and Short Films (with Several having won film festivals), I’m looking to create with some of the top talent of this new generation.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Books discussing cinematography/filmmaking or a general book regarding the creative process have been something I’ve only really gotten into within the last year and a half or so. It’s become such a valuable resource for not only learning more theory & process on cinematography but also just being a better creative person generally.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Self-Sabotage. I feel like I know what I am fully capable of and hold myself back because I don’t feel like i’m either not ready or not fully worthy of either an opportunity i’ve come across or even a certain level of success I’ve had in my career thus far. It’s something i’ve been mostly able to get passed by avoiding comparison to others.

I always remind myself that I’m comparing where I’m at to someone else whose way further along on their creative path than I am. Taking the time to practice grace for myself & gratitude for what it is i’ve been able to do has been instrumental for me.    

Contact Info:

• Website: alexleogarcia.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/alexleogarcia

Image Credits
Personal Photo – Domingo Rivera Other Photos – Samantha Abajian, Raashauna Payne.