We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Antonio Varela. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Antonio below.

Antonio , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I had a few projects through my career as a photographer and I will continue do them but one of the most meaningful projects I did was my “Mi Cultura Project.” Initially it was supposed to be debuted as a gallery event that people can go see and experience. Things happened and I could not execute the gallery the way I envisioned it and I only posted it via my Social Media. The Idea was to capture the My Mexican culture that is represented locally, in the Quad city area. I chose people that live and celebrate the certain aspect of the culture to be a part of it as models and it came out beautiful and authentic. Due to scheduling conflicts I was missing a few but I was able to get enough to represent a variety of aspects of the culture.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Antonio Varela, and I have been a photographer for over 9 years. From humble beginnings, where I captured High school seniors and the natural beauty of landscapes, I have evolved into a full-time professional photographer, specializing in weddings, quinceañeras, parades, concerts, and so much more. Embarking on this creative journey was no easy task, as photography is a relentless art that demands constant growth and a keen understanding of the business side. I have invested countless hours into honing my skills, relentlessly pursuing knowledge to elevate my craft to new heights.
While the path has been filled with hard work and occasional moments of stress, the rewards are immeasurable. To witness the joy on a client’s face when they receive their stunning images, knowing that I have provided them with memories to cherish for a lifetime, is truly priceless. Moreover, each photograph I capture holds within it a piece of me.
Photography is an unparalleled medium through which I can inspire, represent, and forever encapsulate unique moments in time.
As I continue on this incredible journey as a photographer, I am honored to have the opportunity to capture life’s most precious moments, creating a visual legacy that will be cherished for generations to come. Photography, for me, is not just a career but a way of life – a constant pursuit of capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is hearing and watching peoples reactions when they see an image(s) I put my soul in. Whether it is a personal project or if it is a photo gallery of a session. I love it and I know what I am doing is so much more than just a business.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

In my area there are thousands of photographers and I had to figure out what I needed to do to stand out. I found that there were 2 things I had to do. First I had to figure out my style and be consistent with it. Second, was making sure my reputation represents the art that I am putting out. That means if the images are amazing, my work ethic and personality had to be the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ajvoriginal.com
• Instagram: ajv.original.photography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ajvoriginal