Today we’d like to introduce you to German Vazquez.
Hi German, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Asi Comenzo Todo.. (How It All Began)
I am German Ayala Vazquez, a photographer and visual artist originally hailing from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, but having been raised in New York and now based in Philadelphia. My artistic practice encompasses a diverse range of photographic styles, including fashion, conceptual, and photojournalistic approaches. My primary aim is to illuminate and uplift the narratives and experiences of BIPOC LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide, with a particular emphasis on regions historically affected by colonization.
I bring a unique and authentic perspective to my work, enabling brands and publishers to convey their messages with a genuine and culturally attuned vision. Notable among my recent clientele are esteemed entities such as Condé Nast, Apple, Barrons Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, Shutterstock, and many More
My educational background includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in photography from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Over the course of my career, I have garnered awards and grants from renowned institutions such as Profoto, Nikon, the Shutterstock Creator Fund, Creative PHL Illuminate the Arts, and Wacom. I am also honored to have been recognized as a 2023 Mural Arts Black fellowship in Philadelphia, The Fitler Club Residency, The 2023 DEAI Alumni Awards Recipient, and finalist in the 2022 Lens culture Portrait Awards and have earned features in numerous publications, including PhotoVogue.
My journey as a photographer began with a deep passion for capturing the world around me, particularly the stories of BIPOC, Queer, and under-resourced communities. Growing up, I was always drawn to the power of visual storytelling and its ability to convey emotions and experiences that words often cannot. My personal experiences within these communities fueled my desire to use photography as a tool for advocacy and representation.
I started my career by taking on small projects and collaborating with local artists and community organizations in Philadelphia. My goal was to highlight the diversity and resilience of BIPOC and Queer individuals. Through these collaborations, I built a network of like-minded individuals and gained valuable insights into the importance of inclusivity and representation in my work.
One of the pivotal moments in my career was partnering with LGBTQIA+ centers to provide free photography services for community pride events. This not only allowed me to document these vibrant celebrations but also helped me establish a reputation for capturing authentic and emotionally resonant images.
Graduating during the global pandemic was a challenging period. The sudden shift to virtual learning and the uncertainty of the job market required adaptability and perseverance. Despite these obstacles, I continued to hone my craft, leveraging digital tools to stay connected with clients and collaborators.
Over the years, my photography has been featured in various exhibitions and publications, earning recognition for its emotional depth and authenticity. The feedback from the communities I serve, who often tell me how my images resonate with their lived experiences, is the highest compliment I could receive.
Today, I continue to explore new narratives and expand my reach, always committed to using photography to empower and celebrate diversity. Each step of my journey, with its struggles and triumphs, has shaped me into the photographer I am today, dedicated to creating impactful visual stories that amplify marginalized voices.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been several struggles along the way. One significant challenge has been accessing certain communities. Gaining trust and entry into under-resourced or marginalized groups requires time, patience, and building genuine relationships. Overcoming stereotypes has also been a constant battle, both in terms of how people perceive my work and the subjects I photograph.
Graduating in the middle of a global pandemic presented its own set of difficulties. The sudden shift to virtual learning and the uncertainty of the job market were stressful and required a lot of adaptability. The pandemic also impacted my ability to conduct in-person shoots and collaborate directly with communities and organizations, forcing me to find creative solutions and leverage digital tools to continue my work.
Financial constraints have been another hurdle, especially when starting out. Providing free services to document community events, while incredibly rewarding, often meant balancing my passion with the need to sustain a livelihood.
Despite these challenges, each struggle has taught me invaluable lessons. I’ve learned the importance of patience, empathy, and resilience. These experiences have made me a better photographer and a more compassionate individual, driving my commitment to creating authentic and impactful visual narratives.
And four years later I’m still here making magic one day at a time !
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Through an extensive exploration with portraiture, my work emphasizes dynamic approaches related to religion, sexuality and identity, and in some cases, (particularly in colonized countries) such as Puerto Rico. My photographs have the ability to coexist within the many styles of photography, with great attention to technical prophecies, unique lighting and composition, vivid color and tonal choices all of which enhance visual impact.
As a passionate photographer, I specialize in capturing and amplifying the voices of BIPOC, Queer, and under-resourced communities. My work is deeply rooted in my personal experiences within these communities, driving my commitment to creating authentic and impactful visual narratives. Over the years, I have focused on numerous projects that highlight the diversity and resilience of BIPOC and Queer individuals in Philadelphia and Puerto Rico.
My work often involves collaborating with community organizations and fellow artists to ensure inclusivity and representation. For instance, I have partnered with LGBTQIA+ centers, providing free photography services to document community pride events. My photography is known for its emotional depth and authenticity, and it has been featured in various exhibitions and publications.
I am most proud of the feedback I receive from the communities I serve. When people tell me that my images resonate with their lived experiences, it is the highest compliment I could receive. What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and creating a safe and respectful environment for my subjects. My ability to capture the true essence of my subjects and tell their stories with empathy and depth distinguishes my work from others.
Throughout my career, I have faced challenges such as accessing certain communities, overcoming stereotypes, and even graduating during a global pandemic. These experiences have taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of continuous learning. Moving forward, I aim to expand my reach and explore new narratives, using photography to empower and celebrate diversity.
I think for me i mostly proud of my journey and resilience ! that is something that you have to have while navigating a very particular industry like the photography world. Staying authentic at all times with out the need to just be a photographer but THE photographer that everyone comes to due to my use of color and tonal choices. My ability to capture POC’s and being able to really showcase how I’m able to light my subjects so beautifully with out the need of heavy retouching.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes ! The COVID-19 crisis has imparted several important lessons to me. It has underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability, teaching me to navigate and thrive in uncertain circumstances. The pandemic highlighted the crucial role of community and mutual support, emphasizing the power of solidarity, especially in under-resourced communities, and the significance of coming together to support one another. It also brought a renewed focus on mental and physical health, reinforcing the need to prioritize self-care and the well-being of others. The necessity of remote work and virtual communication accelerated the adoption of digital tools, enhancing my ability to leverage technology to continue my work and stay connected with clients and collaborators. Facing the global crisis has deepened my patience and empathy, allowing me to better understand and support the struggles of others. It has also challenged me to think creatively and find innovative solutions to continue my photography projects despite limitations. The crisis underscored the importance of lifelong learning and being open to new skills and knowledge to adapt to changing circumstances. Overall, these lessons have made me more resilient, empathetic, and innovative, qualities that are invaluable in my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://germanvazquez.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g.vazquezphoto/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/king.gmoney.9
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/german-ayala-vazquez-04226313b/
- Twitter: https://x.com/GermanVazPhoto
