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

Alright, Justine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.

If I were to start over as a photographer, there are three key things I’d focus on to work more efficiently and grow faster: networking, continuous learning, and building a clear portfolio early on.

In 2018, I had a lucky opportunity to shoot my first show. I had never taken photos at a show before and had only taken a couple classes of Photography 101 in college; I was scared, nervous, and definitely under prepared but at least the show was outdoors during the day so lighting was one of the least of my concerns. Understanding what I know now, I would’ve networked more there, but also would’ve continued my journey. That was the first and only show I ever shot before taking a stab at finding publications in 2022.

If I could do it all over, I’d make networking a priority from the beginning—reaching out to photographers, publications, and event organizers to learn from them and build my reputation early. I would also focus on continuously developing my skills through workshops, shadowing professionals, and shooting a variety of events, which I do now, but there is still a lot to learn about lighting, editing, and posing.

Since 2022, I’ve shot some of my favorite bands and artists, but I was also lucky enough to shoot All Things Go in 2024 due to the connections I had made and my willingness to put myself out there. I’ve established myself as an event photographer, shooting pop-up events, DJ events, and birthday parties due to recommendations made by friends and colleagues. Who you know and the relationships you establish go a long way in the photography field.

Looking back, every mistake and delay has been a learning experience, but knowing what I know now, I would approach those early years with a clearer focus on relationships, skill-building, and creating opportunities rather than waiting for them to appear.

Justine, 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?

Well, to start, my name is Justine—I’m a Puerto Rican, New York City-based photographer specializing in events, concerts, and lifestyle photography. Over the past two to three years, I’ve established myself as someone who captures the energy and authenticity of moments that matter.

I got into photography by chance. I was always interested in media; I began video editing at the age of 8 and fell in love with editing, film, music video— basically any type of media I could consume. During college, I took a minor which required me to take a photography class. It took me back to Warped Tour when I brought my camera and just took photos just for fun. With a small budget and a dream, I bought my first camera kit, my Canon 70D which I still use to this day. For one of our projects, I decided to focus on street photography and took photos of workers and people living their day to day life in New York City. From there, I wondered what else I could shoot.

As someone who has also loved concerts since a young age, I thought about how I could combine my two loves and realized concert photography was the perfect way to combine them. I shot my first show in 2018, and in 2022 decided to go head-first into it. Since then, I’ve established myself as an event photographer, shooting more than just concerts but pop-up events, DJ events, and birthday parties.

I believe what sets me apart is my ability to adapt to any environment and get the job done, no matter the circumstances. Whether I’m shooting in low-light concert venues, in an outdoors event that’s rain or shine, or working within tight time constraints, I know I have to get the job done and stay focused on the goal. I think I ironically work best under pressure, but stay calm and confident and always find a way to make every shoot a success.

2024 was a year filled with milestones I’m proud of. I photographed over ten shows, including All Things Go with Respective Collective—a team I’m incredibly grateful to for giving me the opportunity to work alongside them. Another highlight was going on my first-ever weekend tour with my friends in en | Masse, an unforgettable experience on Halloweekend. I put myself out there in 2024 and stepped out of my comfort zone, and met some incredible people who have given me amazing opportunities and experiences.

For anyone considering working with me, I want them to know that my focus is on capturing the moments they’ll cherish. Whether it’s a big event or an intimate gathering, I approach each project with the same dedication, ensuring I capture candid moments of joy and happiness, making sure everyone looks their best and feels the same emotions they experienced on that day.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was that it’s not the equipment that makes the photographer—it’s the photographer’s vision, creativity, and skill.

When I first started out, I was constantly stressed about how my work would be perceived. I’d obsess over a single photo, nitpicking every tiny detail, even though it was a solid shot. I couldn’t see the value in my work because I was too busy comparing it to others.

I’d look at photographers with the latest gear—full-frame cameras, expensive lenses—and convince myself that their equipment was the secret to their success. It wasn’t just about wanting better gear; I truly believed that my own limitations as a photographer were tied to the limitations of my camera.

That mindset held me back in the beginning. I spent more time envying other people’s tools than learning to maximize my own. But as I gained more experience, I realized that the best photographers can create incredible images with even the most basic equipment.

A turning point for me was when I began receiving invitations to shoot shows that I would want to request a photo pass for. It made me realize that my work spoke for itself, and it wasn’t the equipment that was the focal point but the photos I produced.

Since then, I’ve focused on honing my skills, understanding light, and telling meaningful stories with my work. I still appreciate good equipment, but I now see it as a tool to enhance what I already bring to the table, not as the defining factor of my success. Letting go of that misconception freed me to grow as a photographer and focus on what really matters: creating images that resonate with people.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to capture fleeting moments and preserve them in a way that resonates with others.

There’s something magical about freezing a split-second in time—whether it’s the raw energy of a concert, the joy of a birthday party, or the quiet beauty of a street scene. Photography allows me to tell stories without words, and seeing how those stories connect with people is incredibly fulfilling. I’ve had artists share my work, expressing gratitude for the photos, and I’ve had clients express their pleasure and satisfaction with their photo galleries once delivered.

Being a creative is my way of connecting with people, leaving a lasting impact, and preserving memories through photographs that last a lifetime. Every event, concert, project, and person has a unique story to tell, and capturing those raw, unfiltered, beautiful, and passionate moments is what makes photography endlessly inspiring and fun.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmars.visuals

Image Credits

Justine Martinez