We recently connected with Sergio Bastidas and have shared our conversation below.

Sergio, 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?

One of my inspirations that I’ve had with my creative process was the graphic novel and film “The Crow.” For years I had been trying to turn certain images from the comic to photographs. I conceived of the idea back in 2011 but couldn’t find the right model to help me figure out how to do this. After years of search I finally had a muse that I could see help with the interpretation. The photos were taken in 2020 with the collaboration of my make up artist. We meticulously researched behind the scenes photos of the film to accurately portray the make up as it was done in the film. The finished results were beyond my expectations. It all paid off when I met the creator of the comic, James O’Barr, and I presented my work to him. He stated that it was a great reference for drawing and that two images looked exactly as he had drawn them.

Sergio, 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?

I started photography in 2005 going to my community college then transferring to Brooks Institute of photography. After that I did a couple of years in Los Angeles as a music photographer with it leading with me moving back to my home town of Brawley, Ca and landing a job with the news paper as a photo journalist. Eventually I branched out to do more client work with me opening a photography studio in the city of El Centro, ca in 2021.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I started my photography journey I wanted to be a photo journalist. I went to school for it with me eventually getting a job with my local newspaper. But after 3 years the paper laid off all their photographers. I had no idea what I wanted to do or what direction I should take. I decided to be a portrait photographer that led me to owning my own business and photography studio.

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

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing the reaction of my clients to the work I created. After spending much time editing images you get tired of seeing your work and you tend to dislike what you created. It isn’t after some time and you see your clients start showing their images that you appreciate the work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smbphotog.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smb.photog
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smbphotog

Image Credits

Photographer portrait by @
Del Ponce Photography.