3 minute read
James Garcia: Photographer
Written by Brad Sanzenbacher, all photography by James Garcia
“A lot of areas where I loved to shoot don’t even exist anymore,” James Garcia explains as he reflects on the changing nature of San Jose, where he’s spent the bulk of his life. “There used to be a lot of cool spots to shoot off Stockton Avenue—they’re no longer there.”
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Look through his online gallery, and you’ll see why—as a photographer at least—he’s sad to see San Jose’s gritty industrial districts become gentrified. In his modeling shoots, girls pose with piles of rusting car parts and in front of shabby tin walls. There’s an aesthetic of urban decay in his work that when paired with golden beams of California sunlight, invokes nostalgia for an older, neon San Jose. Many of his models are redlipped, tattooed pinup girls— adding to the vintage feel. If Garcia’s art has a distinctly San Jose aesthetic, it’s because he’s a native of the area and deeply connected to the culture.
He remembers his grandfather having a book of Ansel Adams photographs on his coffee table, which at first made him interested in drawing. “I’d always draw these Ansel Adams landscapes and Norman Rockwell pictures,” he says. “Then it kind of dawned on me one day: how come I’m drawing a picture? Why don’t I just take the picture.” Photography was a hobby he toyed with in high school, shooting on film, but it didn’t seriously stick until he rediscovered his passion in 2005.
Photography allows James to explore his various interests. He is a hot-rod enthusiast and active in the Krusin Klassics car club, which gives him a lot of opportunities to take unique car photos. His go-to model—his wife—is always willing to be a test subject for new photographic techniques. His other passion is learning, and that goes hand in hand with photography. “The art of photography is always evolving,” he explains. “You have to evolve with it.”
Despite his high level of skill, James says the pursuit of excellence in photography means he’s rarely satisfied with his work and is always looking for opportuni- ties to improve. “My favorite pic- ture I’ve taken?” he says with a laugh. “The last one.”
He says he’s always trying to develop his eye and shoots every day—even if it’s just with the cam- era on his phone. He currently lives in Hollister, and his com- mute to work in San Jose gives him lots of chances to shoot sun- rises and experiment with early morning light.
Today, you can hire James for a shoot for your family, business, or modeling portfolio. He also sells photos at art shows around the area. In addition to his photography business, he’s also a full-time investigator for the Santa Clara County DA’s office, which he says is symbiotic with his life of taking pictures.
“You deal with everything from domestic violence to homicide. You meet a lot of people from different walks of life. People are going through distressing situations,” he says of his day job. “The art and photography have helped me connect with people.”
In talking with James, his positive energy is quickly apparent. He cites the influence of spirituality in his work, and upon studying his scenic pictures, you’ll see what he means. In stunning photos of landscapes and beaches, he keeps his light source present in the frame with visible rays of sunlight piercing the image. “People who know me know I’m positive and upbeat,” he says. “I’m a spiritual person. I’m always trying to capture and convey the light.”
His website: jrgphotography.com
Instagram: jrgphotography
