We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Fernando Vargas Jr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Fernando below.
Fernando , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found purpose from all the mistakes I made as a young person. From drinking to losing my family (broke up and now a single father) to hitting rock bottom. I was 26 years old when I came to the realization that I can end up in jail or dead so I chose to go sober. In November of this year I’ll be 5 years sober and I couldn’t be anymore proud of myself because making that decision saved my life. I found photography in the mists of the chaos in my life. Once I didn’t have negative distractions, I found myself picking up my camera more. It become my new way of coping with life. At one point the camera was always in my hands that it become such a big part of my identity. I would go for long walks everyday and just photograph anything. When I say anything I mean I would photograph something most people would walk right passed and for me it would call my name and I would make something out of nothing. Street photography helped me find my purpose to pursuit my career as a wedding photographer. I used to feel like I didn’t have a purpose in life and photography made me see meaning in everything, even in the smallest details. I carrying this mindset with me in life and especially in my career as a wedding photographer.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hello, my name is Fernando and I’m a full-time wedding photographer & I love my job! My girlfriend Alyssa always says, “If I had a dollar for every time you’ve said that, I would be a millionaire by now.” Photography for me is therapy and an outlet to express my feelings. I pour every ounce of myself in every photo I create. I enjoy photographing weddings because its a day full of joy and happiness. It’s a day were we all forget about the real world and I become great friends with complete strangers I didn’t even know existed. I’ve been a wedding photographer for about 2 and a half years and let me tell you that its been a beautiful journey so far! I have met so many people, traveled up north, down south and out of the state. This journey wouldn’t be possible without the help of the loving community that have my back (too many people to name).
My style of photography is a blend of documentary and editorial. I strive to capture real, candid moments as they happen, but I also like to incorporate a bit of direction and styling to create a more editorial feel. Although I have experience with both digital and film, I have always been drawn to the timeless quality of film photography. Film photography makes the fast pace of the world slow down just a bit for the photograph to feel more special. Film makes you think and look at the littlest details before taking a picture because once you take the picture you wont be able to see it for at least a few days or couple of weeks. When I’m using my digital camera I keep the same mindset as if it was a film camera!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For me the important things in my journey will be to have patience because things will workout as along as you’re showing up and getting the job done with a good mindset. Patience is a beautiful skill to have because it’ll get you very far in the wedding industry and also in your day to day life. Number two would be to have thick skin because in this industry you’ll receive more no’s than yes’s. Thick skin also shows how professional you are as a photographer in difficult situations that can come up when you’re out in the field or in a meeting with a client. Number three would be giving great customer service because on a wedding day you are expected to preform at a professional level but also help them feel comfortable on a day that maybe a little stressful and chaotic. Giving great customer service to clients and guests on their wedding day helps create a better overall experience.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The most helpful person has to be my best friend Jake Fosmire. Why? He pretty much took me under his wing and showed me how to become a professional wedding photographer. He also taught me the business side of photography which I had no experience in. I’m thankful that he has been 100% real with me since day one. Jake brought me on one of his photography jobs, a maternity/engagement photo shoot, so I can see how things work and it changed my life completely. I fell in love with photography even more! My first thought was, “you can make beautiful pictures and also get paid for it!?” At that moment I had a different mindset about photography. From helping me get my first job to helping me design my website, Jake has been a one of kind friend to me. Thanks Jake!
Contact Info:
- Website: Fernvjr.com
- Instagram: Fernvjr
Image Credits
First Photo: Mattea linae The other 4 photos by: Jake Fosmire
