From professional combat sports to glamour photography, Joseph Garza’s creative journey is one of reinvention, collaboration and a lifelong willingness to learn.
Some photographers discover their passion behind the camera at an early age. Others find their way there through an entirely unexpected route.
For Joseph Garza, that route began in the fighting ring.
Before turning his attention to photography, Joseph was a professional fighter, competing in mixed martial arts, kickboxing and boxing. It was an idea for an Oklahoma combat-sports news website that first led him into the worlds of photography and journalism, two disciplines he admits he knew very little about at the time.
What followed was a journey into portrait and glamour photography, where Joseph developed an appreciation for creative lighting, imaginative concepts and the relationships that make memorable photographs possible.
His portfolio reflects that journey, moving between carefully constructed glamour images, expressive portraits and striking location photography. But perhaps the most revealing aspect of his work is the importance he places on collaboration and the satisfaction of helping someone see themselves in an entirely new light.
HERA Magazine International caught up with Joseph to discuss his unusual beginnings, his creative process and the experiences that continue to inspire him.
Hera: Let’s start at the beginning. How did you first become interested in photography, and what inspired you to pick up a camera?
Joseph: I was a professional fighter (MMA, Kickboxing, and Boxing) before I picked up a camera. Right before I retired from fighting I had an idea. That was to create a news site for all professional fighting arts in the state of Oklahoma.
It was there that I jumped into the deep end of photography and journalism. Both of which I had no clue about. So I had to learn fast.
Hera: Your portfolio features a wonderful variety of glamour and portrait photography. What attracts you to photographing people, and have any of the models you’ve worked with ever surprised you, perhaps through their personality, creativity or something unexpected they brought to a shoot
Joseph: My first photos were of people, but in fast motion. I was interested in trying photography at a slower, controlled pace. So I created a Hotties section. That later became a place to hire ring card girls for upcoming events or even permanent positions for certain promotions.
I can’t say that a model ever surprised me. I can say that if we clicked, WE CLICKED! Then the photos would speak for themselves.
Hera: Every photographer has their own creative approach. When planning a shoot, do you usually begin with a clear concept, or do you prefer to let ideas develop naturally as you work with the model?
Joseph: I feel like I have a very creative approach. I would see a model’s portfolio and think of something to offer that they may have never tried before. Or with a fresh face new to the modeling world, I would mold ideas to their look.
I have them fill out a questionnaire. Then with a few of the answers, ideas would start to snowball. The good models would take my ideas and return their thoughts back to me.
After a good match of back and forth, our first of several ideas would be jotted down. I most generally buy or provide the majority of the wardrobe. I always want it to look as close to my vision as possible.
Hera: Lighting can completely transform the mood of a photograph. How important is lighting to your work, and do you have a particular style or technique you enjoy using?
Joseph: Lighting is the most important piece to my photography. I am constantly learning new and wild lighting techniques. So, I would say that my style changes in phases as I incorporate new techniques.
Hera: One thing we’ve noticed about your photography is that you’ve developed some wonderful working relationships with your models, with several returning for multiple shoots. That kind of ongoing collaboration suggests a real sense of trust and creative connection. How important are those relationships to you, and how do they influence the photographs you create together?
Joseph: The relationships I create with the models are very important. I find it easy to shoot amazing photos of someone I can see myself and my wife going out with them and their significant other.
Some of which become such good friends that we invite each other to family or group outings together. And even go on to shoot family photos for them and their kids later in life.
Hera: Looking through your photographs, there’s a mixture of natural outdoor settings and more carefully controlled environments. Do you prefer shooting on location or in a studio-style setting, and what are the advantages of each?
Joseph: I love to shoot in places that local photographers in my area don’t have easy access to. I also love to shoot some killer studio ideas when the occasion arises.
The advantage is in my studio, I have everything accessible. On location I just hope I lugged everything I needed for the best shoot I can take.
Hera: Photography is often about capturing something beyond someone’s appearance. What do you think separates a genuinely memorable portrait from an ordinary photograph?
Joseph: Try not to throw your entire style into what is trending. Otherwise your photos look the same as your peers.
I love to always incorporate separation with lighting unless the idea calls for a flat look or even retro.
Hera: Has there been a particular photoshoot, photograph or collaboration that you’re especially proud of? We’d love to hear the story behind it.
Joseph: I am most generally proud when the model is impressed. When someone says to you that they never had a photo of themself look this amazing.
Hera: We’ve really enjoyed watching your photography develop over time, and it’s been wonderful to see your work go from strength to strength. Looking back on your journey, what do you feel you’ve learned most as a photographer, and what advice would you give to someone just starting out in glamour or portrait photography?
Joseph: What I have learned most as a photographer is LIGHT. The proper light, at the right time, in the right place can take the same photo from good to Great to UNBELIEVABLE.
The advice I would give to someone just starting out in glamour/portrait photography would be… Ask questions. Ask your favorite photographer questions. Ask your favorite model to shoot. Find a muse on your level and just shoot.
Hera: Finally, what does the future hold for Joseph Garza Photography? Are there any creative ambitions, projects or collaborations you’d particularly love to pursue?
Joseph: I would love to shoot more but work generally gets in the way.
Although, I have done on a couple of occasions, taken a model or group of models across the country to shoot in various places along the way. I would love to do a few more and possibly do some in other countries as well.
But the future for Joseph Garza Photography is to keep shooting.
A Passion That Continues to Evolve
Joseph Garza’s journey is a reminder that creativity doesn’t always follow a conventional path.
From the intensity of professional combat sports to the carefully considered lighting of a glamour portrait, his career has taken him through seemingly different worlds. Yet there are common threads running through his work: discipline, timing, preparation and a determination to keep improving.
What particularly stands out is his appreciation for the people he photographs. For Joseph, a successful image isn’t simply one that demonstrates technical ability. It’s also one that leaves the person in front of his camera feeling genuinely delighted with the result.
And while he hopes to explore new locations, travel internationally and continue experimenting with his photography, his ultimate ambition is refreshingly straightforward: to keep shooting.
HERA Magazine International would like to extend our sincere thanks to Joseph Garza for sharing his experiences, his photography and his creative journey with us. We also thank the models featured throughout this interview for helping bring his photographic vision to life.
Photography: Joseph Garza Photography
Featured models and subjects: Jim, Abby Walls, Leslie Dunn, Christina Jones, Candice Garza, Rachell Hutcherson, Samantha Bell and Robin Grimshaw.
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Joseph isn’t the only HERA contributor whose story connects the worlds of martial arts and photography.
In our interview with Jade: Strength, Confidence and the Freedom to Be Yourself, we meet a model and judo champion whose experiences offer another fascinating perspective on confidence, determination and life in front of the camera.
Read our interview with Jade: Strength, Confidence and the Freedom to Be Yourself.
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