Today we’d like to introduce you to Arturo Holmes.
Arturo, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I began photography four years ago starting out as therapy. I took my tuition reimbursement check and purchased my first camera (Canon DSLR Rebel SL1) and began shooting any and everything. However, months later, when the Freddie gray riots/protests broke out in Baltimore City, I captured a unique photo that went semi-viral. I then became a published photographer. Months after that, my brother and I, whom I hadn’t seen in a decade, met up at the casino and I won $3500 off $5 on a machine. I took that money and bought my first professional set of equipment from camera to lenses to software.
From there, I took off. I began shooting sports for my college alma mater, then concerts at major venues, then the BET Hip Hop Awards and so on. Of course, meeting people along the way showing them my work giving me an opportunity to expand my portfolio. My first professional sporting assignment was the WNBA. Once I got there, I knew it would be a matter of time I’d get the NBA.
Fast forward to today, I’ve covered the Super Bowl, NCAA Championship games, MLB, NBA, Boxing, NAACP events, D.L. Hughley’s photographer, and more. You name, I’ve shot it. But it didn’t come without denials and no’s after constant emails being sent. Out of all the emails I’ve sent to editors and pr people, I’d say about 95% never responded… the first time. Today is still a grind especially now that the digital industry has changed for the worse. Freelancing isn’t easy and I’m still not where I want to be but I know my time is coming and although I moved faster than most in this industry, I’ve gone through enough obstacles to knowing I’m ready for what Blessings are coming my way.
Now, I just want to give back to the community, share my journey to aspiring digital artists alike, and put others in a position to excel as did a small handful of people has done for me.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I’m a photojournalist. I cover everything from red carpets to major sporting events to corporate conventions to conceptual portrait work for clients. No matter what I shoot, one thing is consistent, emotion. What attracted me to photography was the overwhelming feeling I encountered when I gazed at an image. Then when I created my own images, the expression from those I presented it to let me know this is where I need to be. It was almost as if I finally felt accepted. My work projects emotion and I try to always keep it positive. My goal is to freeze a moment at a time and angle that no one would normally see in a regular situation.
How can artists connect with other artists?
Artists can reach out to other artists by using social media, of course, and not being afraid to walk up to a fellow creative and simply say, “Hello.” I use to be a loner in the aspect of when I went to an event on assignment, I stayed to myself and did what I came to do. But I realized by doing that, I’m missing out on “growth.” It’s important to connect with other artists because 1. You’ve possibly made a new friend/ business partner, 2. You might learn something, 3. That person could introduce you to more people, 4. They could bring more work your way, 5. Some move faster than others so you can put them in a position to succeed or the other way around. However, keep in mind that not everyone may have your best interest and could easily be plotting on you and your success. What I mean by that is, you think you’re cool but as soon as you say or do something that could be taken the wrong way, that person could go to your assignment editor and tell them what happened which in turn could ban you from future events and etc. just so they can take your spot. It’s a competitive business so it’s important to also keep your eyes and mind open. Be friendly, be selective, be open, and just be aware.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My work is published all over. From the Baltimore Sun, the New York Times, and more. My website is www.artugraphiq.com.
People can support and find my work at www.artugraphiq.com as well as on Instagram @arturoholmesphoto. Comment, like, and if opportunities you think may fit my skill set, let a brother know.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artugraphiq.com
- Email: artugraphiq@gmail.com
- Instagram: @arturoholmesphotos
Image Credit:
Arturo Holmes
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