Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian.
Hi Christian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Photography didn’t start as a career for me — it started as a spark/a passion if you must . One tiny moment where curiosity and fear met creativity, and suddenly I was seeing the world through a frame that change my life forever,but I didn’t know it yet. Over last 5 years, that spark turned into a real craft, a lifestyle, and, honestly, a huge part of who I am. This is the story behind that journey: why I shoot, how I learned, and what keeps me showing up with my camera day by day. Growing up bilingual son of Two immigrant parents DACA recipient born in Mexico and raise in United States since 2003 was a hard transition and all they ever wanted was for me was to per-sue my dreams and to be happy but, who knew photography had some
Thing in store for me.
Finding the First Shot.
Every photographer has that moment — the one that pulls them in. For me, it wasn’t some dramatic revelation. It was simple: the feeling of freezing a moment and realizing it could live forever. That idea hooked me and the idea that I could move someone’s vision and turn it into true works of art. I’m a visual artist at best.
I started shooting long before I had the “right equipment” I started off with an old 2000 canon esos rebel series that did not work in low light only day time nor knew any of “da rules.” I just felt this pull to capture moment in time and what I saw, also to figure out why some moments hit harder than others. That early curiosity shaped everything I do now.
Growing Into My Craft
I have gone from being the person that rarely takes photos to being the guy that snaps pictures and looks for ideas really being the photographer people actually sought out all day every day . Rome was not made in one day. I was a big over thinker and doubted myself many times twas but a tiny push of my dear friend Vincent Doyle (where at 9pm we would go down into Midtown,Buckhead and Ponce Ave and shoot until 3am) and a huge light of God and my Wife Kelly Luna that guided me when I didn’t have a editing software or even a place to think to gear me up for this path that had been set before me. I am eternally grateful . I learned through tests, many disappointments, a whole lot of restless nights editing and plenty of coffee stops from (Village Coffee House on Little Five Points) until things finally clicked.
There were milestones along the way — my first photoshoot was with my little brother and my wife back when we were dating 4 years ago , the first time someone hung up one of my photos on a frame were my wife’s cousin’s family and genuinely the first moment I realized my work had a style all its own and could be something . Each chapter taught me something: patience, Time , and most importantly, Confidence .
My photography has gone through phases, too. Early trial runs . The hustle era where every picture felt so good. The “I think I actually know what I’m doing now but forgets every minor step phase. And now? I’m somewhere between refinement and reinvention. I’m always learning.
The Way I Work
My process is a whole vibe on its own. When I shoot, I’m not just thinking about lighting or composition — I’m thinking about storytelling. I’m thinking about how a tiny shift in an angle can pull my viewers in of a shot. How images bestow stories.
I’ve grown into a style that feels like me: very intentional, bold when it needs to be, soft and intimate when the moment needs it . The gear matters sure, at least to a certain extent but the vision is what drives me some of my best pieces were from the dome.
Before a shoot, I like to build a mental note of my supplies — what inspires me and three simple things Light, a place and a subject the rest was up to me to innovate. During the shoot, I remain optimistic. I let the art present itself 10/10 it always does that’s why my pieces mean so much to me . Afterward, editing while chowing down on a delicious 10pc hot lemon pepper wing combo becomes I earned it. I recommend (Urban Wings)
On Piedmont Ave this meditative process, where the final image starts to take shape. It’s like sculpting with light and shadow.
Why I Shoot
There’s always a point in an interview where someone asks, “So what’s the theme of your work?”
For me, it’s human connection, Cinematics and It’s emotion. It’s the raw, unposed moments you can’t fake.its the laughs and ties you make with your subject. Not to mention you’re in Atlanta where the players come to play. There’s such a diverse culture from the pop up events and markets on Edgewood ave to club scenes at night in Buckhead. I love my city.
Photography is my way of slowing the world down long enough to feel something real. I’m drawn to stories that sit between the obvious lines — the subtle, the imperfect, the fleeting. If someone looks at my work and feels understood, seen, or even just curious, that’s the biggest win.
Projects That Changed Me
There are a few shoots that shaped me more than I expected. The ones where nothing went as planned but somehow the photos ended up being my favorites. The ones where the client trusted me enough to try something new and to those I want to say thank you for trusting me. I am honored to be seen by you. The ones where I walked away knowing I leveled up.thats confidence
Each project is its own lesson — about people, about being patient within the art , about trusting my own eye more than the “supposed to’s.” These shoots taught me to push my boundaries, even if that just means taking one more shot when most people would pack up.
Who I’ve Become Because of Photography
If you rewind all the way to the beginning, I wasn’t the most confident person with a camera. I was figuring it out like anyone else. But photography has changed my voice.it gave me character It made me more observant, more intentional, and way more comfortable stepping into my own lane.
I look back and see growth — real, noticeable growth — not just in my technique but in my entire perspective. Photography taught me discipline, creativity, and how to trust my instincts.
Where you can find me.
I’m always on the move or on foot walking to my destinations from the Varsity and Georgia Tech Campus to Ponce city Market to Lil Five Points.
Where I’m Headed Next
The world is my oyster but t he future feels widely open, who knows maybe a different city different people I’m in it for the ride and that’s the exciting part. I’ve got skills I want to sharpen, styles I want to experiment with, and stories I haven’t told yet. I want to expand my portfolio, push new concepts, and keep building a body of work that feels authentically me.
No matter where I go next, one thing is guaranteed: I’ll keep shooting. I’ll keep chasing moments worth remembering. And I’ll keep growing through the lens.
Words of encouragement
Listen to your voice trust your own art and lead with intention. For any photographer that chases that drive or passion to do something. JUST DO IT! Passion fuels your creativity. Don’t stop. Let it consume your life bc you’re in this for a long time not a short one.
I love you
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No starting off was complicated for me lack of funds too or not having the resources but sometimes it was just not having the sheer drive at one point to peruse photography as a career but God is enough! I persevered on
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a concept art photographer that pursues a college degree for dentistry
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am 27 years old and DACA recipient born in Mexico and raise in United States since 2003 son to two immigrant parents that all they wanted was for me to per-sue my dreams and to be happy. Bilingual and married into a Salvadorian family Together Strong.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/luxarpiq
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/luxarpiq
