Who?
My name is Jorge Garcia. I am originally from Tampa, Florida and have been shooting street for a little over 3 years. Both my parents are from Latin America, Cuba and Ecuador to be exact, but I don’t really identify with my Hispanic heritage. Sure, I love the food and can speak Spanish decently. But as for the rest, I have always felt like an outsider.
I am the founder of the NYC Street Photography Collective (NYC-SPC). I was inspired by the Photo League, and after reading a blog post by Eric Kim where he said “you are the sum of the people you surround yourself with,” (or something like that) I decided to start a group that focused on meeting regularly to review work and host events.
I married my high school sweetheart, love dogs (cats are whack), drink lots of coffee, enjoy craft beers (Cigar City Brewing’s Maduro if you ever want to treat me), and long long long walks.
Where?
I live in Ridgewood, Queens just north of the border between Queens and Brooklyn. This year I’ve spent most my time shooting in the city but have spent considerable time in the boroughs.
I am a big fan of Flushing, Queens but inter-borough travel via public transit leaves a lot to be desired. I highly recommend shooting in Queens. Neighborhoods to consider: Jackson Heights, Corona, and Flushing. All of them have great cheap food options.
When?
I shoot street full-time and I am trying to figure out how to make ends meet. I am probably insane but after committing 11 years to a Fortune 100 company, then to be blessed (or cursed) with getting laid off, I thought this was a good time to figure this out. I make photos almost every day but Monday to Friday I spend the most time shooting. I leave weekends open for friends and family. I am affected by shit weather. Perhaps it’s just the energy of the people on the streets but when it’s grey and miserable out, I come home with crap.
What?
I try to photograph things that evoke an emotional reaction. I prefer to stay moving and rarely stay still. I try to let my gut do most of the thinking but rarely does that work. I am usually lost in distractions and miss more shots then I would like.
Why?
This is a tough one. I have been asked by several editors recently when I try to find gigs, “Why?” or “What are you trying to say?” only to freeze up while I try to figure out some bullshit they want to hear. The only thing I can think of is, I really enjoy being outside and just walking around. I don’t want to make a statement, I just want to make pictures. I want the viewers to look at my pictures for what they are and let them decide what, if anything, they mean to them. I go out with no agenda other than to walk. My daily goal is to walk 10 miles and make photographs along the way.
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