Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Garcia
Hi Julian, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Art in Every Frame
I began my career as a cinematographer at 18 when I enrolled at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in 2017. From the start, I knew my focus would be camera direction. I was captivated by the magic behind the lens, the depth of every frame, and the visual and emotional impact that a single shot could convey. Each time I positioned myself behind the camera, I felt a genuine connection to the world through a unique perspective. Every shot had the potential to tell complex stories, filled with emotion and meaning—a universe in every click.
However, my path wasn’t always straightforward. After a few years, in 2021, I decided to step away from both cinematography and photography. At that point, my life felt directionless, and I sensed I had lost the spark that once fueled my creativity. It was a time of uncertainty, where I wasn’t sure where I was headed or if I would ever regain that sense of purpose I so deeply desired.
But in 2022, something shifted within me. With the intention of reconnecting with what I once loved, I decided to buy a camera again. I dove headfirst into filmmaking, working on sharpening my eye and skills behind the lens. Yet, there was something about the editing process that I always found challenging. While it was a crucial step for any filmmaker, video editing brought me a lot of stress and anxiety. My friends and colleagues knew I preferred filming, the act of capturing peculiar, unique images and details that might go unnoticed for most but that, to me, were pieces of art.
My approach has always been to capture the unusual, those small gems that hold profound emotions and meanings, as if each scene could be displayed in a museum. I realized I was fascinated by portraying the most authentic and peculiar sides of reality, always searching for moments that, although they might seem ordinary, contained a singular essence.
Throughout that year, I built a solid foundation in filming, but eventually, I felt that the initial excitement had faded. That’s when I decided to experiment with a different camera: the GoPro Hero 12. Although an unusual choice for a cinematographer, this decision became a personal challenge, a way to continue exploring and rediscovering my passion. I felt like the Anthony Bourdain of cameras, always trying something new.
It was with this camera and a photograph I captured almost by chance that I found my true passion: photography. The magic of capturing a unique, unrepeatable moment is priceless. From that moment, my love for photography only grew, leading me to projects in Miami with renowned artists and producers like Michi Sanz, KZO, Brenda Aliendro and more. With each shot, my skills evolved, and soon I was working with higher-quality cameras, giving my projects a new sense of life and depth.
Later, I decided to purchase a Canon AE-1 film camera, which allowed me to take my work to a more personal and professional level. With this camera, I explored a more authentic and nostalgic style of 35mm photography, something that deeply connected me to the art I wanted to convey. I began to develop a lifestyle approach, capturing the essence of everyday moments with an honesty that, to this day, defines my work.
Every project I take on with film is an extension of my passion for what is real, raw, and genuine. Throughout my career, I’ve built a unique portfolio that reflects not only a careful technique but also a sensitivity that seeks to capture the soul in every image
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. My journey has been full of ups and downs, each one teaching me something essential about myself and my craft. One of the biggest challenges was the moment I felt lost and decided to step away from cinematography and photography entirely. At that time, my life felt directionless, and I struggled to rediscover the passion that initially drove me.
Another big challenge has been the competition and the lack of understanding around art. Many times, I worked for free because some people I collaborated with didn’t have the budget to pay, and I understood that—we’re all trying to reach our goals. I’ve always loved helping others achieve their dreams, too. But in some cases, it became frustrating. I helped certain people, only to feel taken advantage of, which ultimately led me to distance myself from the music industry. There’s a lack of appreciation and support for photographers and cinematographers, which makes it hard for us to be recognized as artists in our own right.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in 35mm lifestyle and portrait photography, focusing on capturing moments that feel real and authentic. I’m known for the way I capture small, meaningful details that bring depth and emotion to each image. There’s something powerful about finding those subtle elements that others might miss, which is what I strive to showcase in my work. These moments are what set my photography apart, bringing a unique intimacy and storytelling quality to each portrait and lifestyle shot.
I’m very proud of all my works so far, because every single one of them are a unique piece of art. And if I have to say what set me apart from the others, are the small details that nobody sees.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was curious and observant, always drawn to the details that made people and places unique. I had a natural inclination to notice the little things others often overlooked, whether it was in my surroundings or in people’s expressions. I was also pretty creative loved exploring different forms of art and storytelling, which eventually led me to cinematography and photography. I was an actor when I was in high school too, and that was and still is, one of my biggest passions of all times. I never pursue that career in collage.
In terms of personality, I’ve always been a mix of laid-back and driven. I was easygoing, but whenever I set my mind on a goal, I’d commit fully, always pushing to improve and learn. I enjoyed helping others and often found myself supporting friends in their creative projects, which made me realize how much I loved collaborating.
Contact Info:
- Website: \https://www.notjuliangil.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notjuliangil/
Image Credits
Paradize, Brizza, Framez, Xedrick Olmo, Michi Sanz, Ana Victoria and Dani Rodriguez
