Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Lopez.
Hi Jackie, thanks for joining us today. Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
I got into photography pretty organically. One Christmas, I was gifted a digital camera, and that’s really where everything started. I spent a lot of time just experimenting, figuring things out as I went, and building an eye for what I liked to capture.
In 2019, I made the switch to film, and that completely changed things for me. Since then, I’ve been shooting exclusively on film and haven’t really looked back. At that time, my parents passed down their 1975 Minolta SRT 101, and that camera quickly became the one I reach for the most. I’ve picked up a few point-and-shoots over the years to mix things up, but the SRT holds a lot of sentimental value and a special place in my heart; it’s a big part of how I connect with the process.
Most of my work is centered around street photography, and being in Miami gives me no shortage of inspiration; there’s always something happening, interesting people, great light. I also bring my camera along when I travel because I love documenting different places and environments. At the end of the day, though, it’s really about the light. If it hits a subject just right, even the most ordinary moment can turn into art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t really felt like a rough road, mainly because I’ve always approached photography as something I genuinely love rather than something I have to succeed at. Since it’s more of a passion project, there’s no pressure to perform or turn it into a main source of income, and I’d like to keep it that way. That freedom has made the whole experience a lot more enjoyable and sustainable.
For me, it’s all about having an outlet to express myself. Photography gives me that space, and that’s what keeps me coming back to it.
If anything, the most impactful part of the journey has been the people. I’ve met some really talented photographers and built great friendships along the way. Being surrounded by that kind of creativity pushes me to do better and grow, and the community here has been nothing but supportive.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
By day, I’m a Human Resources professional; after hours, photography is where I tap into a more creative, expressive side of myself.
As for my work behind the lens, I focus mainly on street photography, and everything I shoot is on film. That’s a big part of what defines my style. I’m drawn to film because of how it feels and the intentionality behind it. It carries this sense of nostalgia, like stepping into an old, familiar, slightly creaky home, yet it forces me to pause and think before I shoot my shot. There’s something honest about it. I don’t do any post-editing either; whatever comes back from the lab is exactly how I share it.
What I’m most proud of, honestly, is just being able to create. It’s something that’s become really important to my well-being as it gives me a sense of balance and fulfillment outside of my day job.
I think what sets me apart is that commitment to the process and the feeling behind it. Shooting film, embracing its imperfections, and letting moments exist as they are, that’s what makes it meaningful for me.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
It’s hard to say exactly where things are headed, but I do know one thing for sure… I’ll still be here with my Minolta, shooting film.
That said, there’s definitely been a noticeable resurgence in analog photography. You can see it just in Miami alone, there are at least four film labs that have opened up, which says a lot about the demand and the community. Shout out to Cardinal Film Lab (my home lab), Bellows, Palm Film, and the soon-to-open Film Blvd Labs (I’m sorry if I missed any!). And I’ve got to mention Pitman, too. That was the first spot I went to before all these newer labs came around and they’ve been serving the community for ages!
To me, that growth just reinforces the idea that everything is cyclical. Trends come and go, but the good stuff never really disappears, it just finds its way back around. Film photography is a perfect example of that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thegraincollective.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: @jax_lopez
