Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Reyes.
Hi Bianca, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
From the age of five, I was already holding a camera. I never “started,” I just always knew. Since I can remember I was drawn to capturing a moment, a person, a place, and to this day it remains unchanged. It’s part of my identity. When I was young because of my hearing loss, verbally communicating was a challenge, but I always found my safe haven in expressing and communicating my feelings through my photos.
At thirteen, during an art class, my teacher took us out on a field trip to take pictures and use them as inspiration for our drawing exercise. I vividly remember the moment when she looked at my photos and told me had a natural talent. That compliment shocked me; not only did I have a passion for art, but I was good at it.
That revelation fueled my passion for art. From then on, I was behind almost every family photo for years. I watched my cousins and sister grow up through my lenses, with no idea that those photos would be the very work that would get me into my dream school.
Once I turned eighteen, I never dreamt I could do this professionally. So, I was going to settle as an art teacher or psychologist to help kids with disabilities. But one day, my parents went to school and sat in front of my counselor and asked, “What are the best art schools?”. My parents’ support was all I needed to dive in head first. I got into my first choice, SCAD. The college where I spent the last four crazy years making everlasting friendships, memories and perfecting my craft.
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?
Growing up with hearing loss was difficult and made me work twice as hard as my peers. Wearing ties to school and having crushes on girls was, of course, something I feel made my road to who I am worthy of a good podcast.
Despite the challenges, it helped me grow and become more resilient to achieve my goals. With the family’s overwhelming support of my passion, it made it that much more attainable.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I came to the realization that the possibilities for what I could achieve were boundless. Despite being told that certain accomplishments were beyond my reach, I ultimately proved those notions wrong. In a world where everything appears submerged, with faint echoes of music above me, I honed the ability to transform that auditory experience into a visual one. Mastering the skill of capturing chaos and shaping it into a coherent picture has become my forte. I firmly believe that this is my distinguishing factor; instead of avoiding the chaos, I embrace it.
My reputation extends beyond being recognized as the world’s biggest chatterbox; it encompasses the meaningful connections I forge with people through my work. An enduring goal that I’ve consistently pursued since my time at SCAD, is creating the optimal environment for producing exceptional work. I made a personal commitment to ensure that my models feel at home—not merely due to the etiquette my mom ingrained in me from childhood, but because my best work materializes when everyone feels at ease and inspired by the project they’re part of.
I take immense pride when I finally capture that one picture that encapsulates a specific moment, feeling, or aesthetic my client and I were aiming for. The indescribable joy of breathing life into a client’s dream and vision is truly fulfilling. Yet, my personal work takes a distinct path. I focus on seizing moments, ensuring I always have a camera at hand. My love of photography revolves around finding that fleeting second when all elements align. I don’t merely perceive things and appreciate their beauty; I actively seek a narrative, one that unfolds within a single frame.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Yet, there’s a hidden passion of mine that remains unknown to many—an enduring love for books & literature. I am an enthusiastic collector, particularly drawn to photo books. It’s the kind of hobby that if I go into a shop and see one I have been wanting for years I have to get it. Presently, I find myself with enough books to make a miniature library, despite the lack of space—a predicament that has unintentionally transformed me into a high-class hoarder. Photo books, biographies, literary realism, and poetry, in particular, have consistently fueled my inspiration and intensified my devotion to photography. What draws me to them is the dream to craft my own book in the future. From envisioning the cover design to orchestrating a gallery show to promote it, and savoring the unmistakable aroma of a freshly pressed book—each element entices me. Collecting these books, for me, is a means of paying homage to and gaining insights from other artists, while simultaneously manifesting my own.
A few things come to mind when I reflect on my passions. There’s an innate drive within me to explore various art-related hobbies, whether it’s crafting ceramic roses or designing lighter covers. One particular passion that holds a special place in my heart is writing, especially poetry. I’ve dedicated an entire book to my poetic expressions and flash fiction, with aspirations to publish it someday. Perhaps you’ll even get a sneak peek.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biancareyesphoto/
Image Credits
Thomas Jones @sk3lemon
