Today we’d like to introduce you to P.J. Guinto
Hi P.J., so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Photography has long been in my family — my dad was a hobbyist and my sister also dabbled in photography. I got into photography seriously later in life at age 36 in late 2019 right before the pandemic started. The pandemic was beneficial in a way due to the fact that I had a lot of free time that I could devote to learning the craft. Photography was the creative outlet I always wanted, but never had.
I pretty much learned everything from watching Youtube videos and just taking photos as much as I could.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I never got into photography to make money, so I’ve never had to deal with any struggles in that regard. That being said, photography is and can be VERY expensive. I rent my own studio, so constantly buying things can become problematic
For me personally, it’s dealing with my own insecurities whether it’s not thinking I’m good enough or knowing my own value as a photographer.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have a full-time job, but I’m known now primarily for my photography. Before photography, I used to run a well-known music blog and was a radio DJ at KRCL.
I never really had a label for the kind of photography I do, but if I were forced to give an answer, I’d consider myself a creative portrait photographer. That being said, I also love shooting concerts, editorial and fashion — I never want to limit myself in that regard.
I think what sets me apart is my lighting and that I’m always trying to do something fun and different. I’m always trying to learn and push myself to get better. I also I think Utah has a very specific kind of vibe in the photography community as far as what is deemed successful and I just try to not be that at all, even if it’s to my own detriment.
As of late, one thing I’m very proud of is being recognized for my photography by brands like Nikon. There’s like a family history of using Nikon cameras, so I think it’s very cool that they like and feature my work.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
just to keep in on topic, I remember never liking getting my photo taken. My father had a Nikon F2 and would take photos of my sister and I what felt like every day. Pretty much every photo taken of me I am very much not happy about it at all. Which is funny and probably why I just never thought I would get into it myself until much later in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pjguinto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pj.guinto/
