Meet Victor Garcia | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Victor Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Victor, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?

I was born in Chicago, but I don’t remember much about it because I was too young. My elementary school years were spent in Charlotte, but Charleston is where I truly grew up and have my roots. By the time I got to Hanahan High School, I had already changed schools seven times. Moving around so much was tough, especially since I was an only child with a single mom. It always felt like I was the new kid, constantly starting over and trying to find my place.

Being the “new kid” in school is already hard, but being noticeably different added another layer of challenge during my middle school and high school years. I was chubby, queer, and brown, which unfortunately made me a target for bullying. It wasn’t easy, but those experiences played a big part in shaping who I am today. They taught me the importance of resilience and gave me a unique perspective on life.

Throughout those tough years, I learned to quietly observe the world around me. This ability to deeply take in my surroundings influenced my passion for photography. It allowed me to capture moments from a distinct perspective, revealing the beauty and diversity that exists in everyday life.

By embracing my differences and developing resilience, I’ve become someone who values diversity and understands the strength that comes from overcoming challenges. These experiences not only shaped my character but also fueled my creativity and passion for capturing the world through my camera lens.

So, even though those years were definitely challenging, they ultimately gave me a deeper understanding of the world and a unique insight that I now bring to my photography.

This outsider perspective has given me an eye for the ordinary, often overlooked details of my city. I’m drawn to capturing the raw, authentic moments that tell deeper stories. My work focuses on highlighting the beauty in the real, sometimes the gritty aspects of life that others might miss. I believe that every person and place has a story worth telling, and my aim is to bring these stories to the forefront through my photography.

Growing up in Charleston has exposed me to different environments and people. The city’s historic charm, vibrant communities, and rapidly evolving landscapes added a new dimension to my worldview. These experiences not only shaped my artistic vision but also ignited a passion within me to capture the essence of change and diversity through my work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My professional life revolves around capturing the true beauty of everyday life and the diverse faces within the queer community. My Urban Editorial style focuses on highlighting the raw and authentic, blending the unrefined with the refined to reveal the profound beauty in ordinary moments and untold stories.

A standout project for me has been the Quarantine Queens collection. This series not only brought me closer to Charleston’s drag scene but also fueled my passion for documenting queer lives. These works aim to reveal the depth and resilience of these communities.

Professionally, I also collaborate extensively within Charleston’s art community. Local makeup artists, models, and other creatives have been essential to my recent projects. We form a dynamic team, continuously inspiring and supporting each other to create even more impactful work.

My brand is all about celebrating real beauty and powerful true stories. I focus on showcasing real people and places as they are, rather than aiming for a perfect shot. My goal is to highlight the vibrant and diverse charm that often goes unnoticed and bring important stories to light through my photography.

Overall, my work is driven by a desire to capture the essence of change, diversity, and resilience, and to encourage people to view the world with a kinder, more appreciative eye.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d show them Charleston’s top eats, culture spots, and secret cool places.
We’d hit up some awesome spots like Vern’s, Chubby Fish, Malagon, and Chasing Sage for a real taste of this town’s food scene. Take it from a local!

We’d explore Charleston’s history and culture at the African American Museum. It’s a key spot with a deep look into the lives and work of African Americans here and in other places. Next up would be the Gibbes Museum of Art, showcasing incredible American art pieces and exhibitions highlighting the area’s artistic heritage.

Art means a lot to me, so we’d also check out Redux Contemporary Art Center for a local artists perspective. This place rocks for modern and local art and always has exhibits making you think and get inspired.

We’d make sure to get outside too. Hampton Park counts as one of the most pretty areas in town great for a calm walk or a laid-back lunch on the grass. Plus, for some fun, we’d explore the Bridge to Nowhere—a strange, not so famous place, that if you know, you know. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support of my friends, community, and chosen family, especially during some of the most challenging times in my life. Their understanding and encouragement were crucial when I decided to return to school in 2021, right after the pandemic reshuffled everyone’s lives. Thanks to their support, I graduated from Trident Technical College in May 2023.

My professors also played a significant role. They saw my potential and pushed me to hone my skills, guiding me with their expertise. Their belief in me was invaluable, but it was my determination and the path I paved for myself that propelled me forward. My tendency to hyperfixate, while sometimes challenging, has been a powerful driver for my creativity and productivity.

One of the most transformative experiences was my 2020 project, Quarantine Queens. This queer photo project introduced me to many local Charleston drag artists, including Melody Lucas, who has become a close friend and collaborator. Melody’s influence helped me discover my love for photographing queer people, which has since become a central theme in my work.

Additionally, I’ve connected with some incredible makeup artists and models through local Facebook pages. Shout out to my hair and makeup artist, Artistry Ave by Kala Kannisto, and superstar model, Adam Douglas Perez. These collaborations have been instrumental in my recent creative endeavors. We support each other and work together as a dynamic team, and I’m excited about the future projects we have lined up.

All these people—the friends who stood by me, the professors who guided me, the artists who inspired me, and the collaborators who work with me—deserve a huge shoutout. Their contributions have helped me build a unique artistic brand that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the queer community.

Website: https://www.victorlovesyou.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorlovesyou/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorgarcia-chs/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VictorGarciaPhotos

Image Credits
Photography by Victor Garcia