How I became a Featured Magazine Photographer

All images © Dylan Cruz Photography. All content in magazine © Tremblay Magazine.

​I know, it's crazy, right? But it happened... and suddenly 2016 took a turn I never thought life would take me to. Make sure to click the photo above to see the full interview on Tremblay Magazine!

​Opening up my photography business was a long and well thought-out process. Do I chase after something I admired from a distance? Or do I continue admiring artists' work from afar? Watching my Uncle take photos at nearly every family occasion or special event, I always saw how much he enjoyed capturing these special moments. It inspired me every time I was able to see him work; It was and still very much is his heart- that he shares with others. I began to realize that his passion was becoming contagious. Finding myself taking a break from whatever I was doing, I would research about the craft of photography which included: Editing, Lighting, Cameras', Lens', softwares, etc. That passion turned into an active pursuit towards something that would not only allow me to fulfill that desire, but challenge myself creatively. Working in retail, I thought about how difficult it might be to save up for a camera of my own. I also thought about how long it would take, however,  I decided to pay attention to the positives- along with embracing the new journey that I now stepped into in order to pursue a craft that drew the passion in me to create, challenge, and admire work of my own that I was inspired to capture.. 

Jumping ahead, I finally bought my camera and began a journey I still continue to be pasionate about. Gaining a repritore of clients and work under my belt and into my portfolio, 3 and a half years later I planned a vacation to California, having in mind a few goals I wanted to accomplish while out there. Relax, network, and market. I had just wrapped up a show in college where I starred lead. (Check out my next blog that will talk ALL about this!) It was much needed time away from the busiest 6 months I've ever had. Upon getting to California, I moved my things into my cousin and his beautiful familys home and ventured out into the state that took me two years to come back to. As I traveled around and explored Cali, I began to network with other artists. Tweeting, DM'ing, etc. to see who would bite back. Four days into my vacation, I get a tweet back from Youtube/Vine star, Aaron Encinas. We talked for a bit and ended up scheduling a shoot. After my first week of fun and adventure, it was time to take my friend to the airport. After she left I embarked on another week in California, but this time, by myself. The shoot day arrived and I traveled to Pasadena, CA. to meet with my new client- where we sat down and had coffee at Intelligentsia. 

After that, myself, Aaron, and his two friends left to several locations where we shot with one of my good friends, Lindsey- who assisted with the shoot. Later we grabbed lunch and met that evening again for a night out. Little did I know, as I came back home from living two weeks in another state, that months later, I'd get a message from Aaron stating that Tremblay Magazine wanted to use my photos in their magazine. I remember this night clearly; I was having dinner at Chipotle with one of my friends and it honestly took all of my strength not to scream or jump with joy. I got to celebrate that amazing moment with my friend, and of course, immediately telling my family of the news. Just like that, my work was becoming featured in a magazine. That's it. There isn't much else of the story to tell. To those reading this, I would say that networking is one of the most crucial aspects in life. It doesn't take much other than a little marketing or a simple, "Hey, I'm a photographer, you're an artist, let's collab for a photoshoot". That's exactly what I did and it turned into something bigger. Never doubt what networking or having connections can do! Now I have a personal contact with Zack, in my network for his AMAZING magazine.

Go out and be brave; be fully confident in your brand, your work, and your artistry. Don't stop chasing your dreams cause they will become your reality one day. It just takes patience, hard-work, persistence, and courage. 

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