11 Sep From Photography to Printing: Indy Ortiz Built a Career Around His Creativity
For Indy Ortiz, photography has been part of his life since he finished high school.
Now 47, Indy works as both a photographer and printer. What began with an interest in video eventually grew into photographing weddings and Sweet Sixteen celebrations. Later, his desire to print his own photographs added another skill to his career.
Indy has continued doing the work because, quite simply, he loves it.
“I love what I do. I enjoy doing what I do, and I wouldn’t change anything.”
Starting with Video and Moving Into Photography
Indy first became interested in visual media after high school.
He started with video before moving into photography, where he found opportunities shooting weddings, Sweet Sixteen celebrations, portraits, and other events.
Over time, satisfied customers began recommending Indy to other people.
Word of mouth became an important part of growing his customer base. Today, he still receives referrals, but he also uses Facebook and Instagram to help people discover his work.
His experience shows the value of doing quality work and building a good reputation. One satisfied customer can introduce a photographer to another family, event, or opportunity.
Adding Printing to His Skills
Indy eventually decided he wanted more control over how his photographs were printed.
Rather than always sending his work somewhere else, he invested in equipment that allowed him to produce prints himself. It gave him a faster and more affordable way to display his photography while developing another valuable skill.
He started with a Canon imagePROGRAF PRO 2000, which can print up to 24 inches wide. He later upgraded to a PRO 4000, which can handle prints up to 44 inches wide.
That means Indy can take an image from behind the camera all the way to a large finished print.
Photography led him to printing, and together the two skills expanded what he could create.
Learn Your Equipment
For someone interested in photography, Indy recommends starting with dependable equipment and learning how to use it well.
He specifically recommends considering a 50mm f/1.8 lens because of its versatility, including its usefulness for portraits and other types of photography.
But equipment is only one part of building a career.
Indy’s story also points to the importance of practice, relationships, and reputation. He has spent years developing his craft, serving customers, and allowing his work to speak for itself.
Build a Career Around What You Enjoy
Indy’s career did not stay in one lane.
Video led to photography. Photography led to event work. His desire to display his photographs led him into professional printing. Social media eventually became another way to reach potential customers.
At 47, he is still creating, learning, and doing work he enjoys.
For someone interested in a creative career, Indy’s journey is a reminder to start developing your skills, learn your equipment, take care of your customers, and remain open to where your abilities might take you.
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