Today we’d like to introduce you to Cesar Enriquez.
Hi Cesar, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into the world of photography began in the tender years of my childhood. Frequently, my upcoming limited the possibility to capture the fleeting moments of my early life, which ignited a longing in me to document my experiences. By the late elementary school, I had pleaded for a camera, recognizing the importance of preserving memories as I navigated the ever-changing landscape of my youth.
Today, those early photographs are part of my archive which was very limited growing up as I knew nothing about archival photos. My passion deepened in high school when I received a point-and-shoot camera as a gift. This simple instrument soon became a catalyst for my artistic growth, prompting me to upgrade to a more versatile camera with interchangeable lenses. It wasn’t long before I was approached to photograph milestone events, such as quinceañeras and weddings.
After two years of capturing these unforgettable moments, I pursued a degree in Visual Mixed Media, where I discovered my love for the film production which gave me the opportunity to contribute to numerous projects, including music videos, enriching my experience and broadening my creative horizons.
Post-college, I garnered invaluable experience as a photo assistant for commercial shoots, which has shaped my career to this day. Now, I specialize in a diverse array of photography, including events, portraits, culinary imagery, and product photography. Each click of the shutter is not just a moment captured but a story waiting to be told.
As my photography skills began to flourish, I must acknowledge that my passion for painting played a significant role in shaping my artistic journey. Before fully realizing my desire to become a photographer, painting captivated my heart and inspired much of my creative expression. This background instilled in me a deep appreciation for color and vibrancy in my craft.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The challenges in photography can vary greatly from person to person, but for me, the most significant struggles have been on the financial and business side of the industry. As an artist, your initial focus is on the creative process—you’re not always thinking about marketing, pricing, or monetization until it becomes a necessity. Early in my career, I often undervalued my work, either being underpaid or underpricing myself in an effort to gain experience and build a portfolio. It’s a difficult cycle to break, especially when you’re eager to establish yourself. However, my time in college was instrumental in shifting that perspective. It taught me the importance of properly valuing my work and managing the financial aspects of being a creative professional.
Another significant challenge I faced was developing my artistic voice and defining my personal style. In the beginning, it’s often difficult to discover what truly resonates with you—what kind of work you’re drawn to create. Coming from a background primarily rooted in event photography, I didn’t initially approach photography with an artistic perspective. My artistic foundation came from painting, and translating that sensibility into photography was a struggle at first. However, as I continued to create consistently, patterns began to emerge in my work—both for me and for those viewing it. Recognizing these patterns helped guide me toward a clearer sense of identity and direction as an artist.
Another challenge I’ve faced is the lack of access to resources and connections—something that can be incredibly limiting, especially early in a creative career. Networking and collaboration are essential, but they aren’t always intuitive, and I wasn’t introduced to the value of genuine connection until college. That experience taught me the importance of meeting with other artists, having conversations over coffee, and engaging in meaningful collaborations. Many people don’t realize that even photographers can collaborate creatively—one might develop the concept while the other executes the shoot, or roles can be reversed. Photography is so much more than just taking a picture. It often involves directing, styling, and adapting to low budgets or limited resources. These additional roles become second nature when you’re working with passion and determination in a resourceful way
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in portrait, food, and event photography, with a primary focus on portraits. Capturing people has always fascinated me—not just visually, but emotionally and psychologically. There’s a unique art to portraiture; it’s not only about appearance, but about connection and comfort. Sometimes, the most striking portraits come from individuals who aren’t used to being in front of the camera. I find that guiding someone through the process, helping them feel at ease, often results in the most authentic and powerful images.
One of the qualities that sets me apart is my ability to build genuine connections with my subjects. I have a relaxed and intuitive approach that allows people to open up, and I’ve consistently been told that this helps them feel comfortable and seen.
Visually, I’m drawn to bold, vivid colors—especially red. Red often appears in my portraits as a symbol of passion and emotional intensity. While I experiment with a range of colors, red continues to stand out as a signature element in my work, both for myself and for viewers who are drawn to its warmth and energy.
I’m also proud of the hands-on experience I’ve gained as a photo assistant, working alongside at least eight highly talented photographers. Being a part of their creative process—setting up lighting, shaping scenes, and witnessing their approach firsthand—has deeply influenced my own photographic style. That behind-the-scenes work taught me the technical aspects of light and composition, which I now integrate into my own shoots with intention and creativity.
What makes you happy?
What brings me the greatest joy in my career is the ability to create and capture meaningful memories. Whether I’m photographing clients and helping them feel confident and comfortable, or crafting a visual story through my lens, each moment becomes a piece of art. This process not only fulfills me creatively, but also personally—because at the heart of what I do is a genuine connection with people. I’ve always loved being around others, and building those relationships through my work is incredibly rewarding. Being able to pursue something I’m passionate about—something that grew from one of my earliest loves—is truly a blessing
Another thing that makes me happy is capturing the small, everyday moments of life with my phone. I’m drawn to the beauty in the ordinary—scenes I come across on the street, interesting windows and doors, the way shadows fall. These quiet details often spark inspiration, and preserving them through photography brings me a deep sense of fulfillment. I also find a lot of happiness in exploring thrift stores, especially when I discover old photo books. There’s something incredibly special about connecting with the work of other artists in such an unexpected way—it continually fuels my creativity and passion as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cesarenriquez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cesar.enriquez__/
