Meet Juan Reyes: Photographer/Videographer

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

Hi Juan, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
One word comes to my mind off the bat, perseverance. {pre covid} It is a big sea of touring artist that carry their photog, it’s hard to no feel overwhelmed if you are missing opportunities when not being booked for a tour or show in your city. What has helped me is telling myself “I’ll get them next time”, and to me, that mindset has got me there more than a few times. It is just all about not wanting to give up; I haven’t done photo work for a festive but the multiple rejection emails definitely will not stop me from trying for the next one. Another habit that I think has helped me succeed would be, making each gig an effort to be enjoyable/ fun. Being called out to use my camera shouldn’t ever feel like a chore to me, we should use our time to its utmost and laugh along the way. I’m gonna always try to make the best of any situation I’m in with my camera. I really just want to have a good time with my friends; by this, I mean whether we are at a show, a field of flowers, or a kitchen taking pictures of your cake. Just trying to ball with my bros.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Not being around live music and the energy of those nights has placed a huge damper on me this past year. I’m most ready/wishing for better days so we can be back in those dark rooms with bright lights. I got to where I am spending many of my nights attending shows; meeting new people and learning new things from them was one of my first challenges when I first carrying the camera. it is something I am glad I am familiar with now, but honestly, it used to be a lot more nerve-racking. Learning that people are simply just people, that there really is no need to overthink talking to another person has led me to have great conversations with great people that led me to another opportunity. Networking- get out there and talk to people. Make the best of the cards you are delt, don’t worry about what others got.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m pretty sure you could look at me and already assume that I am going to say Little Five Points. But, after that best believe I am taking my friend to Ponce City Market, for the photo op, …Might hit that Coca-Cola factory up.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Masquerade. It’s because of this venue that I have been able to have as much experience as I have under my belt now. This venue blessed me with a passion that revolves around live music. From being a kid in the mosh pit to being an adult in the photo pit; this venue has been nothing but helpful to me. Blood, sweat, and tears are what I’ve given to this venue and I cannot wait to go back. Covid hit everyone hard, and there has been a dark shadow hovering over the music communities. Recently congress passed the #saveourstagesact (https://www.saveourstages.com/), and it’s gonna give to our wonderful music venues, but with all the help The Maquereade has given many of us from our times spent there, we can still do more. Merch, Gift Cards, and live stream donations can all help these amazing people who work their butts off while we watch our favorite bands on stage.

Website: https://www.moshedphotatoes.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juanieboy_64/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doctorbocephus
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moshedphotatoes/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkJXY9y1ZD9X8VjH70-AoGA

Image Credits
Juan Reyes- Moshed Photatoes