Meet Jose Pagãn: Fine Art Photographer

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

Hi Jose, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Pursuing an artistic career to me has been second nature. I’ve always viewed life with a skewed lens, meaning what I view in everyday life doesn’t necessarily seem the same as what everyday folk see. I can see a random piece of plastic and my mind will build on it giving me a new creation in my mind. I believe being artistic lets me translate what I visualize in my head into something in real life. I believe it is more emotion based. The emotions drive the creativity in my art. I literally had a career in law enforcement but for the whole time I was there I always felt like something was missing. Before I ended that career I started to tap back into my artistic nature and that led me to where I am today. Pursuing my creative career has led to a more satisfying life for me. It has let me experiment in pushing the boundaries of my mind to bring viewers a look into my inner emotions through my art.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is experimental in nature. There is no exact science to my creations. I believe in following my emotions and translating that into something people can see and feel. I think what sets me apart of others is the attention to muse’s emotional needs. I love to connect with the individuals I photograph. Creating a lifelong bond is important and by getting to know my muse I can further meld our emotions to give a unique and true artist statement through my work. Getting to where I am professionally was not easy but I did it through being honest and direct with my vision. I’m actually an introvert, so networking at first was tough. But I had to in my mind act like I was a big shot actor and slowly it didn’t become acting. Honestly, till today I’m still what people would consider too humble. I really don’t like showing off at all, even though in my soul I know I’m gifted. I learned one lesson on my first celebrity shoot with Leon Robinson from the “Cool Runnings” film. I was nervous on our first shoot but when he called me back for subsequent sessions we began to talk and joke like regular folk. Now I network with anyone, from the beginner to the CEO and I’ll talk to anyone on an even keel. To me everyone is a human being no matter their social stature. Overcoming my social challenges was not easy but I kept working at it and going to social functions, dressed like a star to further boost my own inner stardom. You have to tell yourself you are a star even if people don’t see it. To me it’s about impressing myself because I believe we have to always battle that little part in us that wants to keep us safe from being hurt by rejection. let your light shine because the right people that need to see it will and join you in your journey. My brand is unique and meant to be seen by those who are destined to see it. My work is conduit for emotional satisfaction and uplifting. My story is one of human bonding and story telling. I love to work with free spirited human beings that have an open mind to what the universe has to offer us. And that being said, have you seen how big the Universe is? Exactly my point.

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 love nature, my kids not so much. That being said, the first places I would take them would be to the beaches in Anna Maria Island in Manatee County, Florida. It has some of the warmest waters coming from the Gulf and the sand is perfect to let run through your hands. The next location to visit would be the preserves in Hillsborough County, Florida. One thing I love about Florida is how they really protect nature considering so many people are moving here. I just love the views of the trees, and greenery. I love to see nature in its purest and most basic state. And let’s talk about the quiet atmosphere, aside from a bird call or the whispers of the trees as the wind gently runs through their leaves, it’s a place where you can center yourself and be at peace for a moment. Lord knows most of my friends are from big cities and they might need just a little of that peace and quiet! I would then take them to many fine eating establishments such as Tiki Docks, where the view of the Alafia River would enhance their dining mood. During the week I would take them to the Riverwalk in Tampa. There is one spot in particular that would blow their mind. The Armature Works is a place with multiple restaurants to fill your every culinary need. Then you can’t go wrong with a water taxi ride to get those most needed selfies to post. Trust me you’ll get the shot! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I believe most people have a trigger point or point of realization. Those points are usually catalyzed by a third party that lets an artist have a moment of clarity that enables them to pursue a career that makes them happy with their choice. My wife Jeanne was a major point of support in my life. By being my initial muse, she helped me discover my true path in life. She helped me come out of the cocoon of stagnation and realize my full potential. On top of that, there was one organization that further enhanced and cultured my creative development. The X Collective based out of the Bronx in New York City really helped me build my artistic and eclectic prowess by working alongside loving and amazing artists. Charly Dominguez and Arismendy Feliz, two of the founding members were instrumental in helping me in my journey of self discovery. I Shoutout to these people for their invaluable assistance in creating the man I am today.

Website: www.josepaganphotography.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josepaganphotography

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaganPhoto

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JosePaganPhotography/videos

Image Credits
Images by Jose Pagan Photography