1. Can you please tell us a few words about yourself, where are you from.
My name is Joseph Anzaldo, I am a 26 year old photographer based out of San Diego, California. I have been shooting for 6 years and nearly one of them has been spent shooting film.
2. What is your photography story, how did you start? How did you get where you are now?
I started taking pictures with my phone and really enjoyed it. In the month of December, 2014 my boss at the time told me he has a wedding photography business and would bring me on if I bought a camera, the next day I bought a Canon Rebel t3i. I never got that job but it fueled a passion that would change my life. I started shooting literally anything around me, then started going to big photo meets in LA which is where I met some of my best friends to this day. I grew out of the photo meet scene rapidly. With photography friends, we hit the open road and this led to my discovery of landscape photography. Landscape photography took over my world fast, I started making trips out to as often as possible; a short drive became five hours. I moved up to Washington state/Oregon to be absorbed by nature, I loved the landscape but I had to move back to California. I had always been interested in film photography but was intimidated by the process. After my birthday in April of 2020 I decided that I was going to send it, I did some research and bought a Nikon F3. I would bring it with me every now and then but didn’t use it primarily. It was right around October I really had an idea of what I enjoyed shooting with film and what my vision was; the digital camera was starting to collect dust. Now I only carry my film cameras with me.
3. What’s your favourite gear to use (camera, lens, film) ?
Hands down my favorite camera is my Nikon F3, they really have it designed perfectly. I love all my lenses for different reasons but the Nikkor 50mm 2.8 takes the cake. Kodak Colorplus200 pushed one stop is my jam, the colors hit just right. I also really enjoy Kodak Gold 200 pushed one stop and Cinestill 800t.
4. What do you enjoy shooting the most? And Why?
I enjoy shooting anything that holds a great experience. I don’t plan most of my photos but when I do I like to create horror scenes or creative portraits.
5. How do you educate yourself to take better photos?
I educated myself by messing up A LOT, hanging out with good photographers, not limiting myself to one subject and YouTube university.
6. Have you ever doubted yourself? And what helped you to overcome that?
I’ve doubted myself plenty and still do. I overcome doubt by reminding myself that it is ok to have bad days and they should be embraced. Allowing myself to marinate on the doubts produces later strengths.
7. What is the most rewarding part of being a photographer for you?
The most rewarding part of photography is the adventures it has taken me on and the people I have met. Most of my closest friends I have met through photography.
8. Among your works, which one is your favourite? Tell us the story behind it.
One of my favorite photos i’ve ever taken was a photo of my Andrew getting a windcheck for balloons coming in. I had just started working for Compass Balloons and was amazed with the balloons and lifestyle it holds. Andrew quickly became one of my best buds in the industry and I am happy he is in the photo. Compositionally I got really lucky to get his hand right in the sun.
9.What gives you inspiration?
I get inspiration from all different kinds of art including photography but mainly my surroundings. If I feel an emotion from my environment, I want to capture that in a photograph for someone else to experience.
10. Exactly what it is you want to say with your photographs?
I don’t want to say much with my photographs but I want them to make the viewer feel. I want someone to get goosebumps; be reminded of a memory, moment, person or can envision themselves being there then I have succeeded. I want to share my experiences with everyone.
You can follow Joseph on Instagram @damn.thatsnicelight