Check Out Samuel Villezcas’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel Villezcas

Hi Samuel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, first off, Thank you for this! It is an honor to be interviewed. I am Samuel, or (Sammie) as most friends call me. I am a Kansas City native from the KS side (WYCO), but I grew up on both sides of the cities. About a few years ago, I started photography in high school, and it was sort of off and on for a few years. I picked up my camera again and started shooting a lot of automotive stuff. I got inspired after watching some videos of some recognized street photographers. Then I started shooting street photography here in Kansas City, Shooting candid moments of people and documenting city life. Trying to tell the story of the day, I have been shooting street photography for about 5 years now, which I am very passionate about. I tend to look for people dressed up fashionable, people laughing, candid & genuine moments as well as street portraits of interesting people.

I should add that I always respect people’s privacy and never take a picture of someone that does not feel right. You have to trust your instincts and have common sense about certain situations. I don’t believe in being intrusive when it comes to street photography. I mostly shoot with an 85mm lens because it gives me the reach and compression in my photos that I like for my shooting style. Ever since I got into street photography, I have followed a lot of great street photographers. I decided to do just that and show off Kansas City life and its people. I’ve built up some following with my work, and people started noticing me around the city when I shoot. Anyone who wants to keep up with my work can follow my Instagram at SammieMedia_ or my hashtag #peopleofkc.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Well, aside from working my full-time job. My biggest struggle is creative burnout and constantly self-doubting myself or getting the time to go out and shoot and see what I come out with at the end of the day. I have very high standards for myself in everything I do, whether it’s my work or photography. Sometimes, I don’t have the drive to get out and shoot; sometimes, it just comes in full force. I’m constantly criticizing myself and wondering if my work is good and if it is just a mental obstacle to get over on my own. Shooting in KC, the Midwest area in general is tough, we do not have the foot traffic that major cities like Chicago or NY do. So, I have to work just as hard to get out and find moments to capture. Street photography does not get a lot of credit out here in the Midwest. So, I have been working hard to make name for myself and get some attention out here.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work full-time as a maintenance technician in automation and blow-molding. I started as an automotive mechanic and worked in the diesel field for a while, even working on construction equipment for a short time. Just about anything with an engine I have worked on. It’s been a good career, and then I jumped to industrial maintenance. Eventually, I want to go full-time with my photography and get into freelance work, media coverage for companies. I currently do freelance work for an ad company, so that is a start in the right direction.

I feel my photography sets me apart because I devolved a style that has set me apart from most traditionalist street photographers. I got inspired by renowned photographers like Mike Chudley, Professor Hines, Brock Wunder and I learned and learned and put myself through a lot of self-learning to get to where I am right now.

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What matters most to you? Why?
All lot of things matter to me, I wish I could say it’s just one.

I am taking everything one step at a time; I am in no rush, but when I wake up every morning. Everything I do is one step towards my goals. I enjoy what I do, and when I am out shooting, nothing else in the world matters at that moment, and I feel free. Looking ahead, I want to continue to be an example for my children and show them that hard work and passion go a long way. I also got people that look up to me and others I do not want to let down. You have to enjoy what you do every day and not get caught up in a 9-5 routine. I will eventually get to where I want to be in my way. I want to enjoy the moment and cherish everything along the way.

I take photos because it helps understand the world around me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammiemedia_/
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@sammiemedia_