About Joseph Dominguez

I STARTED OUT AS A CHILD, growing-up in Santa Barbara, playing in the endless avocado and citrus orchards, most of which are no longer there. As a teenager I discovered two things that changed my life: Surfing and images. I became aware of the power of the visual medium during my sophomore year at San Marcos High School in Mrs. Measley's Mass Media class. She revealed to me that every medium carries a message, and every message has a purpose. That was a long time ago and I've been fascinated with image-crafting ever since.

WORKING as an art director and designer for more than 2 decades before I offered my photo services, photography has always been part of my creative exploration, whether for clients or personally. In every image I am looking for the perfect moment while I search for the perfect composition. I started JOSEPH DOMINGUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY in 2006.

INSPIRATION can come at any moment from anywhere. Things like a found scrap of paper on the street, historical photos, old films, nature, surfing, books, thrift stores and just old-fashioned imagination. There is never a substitute for the great images of the world and those who make them. The standouts are heros/friends/mentors like Mark Gordon, Barry Goyette, Patrick Demarchelier and Richard Avedon. These guys have added untold measures of knowledge and inspiration to my work.

FORMAL EDUCATION comes from the Cal Poly Art and Design Program. I graduated with an applied art and design degree.