Meet Julian Garcia | Videographer / Photographer

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

Hi Julian, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I picked up a camera for the first time when I was 12 and I noticed as I grew up I naturally gravitated to being behind the lens whether it was with a disposable camera or an old Razor phone camera. It wasn’t until I was about 16 that I started taking photos that I actually cared about off an old iPod 4. At that time I was really just messing around posting whatever I wanted onto Facebook. Then Instagram came out and I started posting a lot of iPhone photos on that platform and I was receiving a lot of good feedback. At the age of 18 I had friends telling me I should invest in a “good” camera so I did just that. I bought my first “real” camera which was a Canon T3i with the stock lenses; you know the kit you’d get at Costco for $800 at the time. From there I was just taking photos of friends, random abandoned places, a lot of street art, and then the homeless in Sacramento. I would find these really rugged, run down places and just go explore. Sometimes on my own and other times with friends just looking for an experience. That’s when I got noticed by a few creatives in Sacramento and I tapped into the music community out here. I started taking photos at a warehouse in Sacramento called Capitol Connection where we would host these cyphers back in the day. Dope spot; and a lot of talent came out of there. If you know you know. From there I got noticed by these concert promoters by the name of California Live and I started taking photos all over California for them at their shows. Shooting for big artists like E-40, Too Short, Iamsu, just to name a few. And around that same time I had a few local artists asking me if I shoot music videos. That’s how I got into the production business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’d like to say I’m a product of my environment. Growing up in Sacramento there were so many different routes I could’ve chose and I like to think I chose the right path to wander upon. What sets my work apart from others is simply the style. I feel when it comes to my video work I have a very distinct look that I apply to almost every video that I shoot and edit. A few years back everyone was so into the crisp/sharp look of 4K video; that when I was shooting on an old t3i, I would literally add film textures to my clips and layer my footage to disguise the fact that I was using a cheaper camera. Now everybody adds that film look and textures to their videos so it’s kind of ironic. I now have all updated equipment and I have valued my work in such a way that “No” is my favorite word. I have no problem denying work if it doesn’t feed me spiritually, mentally, or creatively. I learned along the way that my work must be valued by not only by myself but by my clientele as well. What’s great about this is that setting this boundary has allowed me to put more effort into passion projects; and doing so I finally licensed my business under World Class Visuals (@WorldClassVisuals on Instagram) and under this business I have produced, directed, and edited a talk show / concert series in my own hometown called Sunday Morning Vibes (@SundayMorningVibes916 on Instagram). I absolutely enjoy what I’m doing. I feel like I have created such a dope platform for these artists to really showcase themselves and learn more about them, their creative process, and just get to know them more on a personal basis rather than just being musically inclined. It’s truly a beautiful thing.

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?
Well first I’d take them out to eat to either Doña Marie’s, Connie’s (IYKYK), Nikos Tacos, Willie’s, or Scott’s Burger Shack. Gotta hit one of these spots when you’re in Sac. After that, I’d probably take them to Tiger to go have some drinks and wind down. I’m not much of a club person but every time I’ve gone to Tiger it’s always been a pretty good vibe. Obviously I’d give them a ticket to Sunday Morning Vibes to enjoy some free coffee from Pressed Record’s Cafe and enjoy some live music from the artist of the week. Later that week I’m sure we’d probably end up smoking on one of my favorite rooftops. I don’t even burn like that anymore but for a view? I’d be down. Other than that we’ll go where the wind takes us I guess. I’m a simple man and don’t really like being out and about too much.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shout-out to my family, friends, and clientele for always supporting me. God also. God has always been there in my time of need even when I thought he/she wasn’t. Some of my biggest influences have been Mack Block from Mack Lab Media, my amazing girlfriend and partner in crime Bryanna Quiñonez. She always pushes me to my full potential and she doesn’t hold back when it comes to constructive criticism. I’d also like to give a huge shoutout my dad for being a great business mentor and teaching me the ins and outs of running a successful business and also just being a beautiful human being. And shoutout to my mom. I wouldn’t be here without her and honestly my mom has been one of my biggest supporters from day one so thank you to her.

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

Other: Follow: @SundayMorningVibes916 @WorldClassVisuals @WorldClassJuligan Email: Ojgphotography@gmail.com