Today we’d like to introduce you to Cesar.
Hi Cesar, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Photography has always been a part of my life. I can remember my grandparents always having a camera around on trips or just cause, going to Rite-Aid or Walgreens for their 1-hour photo developments, flipping through prints, and watching them build an album.
Naturally, I picked up a camera as a teen, 1 of those little point-and-shoots. I’d spend time in the backyard photographing my grandma’s plants and garden. Or documenting our house renovations. As tech started teching, I put down the camera and relied on my cell phone. Looking back, I wish I never put that camera down.
Fast forward to 2024, I was into toy photography. I was shooting action figures with my phone and posting them on IG via my page @Mr_Ceeeze. After I got some attention from some toy brands, I realized it was time to upgrade and get a real camera. It was game over from there.
As soon as that camera was in my hands, everything changed, I haven’t photographed any action figures since. I found my passion to be photographing real people, real moments, and real life. That’s where I feel most connected and that’s where my work truly comes to life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yeah, no, it definitely has not been a smooth road. Photography has always been a part of my life, but turning it into something real, something I could grow with, took time. One of my biggest struggles is asking myself if I am dreaming too big? Or simply believing in myself that I could do it. Years without a camera and only my phone, I lost time, confidence, and momentum.
Another challenge I faced was basically starting over from scratch. I went from shooting toys, to getting attention from toy brands which pushed me to buy a real camera. But once I got into real life photography, it was like starting all over again. I had to learn my style, my workflow, how to shoot consistently, and most important, being able to trust myself behind the lens. Plus, I had to learn stuff I didn’t know before like the exposure triangle and knowing the importance of lighting and shadows.
And of course, the usual stuff. Work-life balance, buying gear, learning the business side of this, and the most frustrating one of all. Comparing myself to others. Every challenge I face, I always feel like I leveled up once I get passed it.
It still and always will be a learning experience to me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For my work, I like to just go out and shoot. I shoot both digital and film, with film being my favorite, specifically 35mm film. I love the combination of a 35mm film camera and some black and white film stock. It slows me down, makes my shots intentional, and makes me think about composition. It’s perfect for me.
I mostly capture Hispanic people, culture, and community. Being originally from the LA area, coming to North Carolina was a huge culture shock. I knew things were going to be different but man, I didn’t realize how different. When I found out about the Lowrider community here in NC, it was all over. I’ve been following and documenting ever since.
I think I am known for my black and white shots. Hispanic and Lowrider culture are full of loud colors and tones. I try to mute the loudness of the colors with the black and white by making the viewer focus on the subject, the moment, and the emotion and not being distracted by all the colors. To me black and white tells the story without it screaming at you.
I am most proud of where I am & what I have accomplished. I remember telling my son when I first started this that one day I was going to be in an art gallery, this Saturday I will be attending my 6th one. I think what sets me apart from others is that I am not seeking the perfect shot. I am seeking truth, reality, and connection.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
That’s a tough one for me cause I don’t even know what I am doing or going with this. I just picked up my camera and all this stuff that came with it since then has been a blessing.
Outside of photography I am full-time Father, Husband, and employee for a retail company. I’ve got bills, a mortgage, and a family I need to take care of. I am living the American Dream, just like everyone else.
I think success to me is just showing up for the things that matter most. It isn’t about fame or chasing perfect shot, it’s being able to create, grow, document my community all while taking care of my responsibilities at home. If I could do all of that and still come out with some bangers, that is success to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceezethemoments/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cesar.molina.716
