Check Out Jeremiah Escarcega’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremiah Escarcega

Hi Jeremiah , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My interest in photography began during the Covid lockdown. Being home every day with nowhere to go, I started taking pictures just for fun. I began posting on Instagram more often, and one thing led to another—I eventually bought a Polaroid camera to explore this interest further. After experimenting with the Polaroid, I upgraded to a Samsung S21+ Ultra 5G, drawn by its excellent picture quality. Shortly after, I invested in what I’d consider my first “official” camera: a Canon AE-1.

Looking back, I’m not sure why I didn’t choose a digital camera, considering the extra costs associated with film. But I’m glad I went with the AE-1—the photos I’ve taken with it have never disappointed. Film quickly became my favorite medium because no digital camera can truly replicate the vintage feel a film camera can.

Unfortunately, my photography journey came to an abrupt halt in May 2022. It wasn’t until two years later, in May 2024, that I picked it up again. By then, I had taken the time to work through personal challenges and grow mentally, which gave me the clarity and motivation to dive back into photography with a renewed passion.

The next camera I bought was a digital one—a Canon EOS 4000D. I wanted to transition away from film to save money, though I know I’ll eventually incorporate film as an additional feature for my business. The idea for my business, Cega Photography, came to me during the summer when I realized that the career I had been pursuing—psychology—wasn’t truly fulfilling or aligned with my passions. Since deciding to shift gears, I feel confident that this is the path I’m meant to follow.

The most recent camera I purchased, a Sony a7III, has been a game-changer. It’s greatly improved the quality of my work and has been invaluable for the orders I’ve completed so far.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I mentioned earlier, no, it hasn’t been a consistently smooth journey. After I bought the AE-1 film camera, things seemed to be going well for a few months. I was photographing multiple people and building my portfolio at a rapid pace. However, personal issues I had been dealing with began to pile up, leading to a breaking point.

In May 2022, everything came to a head one night, and the next day, I asked my former manager at the time to please transfer me to a store closer to my family member’s house. This change happened almost immediately and I began working in Hollysprings for a month and a half before the issues I had pent up internally, reamerged and I had to begin an urgent leave of absence (LOA). During that time I wasn’t working, I focused on slowly rebuilding and healing internally, piece by piece.

After a fortunate turn of events, I moved into an apartment with my partner in November 2023. Although it took some time to reignite my passion for photography, I eventually came back stronger, with a key realization: I wanted to turn this interest into a career. Without any established connections, figuring out how to build my business was a challenge. Initially, I didn’t act on the idea, as I had found a photography job with a now-defunct company.

While the company was still operating, I came across a video promoting Fiverr and its sellers, which inspired me to set up my own shop. Initially, though, I didn’t touch it for a few months. Seeing the abundance of natural talent already thriving on the platform left me feeling disheartened, and I wasn’t sure where to start or how to make my shop appealing.

When the company eventually shut down, I decided to direct all my energy into transforming my Fiverr shop into something attention-grabbing. I used Photoshop to design an eye-catching front cover, and over time, the shop has evolved significantly. Things have been steadily improving—within just two months, December 2024 and January 2025, I’ve completed two orders, and the momentum has been encouraging.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a photographer. Rather than specializing in a single area, I enjoy working on a variety of projects, including events (live music, birthdays, graduations), professional headshots, product promotions, and anything else a client might need. I believe that limiting myself to just one subcategory would hinder both my growth and my ability to provide the best service possible. By staying versatile, I can meet the needs of clients in diverse areas—and avoid missing out on opportunities due to a lack of experience or the right equipment. Outside of what I offer professionally, most people who follow my posts would probably associate me with street photography. It’s one of my favorite subcategories and where I feel my skills are strongest.

That said, I’m extremely proud of my early work with my film camera, especially the photos I captured during my trip to New York. For those unfamiliar with film cameras, it’s a very different process compared to digital. Digital cameras, which instantly show you the results, film requires you to trust your instincts and hope the final reel—after being processed—delivers the shots you envisioned. The photos I managed to capture, combined with the edits I applied, feel like the work of a well-established photographer, something I take great pride in.

As for what sets me apart, I don’t believe it’s anything particularly unique. Many people might give a similar answer, regardless of their profession. However, for someone in their early 20s—at 23 years old—what truly makes me stand out is the risky decision I’ve made to stop pursuing college after I earn my Associate’s degree from community college. By choosing not to follow the traditional path, I’m taking full responsibility for every decision I make to grow my business and push it forward. This leap of faith is already shaping my journey and will continue to do so in the future.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I am only 23, so I unfortunately don’t have ground-breaking advice. I will say, speaking from personal experience, don’t give up on your passion for photography– or whatever you’re most passionate about. People around you will often encourage you to choose the practical, safe route because it promises a stable career and financial security. But if you share my mindset, where you’re not concerned with having the most expensive car, the biggest house, or living a life that feels like you’re a millionaire—where happiness comes from having the essentials: food, water, and enough to cover your bills (and being able to indulge yourself here and there) —then go after that dream. I have yet to figure out where I’m going with my future, but I believe it’s toward something fulfilling.

I wish I had a role model within my family growing up who took a risk by pursuing their dreams and came out on the other side having achieved the success they were striving for. It would have been helpful to see firsthand that taking risks and following your passion can lead to meaningful success, rather than just focusing on the practical and safe options.

Pricing:

• $50: Up to 30 edits
• $65: Up to 5o photo edits
• $80: Up to 70 photo edits
• $100: Up to 100 photo edits

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/jeremiahescarcega/home/about-me
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremiah.escarcega/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19yhPiRWRU/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiah-e-334433167/
• Other: https://www.fiverr.com/s/VY8g5pZ