Joseph Vargas

Artist Statement

I view my photography as a journey of discovery. There are times I have a specific plan and goal identified before venturing out, and there are other times when I let the world and its light show itself to me.

I am inspired by the interplay of light, shadow and color, and the constantly changing quality of light around us. Capturing that interplay of light in a way that creates a beautiful image is incredibly satisfying.

I shoot primarily fine art, landscape and travel images, and expressive natural light portraits. I use digital photography and editing techniques to produce memorable, impactful images. These images may be printed on archival paper, canvas, acrylic or metal depending on the desired look and the planned display area.

I am a lifelong student of photography and continue to evolve as a photographer. As such, my techniques, focus and style continue to evolve.
My goal is to capture fleeting moments and produce artful images that anyone would be happy to exhibit in their living and workspace.

Biography

My name is Joe Vargas. I am a photographer residing in Land O Lakes, Florida, which is about 25 miles north of Tampa. While I photograph extensively in this area, I also travel quite a bit to produce my landscape and travel photographs.

I have been enamored with photography for as long as I can remember. I was amazed by the black and white images of Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Richard Avedon, and the beautiful portraits by Annie Leibovitz and Peter Hurley. When I graduated from college and started working, one of my first purchases was a camera.

I am self-taught and have been a lifelong student of photography for over 40 years. I began shooting weddings and portraits, and over the years expanded to landscape, travel and fine art photography. I no longer shoot weddings and primarily shoot landscape, travel and environmental portraits. I have also converted to digital format about 10 years ago. I enjoy the flexibility and creative options afforded by the digital format.
My styles and interests are varied. I don’t feel I need to be boxed in to a particular style. I feel it’s important to be able to be flexible and work with the light and conditions available at the time while using my experience and skills to make the best image I can make.

I have received local, national and international recognition for my work including:

Light, Space and Time Online Gallery
“Twisted” – Special Merit Category, Abstract Art Competition
“Angel Trumpet” – Honorable Mention-Photography Category, Botanicals Art Competition
“Lobster Claw” – Special Recognition Category, Botanicals Art Competition

Palm Beach Photographic Center
“Palmetto Frond” – First Place, Black and White Photo Competition, Palm Beach Photographic Centre
“Déjà Vu” – Selected for Competition Exhibition, Palm Beach Photographic Centre
“The End of Nowhere” – Selected for Competition Exhibition, Palm Beach Photographic Centre

House of Shadows Gallery
Images selected for "Paint It Black" exhibition:
Phantasm 1
Weathered Wood 1
Thor’s Well
Multnomah Falls
Lower Manhattan
Chicago Edifice 1
Diamond Beach 1
Engine #481
Sand Dunes 1

Exhibition History (CV)