About Eric Garcia-March
New York City based fashion and portrait photographer, Eric Garcia-March, specializes in striking imagery and conceptual narratives that push the limits. Eric’s images are deep, contrasting and carry a high production value. His international client base includes advertising agencies, fashion houses, editorial publications, luxury brands and entertainment industry contacts.
Awards and Exhibitions
2019 - Off The Clock - Personal Photography Exhibition - American Photographic Artists Los Angeles
2019 - Artist's Perspective Personal Work Exhibition - American Photographic Artists Chicago
2019 - Honorable Mention - International Color Awards
2018 - 3rd Place - Black and White Spider Awards
2018 - Honorable Mention - Black and White Spider Awards
2016 - 2nd Place - International Photography Awards
2016 - Honorable Mention - International Photography Awards
2010 - 3rd Place - International Aperture Award
2007 - 1st Place - Association of Professional Photographers - Spain (AFP Premio Lux)
What inspired you to become an artist?
When I was a kid, I was introduced to Mark Rothko’s paintings, and realized that I was transported out of my reality and into his. I wanted to create this experience for my viewers.
Do you have any formal training?
I studied at Brooks Institute of Photography back in the 90s for a couple of years. After that, Kansas City Art Institute gave me a scholarship and I graduated with a BFA in Painting. I was extremely fortunate to spend time in Venice, Italy studying for my Masters of Studio Art (via New York University). Sometimes formal training drains creativity but honestly, knowing the rules allows us to break them when we need to.
Who, or what, was your biggest teacher?
I’ve had many great teachers throughout the years but I would have to say, Paul Meyer, who was Richard Avedon’s first assistant, was incredibly helpful and inspiring.
What is your best photography tip?
Challenge yourself to think outside the box. Shoot manually and not on automatic. Back in the days of black and white darkroom photography I was printing photos without using negatives. I was also switching up the developing process in the darkroom. Today I have a side project of street photography, using techniques and methods opposite of my normal process, allowing me to learn and develop new ways of shooting.
What is your greatest strength?
I’m extremely patient.
What's one thing people would never know about you just by looking at you?
I look like a white boy, but I speak fluent Catalan, which is the local language of Barcelona. I am also fluent in Spanish. Both languages were learned in my 20s when I lived there.
What do you think makes you different?
I have an unusual mix of quiet technical perfectionism combined with delicate artistry.
Black & white or color? Why?
Both. Colors have moods. Black & white photographs/films are timeless.
What excites you?
Learning and sharing knowledge.
What is your greatest professional achievement?
Back in 2007, I was asked to shoot the campaign for a music festival that I used to go to as a spectator. Primavera Sound is a rock festival that still takes place every year in Barcelona, Spain. It was a great experience to see my photos on billboards, sides of busses and all over major European magazines.
When you're not working, how do you like to spend your time?
It's a combination of self love and time spent with friends and family. Physical exercise and eating well is important to me as well as seeing painting expositions and travelling to my favorite places.
What or where is your quiet place?
Surfing and the gym.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
From my grandfather, who was a poet and a photographer: "If you want to be a writer, write for 10 minutes a day. Every day."
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Still shooting photos but a whole lot more video. I would also like to start a non-profit organization for the homeless.
What’s one thing you could never live without?
Love.