About Joe Valencia

I am an amateur photographer who has spent more than 40 years working on his craft. If you bring up the topic of photography in a conversation you better get comfortable because I love to talk about it almost as much as I love doing it. When I'm not working as a programmer or out shooting I like to teach others about the joys of photography; whether in-person or by writing instructional blog posts.

What I do

I work full-time as a programmer and spend my spare time shooting and writing.

What I shoot

My first love is wildlife photography - nothing quite comes close the getting "the" shot of a heron, hawk or even a squirrel. When I am not "hunting" for my next shot I am shooting landscapes and seascapes.

What I listen to

I love most types of music from rock & roll to classical guitar. My favorite artists are The Beatles (and solo work), Harry Chapin, Pete Seeger and Andres Segovia. You can read more about my musical tastes here - Deserted Island Albums - My Top 5.

My influences

I have had a number of photographers influence my work; Ansel Adams and Annie Leibovitz are but two. I would also have to say that just about anyone could be considered an "influence", if only sub-consciously. I seldom just "look" at a photograph, I tend to study them and thus learn.

Words to live by

I have been given lots of advice over the years - some good, some great and quite a bit bad - but the first piece of "good" was something my father said when I was a teenager. He told me it didn't really matter what I did for a living but I should make sure I enjoy doing it because I will be doing it for a very long time.

I have picked up other pearls of wisdom over the years such as,

• It doesn't cost anything to be kind to someone.
• From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life. - Arthur Ashe

Finally here is one that I just picked up from Scott Kelby - You never go wrong by doing the right thing.

Links to my portfolio and social media

• Joe Valencia Fine Art Photography - http://valencia32photo.myportfolio.com
• on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/c/JoeValencia32
• on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joevalenciaphotography
• on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valencia32photo/
• on Twitter - https://twitter.com/WanderPhotog
• on Behance - https://www.behance.net/valencia3284bd
• on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wanderphotog/