The rapid advancement of technology has unified the global population in their never-ending thirst for information and the wide spectrum of media. With the tattoo industry being as visual as it is, it comes as no surprise that high definition, top-notch photography has made its way into the forefront of delivery; simply put, the public love to see pictures of beautiful, tattooed models. However, up until recently, tattoos in modeling were considered a distraction, and niche photography was few and far between; thankfully, this is changing.
One of the industry’s most talented up and coming photographers is Hugo Velazquez out of San Diego, CA. Hugo has worked his way to becoming an extremely in demand photographer in the niche industry of tattoo modeling. Having worked with popular alt/tattoo models such as Kelly Eden, Ashley Lauren, Harlow Minx, and Airica Michelle, Hugo V has no shortage of beautiful tattooed models that want to professionally showcase their amazing tattoos, vibrant beauty and gain exposure in an extremely visual industry.
Born into a family of artists, his parents, brothers and sister were all well versed in painting, drawing and sculpting, while Hugo focused more on school and technology, without a means of artistically expressing himself.It all started when he bought his first DSLR to take family pictures.
With no real direction, it was more of a hobby, but it wasn’t long before word spread and he started landing other family photography gigs. After his talent level grew, so did the demand, and he started getting paid.After saving up enough money, Hugo invested in some professional equipment, elevating his artistry to a new caliber. Motivated to make the most out of his newfound love for photography, he developed his own technique and began to gain some exposure via friends, family and social media.
The turning point was when Hugo’s friend, Kelby, brought up his name as a potential photographer at a cosmetology school that she was attending in Denver, Colorado. After a hectic day of shooting 15 models in seven hours, he was on his way. The students and models were floured with the images he took, and his work spread like wildfire around various social media outlets, and he quickly began to climb the photography ladder.
Take a look at Hugo’s work, and you quickly see a common theme. The staggering, fierce beauty of his tattooed models is highlighted by stellar tattoo work, art, and landscape, but this wasn’t on purpose.
After Denver, Hugo made his way back to California, where the alternative/tattoo model scene was much greater in size and demand.
“I kinda fell into a niche of alternative/tattoo/glam photography more than anything else…That side of my photography was what people loved more about my work, the tattooed, alternative, sexy, edgy, dark photography; so I kept at it.”
Hugo V has emerged as one of the most in-demand tattoo/alternative photographers in the Southern California region. His work has made its way around the world, with clientele often traveling long distances for his signature photography style. Always motivated and driven to produce at the highest level, Hugo creates stellar works of art, not just photos of tattoo models.
These days, Hugo Velazquez continues to travel all over the country and beyond to spread and expand his love for photographic artistry. Staying humble, he takes nothing for granted, embracing each new experience and client with the utmost respect, staying true to his roots and maintaining his integrity. Always hungry, he is constantly on the prowl for more to capture and add to his impressive portfolio.
“So, now, I am continuing on this journey, this path, that I have carved for my self after so much sweat and tears. Its been a hard road, but I have been doing the most I can to make it a dream come true.”
