“I think TLC is much needed at times with people and I personally like to listen to my subject so they can be at ease.”
Photography by Angie Vasquez
SOULDEGA: When did you first pick up the camera?
ANGIE: What people don’t know is that I was an Artist first. I started drawing at the age of 7 and wanted to be a Fashion Designer when I was a teenager. Nine years ago, I was going thru a rough time in my life and at the same time my grandson was born. It started with a flip phone photo I took of him and then an amazing friend whom I call my Guardian Angel saw it believed in my gift so much that he invested in getting me a Camera. Photography has been my therapy and I feel God showed me my purpose to help others through it.
SOULDEGA: We notice your close attention to people of all races, ages and culture. How do you go about capturing and connecting with your subjects?
ANGIE: I think being an Empath has given me so much awareness to people and their energy. Sometimes within a crowd of people I have approached someone who has caught my eye and asked them if I could take a picture of them. I also feel the key to a Portrait is the relationship you have with your subject. I think TLC is much needed at times with people and I personally like to listen to my subject so they can be at ease. I also see the introvert or the underdog in some people because resonate with that. I want to show the world the Warriors of The Light who have overcome obstacles and stand in their Light. Photography is so healing at times and it is so important to have. It is essential.
SOULDEGA: What are some of the challenges and rewards of being a woman in your industry?
ANGIE: I felt at times from things I experienced that some men aren’t respectful or acknowledge Women’s skills who work in this Industry. Not all but some. It’s a cut throat industry especially Paparazzi work. The rewards have been amazing at times. God is good and I appreciate all the Blessings. I have been able to work and travel for the Society of Black Academic Surgeons, Foster Care Unplugged, MMUN etc.…
SOULDEGA: How has Covid affected your Artistry?
ANGIE: I definitely took a hit with Covid. I lost 10,000 in gigs. But I also took the time to learn some more things to make my Art better. I am grateful for the bad and good times. Everything in life is a lesson to be learned.
SOULDEGA: Where do you draw creative inspiration from?
ANGIE: I draw inspiration from so many different things but something about the subject whether its their passion, achievements but mainly their story. We all have a story to tell and what better way to convey but with Photos. A picture tells a thousand words.
SOULDEGA: If you could shoot anyone in the world from the past or present, who would it be and why?
ANGIE: It would be my Grandparents. I would love to Capture 2 different worlds and tell the Love Story of my Grandparents and their passion as individuals. My Grandfather built Boats and My Grandmother was a Politician in Belize.
