An emerging talent in the entertainment industry, Jose Luis leverages his expertise in photography to create powerful connections. A U.S. Army veteran, Luis has organized his own fashion shows and assisted with many others, including athlete and celebrity charity events. He has also been featured in magazines and mastered the craft of photography through hands-on training. As his career continues forward, he is certain to leave a lasting impact.
Overcoming Shortfalls to Excel
During junior high school, Luis took a photography class, but he fell short academically, despite his creative vision, and decided to set his passion aside to enlist in the U.S. Army right after high school. Before leaving for his first duty station in Germany, Luis purchased a 35mm film camera to practice photography overseas and would refine his craft over the following 13 years of military service.
While stationed in Germany, Luis would print his photographs on regular 4-by-6s and set them on his desk and around his barracks room. One day, a soldier came by and asked if he could buy one of these photos. He ended up purchasing three of them for $10 apiece. Recognizing that he had improved his skills, Luis’s passion for photography was reignited.
Upon returning from his military service, Luis set about establishing a solid academic foundation. First, he completed coursework in business management at the University of Maryland and coursework in electronics and computer technology at DeVry University. Finally, he earned an associate degree in business management through Los Angeles County University in 2000.
Growing in the Photography Industry
Luis entered the professional world with a wealth of photography experience and resolved to refine his expertise further. By 2009, he had become the entertainment director at Seattle Fashion Week, and over the next three years, he proved pivotal in organizing events for both new talents and established designers.
In 2022, Luis became a director and photographer at ViaModa (The Way of Fashion), where he continues to realize his life’s goal of giving back. With the organization, he also teamed up with Free Arts of Arizona (Free Arts, a nationwide organization), which uses art to provide creative avenues to children who have experienced trauma or neglect. Luis himself, as well as many other designers, models, and team members, grew up under similarly challenging circumstances and now works to support those with experiences like their own.
Civic Involvement and Plans for the Future
In addition to his professional contributions, Luis sponsored charity events in Seattle, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. He also volunteered with Free Arts and frequently participated in fundraisers through the Seattle Seahawks players. Ultimately, his civic involvement reflects a deep commitment to community.
Luis has also embraced a new chapter in his life, deciding to move to Brazil to learn more about his personal history and culture while also assisting children in need. He began traveling back and forth in 2017, raising money to buy supplies and toys. He continues this work with a more hands-on approach and will continue to travel between Brazil and the United States.
Within the next five to 10 years, Luis hopes to establish a children’s help center – camp in Brazil, his country of origin. Using the natural environment, he aims to create a peaceful space for children to get away from urban chaos and learn to navigate through life with their traumas. At the same time, Luis’ ambition is to be featured in major magazines such as Vogue and Elle, to establish his own studio, possibly even do his second fashion show event in Brazil, and to write a book about adapting to adoption as a child of trauma.
