From Curiosity to Craft: Omar’s Journey into Photography
For as long as I can remember, cameras have just felt right. My curiosity probably started with my grandpa’s old Kodak Star 110 camera. I was fascinated by how such a small box could freeze time. Later, in high school, I took a photography class that gave me my first real taste of what it meant to create art behind the lens. What’s never changed is the satisfaction of seeing people’s reactions when they connect with an image I’ve made — that’s the fuel that’s kept me going.
Kodak Star 110 camera — Similar to my grandpa’s.
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth. I’ve missed countless shots from having the wrong settings dialed in. I’ve taken photos of strangers downtown and been yelled at for it. And I laugh now thinking about the hours I spent trying to take macro shots with a Canon T3 kit lens, convinced I was onto something groundbreaking. Looking back, those “mistakes” are what shaped me. They taught me patience, respect for my subjects, and the importance of knowing my tools. Here are 2 obvious rookie mistakes:
A rookie attempt at a tricky skyline shot — shaky focus and harsh edits made this one unforgettable for the wrong reasons.
A failed shot at street photography — wrong settings, weak composition, and nothing that sparks curiosity. A reminder that not every click tells a story.
The moment I realized this could be more than a hobby came when I started working with restaurants. Creating food photos for menus, billboard-sized images, and video ads for in-house TVs showed me that what I was doing had real impact. Around that time, I already had experience with portraits, so transitioning into a mix of commercial and personal photography felt natural. That’s when Lūma started to take shape.
One of the first projects that showed me the real impact of commercial work was a mojito ad I created for Mario’s Seafood in Austin and Temple. Professionally lit and shot in slow motion, the drink sparkles with every pour and stir. The color grading brought out its freshness, making it irresistible to watch — and to order. The ad still plays at both locations today, earning great feedback from the owners and their customers.
These days, my philosophy can be summed up in one word: light. Angles and poses can be directed, but light is what tells the story. I’ll plan shoots weeks in advance just to work with the perfect natural light, or I’ll bring out flashes to craft soft, flattering tones that make people feel their best.
I’m influenced by creators like James Popsys and Billy Dinh, but also by the people closest to me. Amy, my wife, has an incredible eye and often points out things I would miss. And photographing my daughter Amira has taught me more about patience, joy, and capturing fleeting moments than any class or mentor ever could.
Photography started as a curiosity, turned into a passion, and has grown into Lūma — a way to share stories that deserve to be remembered, beautifully and honestly.
“Incorporating a human element into an artistic concept is the most natural approach to expressing our influence in the world”