Digi-Tech Q&A with Gustovo Garza
This Q&A series is all about shining a spotlight on people in the industry. The goal is to learn about them and share their insights with you. There are many talented people in various markets around the world, and hopefully this series will help you get to know them better.
Q: Who are you, where are you based and what type of jobs do you work?
My name is Gustavo Garza and I am a Digi-Tech based in Mexico City. Most of my work is based around Tulum, Mexico and various other off the grid beach locations, where I predominantly work with well-known international brands on fashion, swimwear, and lingerie shoots.
Q: How did you become a Digital-Tech and how long have you done it?
From a young age, my interest in computers and art was influenced by my father and I furthered this interest by studying a bachelor’s degree in communication science and multimedia design. After graduating, I then started my career working on Post production. I had a variety of roles but as a Photo Assistant I found the perfect balance of being on location and behind a desk. It was during this time as a Photo Assistant, that I discovered I could use my computer skills to work as a Digi-Tech. That was 5 years ago, and I haven't looked back since
Q: What do you like most about your work; what do you like least?
I really enjoy working with a variety of people from all over the World. I am always learning something new from them, especially being the right hand to the photographer, the art director and the client. I call it photosynthesis like a plant. I also enjoy using the latest gear as I consider myself to be a 'gear geek', keeping up to date with all the new advancements. What I don't like is getting sand on the aforementioned gear.
Q: What do you feel is important to learn for anyone starting out or what do you wish you knew when starting?
My advice is that it is essential to learn everything you can about computer file structures and to be able to respect the importance of the job. You need to be disciplined with yourself and well - organized. Social skills are also essential, knowing when to speak and when to step back.
Q: What’s one item in your kit you can recommend to everyone?
It has to be my camel hair brush that I use whilst working on the beach. It is ideal for brushing off the sand from my equipment and is also cheap.
Q: What piece of equipment would you like to never see on set again?
Capture Pilot not connecting to the network.
Q: If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
When producers get confused with Photo Digi-Tech and Video DIT.
Q: What was your best day on set?
I had the chance to work with the incredibly talented photographer Kourtney Roy for two weeks in Mexico and Miami. I was able to be part of her video documentary, Desperate Dreamer, even having some of my own screen time! I was also the first person to be mentioned in her book acknowledgments.
Q: How do you explain what you do for work to family/strangers?
I offer photographers a seamless way to capture, review, and enhance images in real-time, ensuring the creative vision is achieved.
I specialize in handling and organizing digital files, maintaining accurate color and image consistency throughout the project.
Gustavo Garza
You can read others in the Q&A series HERE
