From Hobby to Guess Campaigns: Gregorio Campos’ Photography Journey
What does it take to make it in the world of professional photography? For Gregorio Campos, it started with a simple, entry-level camera that sat untouched for a year. Now, he’s a sought-after fashion and commercial photographer, working with brands like Guess and Vans. In this exclusive interview on the Apex Studio Podcast, Campos shares his journey, creative process, and advice for aspiring photographers.
The Accidental Beginning
🎥 Watch Gregorio talk about his first camera purchase and how it sat in a box for a year!
Campos never planned to be a photographer. Raised in Orange County, he was initially drawn to music and sports. But a fascination with iconic 90s and early 2000s ad campaigns planted a seed. It wasn’t until he impulsively bought a Canon camera—only to let it sit in its box for a year—that his journey truly began.
From Hobbyist to Professional: The Turning Point
Campos’ break came in an unexpected way—while purchasing a car. With cash tucked inside his camera bag, the seller assumed he was a photographer and invited him to shadow at a photo studio. Initially reluctant, Campos later took the opportunity. Though the first shoots were uninspiring product shots, a chance encounter with Vans’ senior art director changed everything. Impressed by Campos’ raw, unfiltered photography, he started giving him small projects that led to major campaigns.
Working with Guess: A Career-Defining Moment
🎙️ Listen to Gregorio recount the moment he got a DM from Guess' Paul Marciano!
After years of refining his craft, Campos caught the attention of Guess co-founder Paul Marciano. A direct message on Instagram led to a meeting and, eventually, opportunities to shoot test campaigns, e-commerce, and high-profile lookbooks. His signature black-and-white, high-contrast aesthetic became a defining element of his work.
Campos’ Approach to Photography
🖼️ Check out Gregorio’s signature black-and-white photography that made him stand out in the industry.
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Shooting Black & White: Campos is known for his distinct black-and-white imagery, describing it as "timeless and classic."
Advice for Aspiring Photographers
📢 Gregorio shares his #1 tip for young photographers looking to break into the indust
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Start Now – Don’t let doubt hold you back. Experiment and learn through trial and error.
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Build Genuine Connections – Networking isn’t just about business—it’s about authentic relationships.
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Refine Your Style – Find what makes your work unique and lean into it.
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Be Ready for Opportunities – You never know when a chance meeting could change your career.
🎬 Final thoughts from Gregorio—what’s next for his career and creative projects?
Gregorio Campos’ story is a testament to seizing opportunities and trusting the process. From a beginner’s camera sitting in a box to shooting global campaigns, his journey proves that success in photography comes from passion, persistence, and a willingness to learn.
Looking to dive deeper into his creative world? Listen to the full Apex Studio Podcast episode now.