Happiness and Love

Photography By Nitzia Garcia

Photographer Nitzia Garcia opens up about learning how to stay present, the intersection between music and photography, and contributing to the stories people share.

San Francisco, USA

How did you begin your journey as a photographer?

To create and preserve memories. I've always been drawn to movies and TV, and one thing I've always admired is cinematography. So, I started making videos on my phone—it was fun, and I found myself naturally transitioning into photography. I began taking photos with my phone, and over time, I started sharing them.

It was my friend Rey who really pushed me to take it to the next level. I remember the conversation so clearly—he told me, "Get a film camera first, so when you switch to digital, you'll know how to really use a camera." So, I did. I bought a film camera off Facebook, and from that moment on, I’ve never looked back.

The more I photographed, the more I realized that I was capturing something deeper than just images—I was creating memories. When I was in high school, my family moved, and many of our childhood photos got lost along the way. I have found myself capturing more and more moments of loved ones through my own lens.

I also love when someone shows me a photo and then immediately starts telling a story. I want to be a part of that—of contributing to the stories people share. That’s one of the reasons I still take photos. I’ve always loved listening to people’s stories, getting to know who they are and why they are the way they are. Storytelling has always been a passion of mine. I love to talk, to read, and to write, but I’ve never felt entirely comfortable sharing my own words. Photography gives me a different way to tell those stories.

Photography grounds me. I live in my head a lot, and photography is one of the few things that pulls me into the present. It slows me down, makes me see the world as it is, right in front of me.

What have you learned along your journey?

To sit still—that’s something I’ve always struggled with. I like to be doing multiple things at once. My biggest fear in life is for time to pass me by. But in thinking like that, I often find it hard to slow down. Photography has taught me how to stay present, how to observe, and, most importantly, how to slow down. It’s shown me the power of curiosity—how staying curious keeps you learning, and how there’s always something new to discover.

Photography has also revealed how much I dislike being stagnant. It’s taught me the value of trying new things, of exploring new places. Though I tend to be more introverted, photography has pushed me outside my comfort zone in ways I never expected. It’s helped me become more comfortable with the uncomfortable.

How would you describe your style? What makes your perspective unique and different?

That’s a tough question! My initial instinct is to say I don’t have a defined style. However, my goal is to capture the emotion of my subjects or the essence of a place. I tend to romanticize much of my life and daydream, which translates into my photography. Every photo I take carries a story—sometimes it’s a real moment, and other times, it’s a narrative I’ve created in my head.

Many of your images focus on nightlife, documentary, and street culture. Why does this subject matter inspire you?

I love the intersection of music and photography, and nightlife allows me to blend both. I mostly shoot at a party in San Francisco, Love Supreme, which is how I got into nightlife photography. I enjoy capturing moments of happiness and love. Being around music, watching people dance, and feeling that shared energy inspires me deeply. After a night of photographing, I often come home overwhelmed with joy and inspiration.

Tell the story behind one of your images.

One of my favorite images is the black-and-white photo of a couple kissing at the bar. It’s the shot that sparked my nightlife photography journey. I was dancing and having a great time with my best friend when I noticed the couple at the bar. It was a spontaneous moment—I snapped the photo and kept dancing. I titled it “Los Enamorados” and often wonder about their story: Were they on a date? Did they just meet? So many possibilities!

What have been some highs and lows in your photography journey?

There have been so many highs along the way! I had a period of frequent showcases and features, which was incredibly rewarding. One of my biggest moments was seeing my photo published in a magazine for the first time—shout out to Nora and Pamplemousse Magazine for that. But some of my favorite highs are the ones that come when people recognize me and my work. There’s really no better feeling than when a stranger approaches you and tells you how much they enjoy your images.

As for the lows, this year brought its fair share of challenges. I went through a period of sadness that really sapped my inspiration. I found myself not creating work I was proud of—just feeling stuck and in a rut. One day, when I was feeling particularly down (sad, sad, lol), I decided to take my camera out and take some self-portraits. That act of creating, even just for myself, helped pull me out of the rut. Slowly but surely, I started to feel inspired again, and my creativity began to flow once more.

If you could photograph any city in the world, which one would you choose and why? What would you look for?

I’d love to photograph Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I remember doing presentations on Brazil in elementary school and always being drawn to its vibrancy. I want to capture the colors and the joy radiating from its people.

What is it like being an artist in San Francisco/Bay Area? How would you describe the art scene?

There’s so much talent in The Bay, and everyone is unique in their own way. The best part is, everyone I’ve met has been kind and open to getting to know each other. I’ve received a lot of support from fellow photographers, and it’s been amazing. The coolest thing is that, no matter where you go, you’ll often run into someone new who probably knows someone you know, which makes connecting and building relationships so much easier.

What's next for you?

I plan to keep photographing, learning, and growing. I’m excited to elevate my lighting skills and explore new techniques along the way. One of my goals is to start creating more zines—even if they’re just for me—because I want to see my images in print more often and share them in a tangible way.