Joseph Torres Jr.

Never forget… “Iron sharpens iron as one man sharpens another” #hometown #209 #stocktonca #stocktoncalifornia #stocktonvseverybody (at Stockton, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqEQPbuPuff/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Winter oaks (at Stockton, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm7xxtrvJ_Z/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Christmas Eve sunset in the valley oaks. (at Stockton, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmlD0meLjjo/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

My father built his sports cinematography and film processing business with the University of Pacific athletics (primarily football). He shot football for Pacific for 25 years. He was also a graduate of UOP, as was my mother (two degrees). My whole family was involved with Pacific Football. My mother was Dad’s first camera assistant. I went to my first game at 8 years old, helping my dad and mom carry camera cases (my first assisting job -see last photo). I later worked on the sidelines (1983-88), assisting the coaching staff with their headset cables (before the days of wireless). It was such a touching moment to visit Stagg Memorial Football Plaza and see our names on a paving stone there today. UOP football may be gone but not forgotten! Go Tigers!! (at Stagg Memorial Stadium) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClczUFNrtoZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

at Eagle Rock https://www.instagram.com/p/CkKmTZ0rOAs/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Very honored to be included in this week’s Featured Crew to help #ARRAYCrew celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. 🇲🇽 #diversity https://arraycrew.com/overview/#crew (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjZJzywJT3T/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

A mama peacock takes her peachicks on a morning walk. #awww (at South Pasadena) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChvD7u2vEDM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#leica #dlux7 #fireworks (at South Pasadena) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfnhvM4rx4q/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Hydrangea #inspiraclescommunity #inspiraclesbloom #Leica #leicadlux7 #leicaphotography (at South Pasadena) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc3OrkHJdDR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Bougainvillea #inspiraclescommunity #inspiraclesbloom (at South Pasadena) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc3N75bpFln/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

This is the story of my first movie and my beginnings in the film industry. I knew I wanted a career in the camera department by age 14. While my dad being a sports cinematographer and owning a film processing lab had a big part to do with that. He (and, by extension, me) had no connections to Hollywood. I also knew that I wanted to go to film school. This, in no way, guarantees a career in film but, hopefully, you make connections there that help (The School of Cinematic Arts at USC didn’t disappoint in that aspect!). I also felt I would, at least, have a college degree if everything went sideways on making it in the film industry. While it might not have been mainstream Hollywood, our family had a friend (and our minister too!) who starred in and directed martial arts films. So, in the summer of 1990 (right before film school in the fall), I went on location as a glorified PA. I say glorified because it was a super low budget film so I did whatever needed to be done including camera, grip & electric. I would do anything to be on set but deep down I really just wanted to be in the camera. So I spent my summer in Carson City, Nevada feeling like I had made it because I was working on a movie, on location. There are so many stories from that shoot but, you know, what happens on location… I learned so much that summer from the Director of Photography, Frank Harris. How to shoot quick and dirty and be a good camera assistant as well as develop my set ears. I also owe so much to Director Leo Fong. Leo remained a dear friend, mentor and supporter until his death earlier this year. Thanks to those men and that experience that helped me launch my career in the camera department. (at Carson City, Nevada) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcYyNaqvxYf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Always great to be a part of the Tribesman Pictures Team! Yesterday I spent the day camera operating on a great PSA for USC & United Airlines featuring M'Lis Ward. She is a USC Alum (played on the '83/'84 Women's Basketball National Championship teams), Air Force veteran and first African-American female captain in commercial passenger aviation. Such an honor and pleasure to work with her and two friends, who I have known since our days in film school together at USC. Our historic location, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, wasn't too shabby either! (at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcD8yTovXsS/?utm_medium=tumblr

at Oxford hotel https://www.instagram.com/p/CbEI3tAJEJ5/?utm_medium=tumblr

at Stockton, California https://www.instagram.com/p/CbBBo8Sv0BH/?utm_medium=tumblr

at South Pasadena https://www.instagram.com/p/CaWFBz6Lcvh/?utm_medium=tumblr