For over 40 years, José Galvez has used black and white film to create a powerful and unparalleled historical record of the Latino experience in America. His compelling work, done with respect, pride and no pretense, captures the beauty of daily life. For José, photographing the lives of Latinos is not a one-time project or “current passion” but a lifelong commitment. As an artist, he photographs nothing else. His personal history, love of family, and cultural knowledge enable him to pursue his work with a reverent understanding of the stories behind the images.

        Galvez became the first Mexican-American photographer on staff of the Los Angeles Times. In 1984, he was on a team of reporters and photographers that won a Pulitzer Prize for a series on Latino life in southern California: the first Chicanos to win the Prize, one of many awards he has earned for his photographs.

        José Galvez served as senior photo editor for Americanos, a multi-media exhibition led by Edward James Olmos. In 2000, he published his first solo book, Vatos, a collaboration with esteemed poet Luis Alberto Urrea. Then, in Beloved Land, he and oral historian Patricia Martin explored the lives of Mexican pioneer ranchers in the American Southwest. In the last 40 years, Galvez's photographs have been exhibited in museums and galleries here and abroad, including The Smithsonian and with support of the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC), Ford Foundation, and JP Morgan Chase began work on “Land of Opportunity: Latino Entrepreneurs of North Carolina.” 

            Today, José Galvez tours the country with his work, often toting portable exhibits to inspire audiences with his life stories and images from his latest book, "Shine," that evokes his beginnings as a shoeshine boy. In Shine, Galvez's stunning photographs complement his powerful keynote that encourages listeners to unlock their potential, overcome obstacles, pursue new ventures, and nurture the next generation of leaders.

Interested in booking your speaking event with José Galvez? Click here or call 310-937-2789 today!