NICA SPOTLIGHT
I was introduced to photography throughout my brother, Jairo Ramos. He started long before I did, and he wanted me to learn so He could pass the job down when he moved to the U.S. When I took his job, that’s when my career began. I have a great passion for taking good photos, but I also shoot to support myself financially. It allows me to buy my gear, support my family, and above all, pay for my university. I love surfing, but I cannot just wait for a sponsor, I want to be a professional photographer. How many years have you been shooting surf? Three years. What have been the biggest challenges and obstacles? The most recent one was getting my laptop stolen. It was so hard because I had all my photography, videos, and university work, among many other important documents on it. I worked very hard to buy it and had only had it for six months. Another big obstacle was when my first job came to an end—the one Jairo gave me—I had to give back all the gear and I had nothing but a bit of money. So I bought a lens. My aunt Martha helped me. I had to borrow a camera from a friend. It was hard having to borrow gear. One time I was told, “Man, stop borrowing other people’s gear and get your own, work for it!” It was tough, but I strove to get the gear I now have. Thank God and all of the good people who helped me. I am learning day by day.
Jerson Barboza By César Medina Nicknames:
“a.k.a, J.B”
Photo: Rafael Rivas
César: Hi Jerson, please tell us a little about yourself? Jerson: My name is Jerson Barboza, a.k.a. J.B. I am 20 years old and from San Juan Del Sur.
San Juan Del Sur is known as the place where surfing was started here in Nicaragua, how did you get into photography? It could be said that San Juan Del Sur is the surf capital of Nicaragua. I am a third generation surfer there. Guys like Larry Davila, Rex Calderon, Antonio Calderon, Felipe Avendaño, Norwin Estrella, Luis Chamorro, and Gerardo Miranda are all very good surfers from the area that we looked up to coming up.
30 Surfnica Nicaragua Surf Guide
I know that you recently bought a water housing and that’s even more expensive than the body itself. How did you manage to buy it? Thanks to God and a lot of hard work I was able to buy a SPL water housing, and yes, you are right, it was very expensive. But I had some photography that I sold. I also sold one of my lenses, and borrow some money. I really want to thank all people who support me, Martha Castillo, Christian Martin, Jairo Ramos and Gianni Landolfi. Which do you prefer, land or water photography? I do both, but I like water photography much more because I have an angle that nobody shooting from the land has. Also thing the photos are unique. And tell me about the professional career you are studying for, how is that going? I’m studying Graphic and Advertising Design. I started a year ago. I chose that one because it’s all linked with photography. I also like designing very much, and make art through graphics and photography. What are your long-term goals? Own my photography and advertising design firm. Thanks Jerson, how can surfers book a session with you? My email is jerson93barbosa@gmail.com, phone number +505.8576.5445, or Facebook Jerson Barboza.