KC Ortiz’s focal length is distant, converging on often forgotten cultures, and grimy conditions in places Sally Struthers would call payday.

He’s an incredible example of believing in your own talent against all odds.

Growing up Ortiz was subjected to gang-infested poverty in Chicago, and by twenty one he was serving a five year sentence in federal prison.

Ortiz’s collected experiences have given life to a career oddly built by this adversity; the resourcefulness of poverty, the patience of prison, the humility of fear, the excitement of the unknown.  These attributes have converged into a style that is visually arresting and socially conscious.

The Juxtapoz feature profiling his immersion into a Hmong rebel camp in Laos is on newsstands now, you can click below for a snapshot of the interview.
http://www.juxtapoz.com/Features/kc-ortiz-on-jail-photography-and-fear

Vic Reznik