
Joel Ivan Rivera
Photography
A Bit About Me
Born & raised in Puerto Rico, my family and I relocated to Texas in 1999. Through my years residing in Texas I eventually became a police officer for the University of Texas System Police. My career has had me work at UT Arlington PD for close to 11 years. The moment I saw an opportunity to move to Galveston and transfer to UT Medical Branch PD I jumped at the chance! I have absolutely loved every moment of residing in this island and being so close to
the water. It was the persistent mental stress of my work that pushed me to photography. I wanted a hobby that would force me to take my mind off work while on my days off. I had always gravitated towards it but had never bought or learned to use a “real” camera with interchangeable lenses. I took it upon myself to learn everything I could by any and all means available. Photography allowed me to slow life down to appreciate the beautiful moments that we are all often guilty of allowing to pass us by while we carry on with our busy life.
I most enjoy photographing Galveston Island’s landscapes, historical landmarks, sunrises, and pelicans. In May 2020 I was determined to use my digital medium format camera
to photograph the squadrons of brown pelicans that often fly towards East Beach right by the tall condominiums. They have a habit of using the updrafts of wind on the sea facing side of the condominiums to ease their flight and conserve energy. After setting up a focus trap, hiding in the balcony, and taking over a hundred shots, I captured the one photo I am most proud of. The Brown Pelican photo “Flying High” was featured on the June 2020 cover of Galveston Monthly magazine!
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