"Virtu"
Defined as;
"a love of, or taste for artistic objects."
Gene Lewis is a Los Angeles based photographer. Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, but raised in Los Angeles, CA. He grew up in Gardena, CA until 1990. Later moving to Torrance, he got the shutterbug from a friend who was a college photojournalist major in 1993.
With no classes or formal training Gene taught himself photography from watching, reading books, commentaries on techniques and style. As well a great deal of trial and error.
Since then Gene has shot weddings, parties and other events from 1996 to 2002. In addition to all this, Gene has had the opportunity to learn photographic post-production experience at stock photography agency, PhotoEdit Inc. Worked in Getty Images sports/editorial department and inspect quality of wedding books at Pictage in Torrance, CA.
Gene went digital on 2006 then started the pursuit of going freelance. Gene has worked for different non profits, a film company and organizations and been published in the Los Angeles Daily Journal and other online media. Gene also serves as a staff photographer for the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles. Gene fancies himself as an Event/Editorial Photographer with a journalistic approach. But he enjoys shooting Lifestyle and Modeling. When Gene receives different projects, he continues to develop techniques and style every step of the way. For every assignment he receives, it brings the opportunity to capture those special photographs that defines the event or moment as it happens.
This is Gene's mission…..this is Virtu Imagery.
Testimonials:
"Gene has photographed numerous events for us - for both the Indian Film Festival of LA (IFFLA) and the Association of Media andEntertainment Counsel (AMEC). His work is consistent and professional. What impresses me most about Gene is his promptness and reliability. He always arrives with plenty of time to spare, and his follow-up after an event is fantastic, which was especially helpful when we needed to post and distribute photos immediately after an event. He delivers high quality, professional photography, even on short notice!"
Emily Coppel
“Whether at a large event, private reception, or on a filmset, Gene captures key moments beautifully through his photography. His keen eye and attention to detail have yielded gorgeous images time and again. Over the years Gene has always proven to be reliable, non-intrusive while achieving exceptional results, and passionate about his work.”
November 16, 2010
Surekha Paruchuri, Marketing/Publicity
“Gene has been working as a photographer for the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) for over 3 years and we are extremely happy with his work. In fact, we have referred him to board members, staff and donors and they have all been hiring him for their events. Recently, he did still photography for one of our team member's short film and they loved him. I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone who is looking for a photographer.”
October 18, 2010
Christina Marouda, Film Festival Founder, Entertainment Industry Consultant, Development Executive
