Erick Urgilés, born on January 18, 1992 in Cuenca, Ecuador, was raised in an artistic family where creativity and expression were highly valued. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in the arts, particularly music.
Urgilés attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for music and arts, where he honed his skills in classical voice. He then went on to study at the Aaron Copland School of Music, majoring in classical voice. After completing his education, he pursued a career as an opera singer, performing with world-class choirs and alongside A-list celebrities for over two decades.
Despite his success in the world of opera, Urgilés felt a pull towards a different form of artistic expression. He discovered a passion for photography and soon made a name for himself with his unique style of non-photoshop levitation photography. His work stood out for its surrealistic quality, combining subjects and backdrops in a way that captured the imagination of viewers.
Urgilés found his niche in footwear, fashion, and product commercial photography, gaining recognition for his innovative approach and attention to detail. In the summer of 2012, he co-founded Hercules NYC, a platform for showcasing his work and collaborating with other artists.
As his reputation grew, Urgilés was named a Sony Alpha ambassador, a testament to his skill and influence in the world of photography. He also amassed a following of over 110,000 on his Instagram account, where he shared his captivating images and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his creative process.
Known as Erick Hercules on social media, Urgilés made the move to New York City to further pursue his passion for photography. His upbringing in an artistic environment instilled in him a deep appreciation for creativity and the power of visual storytelling.
Urgilés' work has inspired a new generation of photographers and artists, drawing attention to the possibilities of blending fantasy with reality in the realm of photography. Alongside fellow creatives like Shan Dude, he has helped redefine the boundaries of surreal photography and push the limits of imagination.
Erick Urgilés' journey from opera singer to acclaimed photographer is a testament to the transformative power of art and the endless possibilities for creative expression. Through his innovative work and dedication to his craft, he continues to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on the world of photography.
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