At Cat Footwear, we are celebrating the holidays a little differently this season. In an effort to get back to the spirit of giving that surrounds the holidays, we’re encouraging our customers to have a B.I.Y. or Build-it-Yourself holiday- giving something meaningful with a personal touch. It’s better to build, than to receive.

While B.I.Y. may not necessarily apply as literally to Earthmover and Photographer Vince DeSantiago, his process of capturing the city through the lens of his camera is as much of a build creatively as something crafted together with more traditional materials.

“There’s a whole different feeling to giving a gift that you made,” Vince says. “It holds a lot more emotion for the person receiving it. I was really broke in my twenties, so I made my parents presents for Christmas one year, and it’s still to this day, their favorite presents I have given them.”

Whether he’s shooting architectural photography or gritty street life, Vince DeSantiago’s photos always tell a story. As a lifelong Chicagoan, Vince has watched his hometown transform over the years, and it remains the through line in his work.

Vince has shared his top tips for taking better photos, whether you are a seasoned professional looking to learn from someone else, or a beginner looking to try something new. Check out the links below to get his tips, or to enter to win one of two sets of Vince’s signed photography.

GET THE GUIDE BELOW.

Vince DeSantiago’s Guide to Better Photos

ENTER TO WIN one of two (2) sets of Vince’s photography prints HERE.

SHOP Vince’s picks HERE.