Flashback: Jimmy Robles’ ‘Second Chance’ – A Creative Journey of Redemption Through My Pen & Lens
Storytelling through photography and writing isn’t just about capturing moments—it’s about documenting human transformation. This is one of those stories.
Telling Stories That Matter: Jimmy Robles' Journey
As a writer and photographer, I’m always drawn to stories that echo resilience, purpose, and redemption. One such story that’s stayed with me is that of Santiago ‘Jimmy’ Robles, a Westside native who found his "second chance" during a transformative church retreat.
Back in 2006, while working as a dual religion section editor and reporter for La Prensa—where I kickstarted my journalism career thanks to several college scholarships—I had the privilege of capturing Jimmy’s journey both in words and through the lens.
At the time, I was dedicated to using my writing and photography to highlight real stories within the community. Jimmy’s was a perfect example of the narratives I strive to tell—stories of hope, change, and the raw power of second chances.
A Turning Point Worth Capturing
Jimmy’s life took a transformative turn during a San Juan De Lagos Church retreat. When we met for coffee in downtown San Antonio, he candidly reflected on the destructive lifestyle he left behind. Drugs, gangs, and risky behaviors were part of his world—until a single weekend changed it all.
At the retreat, a play that mirrored his own struggles hit a nerve. Seeing his life unfold on stage sparked something inside him. “I got a second chance, and now my goal is to let people on the Westside know that there is hope out there,” he told me.
Jimmy’s passion didn’t stop there. He turned his testimony into a drama titled A Second Chance, using art as a platform to warn young people about the dangers of falling into similar traps. Local churches and YMCAs embraced the play, spreading its message throughout the community.
If you can’t find the original photo, draw it from memory. That’s the Creative Jason way.
Photography as a Tool for Storytelling
I still remember the photograph I took for Jimmy’s feature—him leaning over a railing with a hopeful gaze, a simple but powerful image. Unfortunately, the original photo file was lost over time. But rather than letting that moment fade away, I recreated the scene as a hand-drawn sketch, another example of my creativity and resourcefulness at work.
Photography, like writing, can freeze moments of transformation. Whether it’s community stories like Jimmy’s, brand storytelling, or personal portraits, my goal is always the same: to capture authenticity and emotion.
If you need a photographer who can do more than just take pictures—but also tell the deeper story behind the image—I’m your guy.
Revisiting Stories to Fuel New Passions
Reflecting on Jimmy’s journey did more than bring back memories—it rekindled my passion for storytelling through both photography and art. Sketching that moment reminded me why I love what I do: I document real lives, real change, and real moments, even when the original files are gone.
Storytelling isn’t just my profession—it’s my purpose.
Let Me Help You Tell Your Story
Whether you’re looking for:
✔️ Professional Photography that highlights authenticity and emotion
✔️ Journalistic-Style Writing that dives deeper than surface-level narratives
✔️ Or a creative approach to documenting the stories that matter most
I’m here to help.
👉 Contact me for photography and writing services that capture the essence of who you are and the message you want to share.
And if this story spoke to you, consider how photography and writing can do more than document a moment—they can inspire change.
💡 At CreativeJason.com, it’s not just about taking photos or writing articles—it’s about telling stories that matter. My work is driven by compassion, purpose, and the belief that everyone deserves their story to be told with depth and care.
