Type Of Business:
Photography center
Marketing Area:
Presently local but, I am willing and eager to travel throughout the state.
Expertise:
Portraiture: Families, Individuals and Groups
My personable and relaxed nature allow me to make quick, comfortable connections that result in a casual session capturing realistic expressions and stances.
Major Product/SVS:
Portraiture: Families, Individuals and Groups
Events: Weddings, Community Events, Fundraisers
Head Shots: Individuals, Company Brochures/Web-sites
Special Occasion Photo Cards
Photo Books/Albums
Favorite Business Publication:
Aperture, Popular Photography, Digital Photo, American Photo, Mac World
Hobbies/Sports:
Photography, Reading, Hiking, Biking, Swimming, Travel
Education Degrees:
Master of Social Work, San Francisco State University (1997)
Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Sociology, University of California at Santa Barbara, (1989)
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
I can't think of one highlight in particular as I believe every interaction and captured moment with a client can be considered a highlight. One of the reasons I love photography is that every client and experience is unique. Every moment that is frozen in time is special, and therefore a highlight for the client-and in turn for me- because I have done something special for someone.
Charity:
Local Schools
The Chier Foundation
Help-Portrait Community
Number Of Years In Profession:
4
Number Of Years In Current Position:
4
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
I attribute my current success to my passion for photography, being a mother-of-four, my social work background, my ability to connect with people, and my desire to impact society in a positive way.
I am also a perfectionist and want to make sure that I understand people as best as I can before I photograph them. I ask about dynamics within a family so groupings and stances make sense and are natural. I'm playful and try to capture those off-moments that are the more "real" moments. My casual style allows for one's true character to show.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
I come from a family of photographers and have loved taking photos since I was very young. Over the years-always with a camera in hand-I have typically been the person asked to take photographs at gatherings and events. The feedback that I have received about my work has been very positive a affirming. People like my "casual" style and once I started receiving requests to photograph for pay, I decided to pursue photography as a career; one that I love!
I also love capturing special moments and people in time so they will never be forgotten. I was separated from my father when I was four and never got to know him before his death when I was nine. The few photos that I have of him are treasures.
Photographs serve many purposes, but the reason I choose to photograph people is to preserve special moments for them and also help tell a story. My long-term dream is to photograph people and communities that have overcome great challenges: war veterans, individuals who've acquired disabilities, refugees...
Extended Bio Profile:
I define myself first as a woman with a disability, and a Mexican-American second. When I was sixteen a car accident left me with very little use of my left arm. My impairment did not discourage me from living life or trying new things; instead it has challenged me and helped me become more compassionate. I strive to inspire people with my story and be an example of courage and strength. My hope is that with my photography I can tell others' stories of resilience, hope, and perseverance, and also provide an opportunity for growth and recovery.
I'm a product of a Mexican father and American mother, considered an American citizen born abroad. My Mexican side is from the state of Jalisco-I was born in Guadalajara. My mother brought me to the US when I was four and I did not return until after my fifteenth birthday. When I was reunited with my family, a cousin gave me a black and white photo series, Los Viejos, that he shot in a small nearby village. That series moved me and inspired me to do something similar one day.
For years I have studied and educated myself about the field of photography. Like social work, it is very versatile and allows opportunities to work with people of different races and cultures, with different skills and abilities, who all have a unique story to tell. I love the variety, and the challenges and learning opportunities that it offers. While I am working towards a life-long career in photography, I see it more as striving to live my dream.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
-Photo session consultation
-Travel to photo session location
-Photo editing
-Self-marketing
-Creation and maintenance of web-sites
-Meeting with local merchants regarding photo card sales
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
I would like to have an established portraiture photography business in 5 years, with regular clients and possibly a paid assistant. My dream is to also be able to travel throughout the country, and eventually the world, and do philanthropic shoots. Possibly become a photo journalist when my children are grown.