We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Krystal Hernandez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Krystal below.

Krystal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

The biggest challenge to profitability in the photography industry is the highly competitive market and the difficulty of establishing a client base. Photography is often perceived as a lucrative business from the outside, but the reality is that success depends on much more than just taking beautiful images. It requires significant effort to build trust, form connections, and stand out among many other talented photographers.

For me, moving to a new area has been particularly challenging because I don’t yet have the network that others in the industry may have built over years. Photography is deeply personal—people often choose a photographer they trust to capture their special moments. When you’re just starting out or trying to break into a new market, earning that trust and visibility takes time, persistence, and a lot of investment in both marketing and relationships.

Another challenge is pricing. The perception of value in photography can vary widely. On one hand, some clients may not fully understand the effort, skill, and equipment costs behind capturing and editing a perfect photo, leading to hesitation when presented with fair pricing. On the other hand, competing with photographers who may charge less to attract clients makes pricing strategically an ongoing balancing act.

When I first launched Ruby Rose Photography, I quickly realized that there was no shortage of talented photographers in the area. It felt overwhelming to try to carve out a space in such a saturated market. There have been times when I’ve doubted whether I could stand out, especially when comparing myself to those with larger portfolios or more established reputations. However, I’ve found that focusing on what sets me apart—my ability to capture the emotion and essence of a single moment—has slowly helped me connect with clients who truly value my work.

One memorable experience was a client who reached out after seeing my photos on Instagram. They shared how much they loved the emotion in my images and how it resonated with their vision. That session reminded me that even in a crowded industry, authenticity and consistency in your craft can help you find your audience. It’s a long road, but each connection makes it worthwhile.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m the heart behind Ruby Rose Photography. Photography has always been more than just a craft to me—it’s a deeply personal way to preserve the fleeting emotions and beautiful moments that make life so special. My journey into photography was inspired by my late mother, whose memory reminds me daily of the importance of capturing and cherishing life’s precious moments. It’s my way of honoring her and preserving the love and beauty I see in the world.

When I started Ruby Rose Photography, my vision was to go beyond creating beautiful images. I aim to provide an experience where my clients feel seen, celebrated, and comfortable in front of the camera. Whether it’s a wedding, a family portrait, or an intimate moment, my goal is to capture not just how things look, but how they feel.

Ruby Rose Photography offers a range of services, including:

Wedding Photography: Capturing the magic, emotion, and details of one of the most important days of your life.

Family and Couples Photography: Showcasing the connections and love shared among loved ones in authentic, heartfelt images.

Portrait Photography: Helping individuals feel confident, celebrated, and empowered through stunning portraits.

Custom Sessions: Tailored shoots for creative projects, milestones, or unique visions.

My work solves a very personal problem for my clients: the need to preserve irreplaceable moments in a way that feels true to them. Every session is about telling their story in a way that resonates deeply and creates lasting memories.

What I believe sets Ruby Rose Photography apart is my commitment to capturing the essence of each moment. My clients often tell me they chose me not only for my images but because of how I make them feel throughout the process. I take the time to listen, understand their vision, and create an environment where they feel relaxed and at ease.

Additionally, I’m a strong believer in the idea that photography is not just about pictures but about preserving legacies. I bring a personal touch to everything I do because I understand how meaningful these memories will be years down the line—not just for my clients but for their families and loved ones.

I’m incredibly proud of the trust my clients place in me to capture their most meaningful moments. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is hearing how a photo I’ve taken brought tears of joy or became a cherished family keepsake. Those moments remind me why I do what I do.

I’m also proud of the growth of Ruby Rose Photography, especially as I’ve started to establish myself in a new area. Building a business from the ground up isn’t easy, but every step has been worth it. The support of my clients and community has been humbling and motivating.

Ruby Rose Photography isn’t just about taking photos—it’s about creating experiences, preserving emotions, and celebrating life. I want potential clients to know that when they work with me, they’re not just getting beautiful images but a photographer who truly cares about their story. My passion for photography comes from the heart, and it’s my privilege to help others hold onto life’s most precious moments.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Building a photography business, especially in a new area, is all about relationships and creating connections. My best sources of new clients have been through word of mouth, personal connections, and collaborations with others in the community.

I’ve been fortunate that my coworkers have supported my business by booking me for a variety of events, including church gatherings, weddings, and even fun sessions like capturing photos of their beloved pets. These opportunities have not only helped me grow my portfolio but also allowed me to showcase my versatility as a photographer.

Another wonderful source has been simply meeting new people and building friendships with locals in the area. Many of these connections have turned into invitations to events where I’ve had the chance to share my photography and expand my network. Each interaction is an opportunity to build trust and create lasting relationships, which are key to growing my business.

Collaborating with other photographers has also been an incredible avenue for growth. A friend who’s also starting her photography journey has invited me to second-shoot for holiday photo sessions, giving me valuable experience and exposure to new clients. She’s also introduced me to car photography, inviting me to car shows where I’m starting to explore this unique niche and connect with potential clients in a new market.

I’ve learned that being open to collaboration, networking, and showing genuine interest in others’ lives and passions is the foundation for growing my client base. Every connection, whether it’s through work, friendships, or collaborations, brings opportunities to share what I love doing and to build a community around Ruby Rose Photography.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

When I first started out in photography, I was eager to gain experience and build my portfolio, so I decided to host giveaways. It was a great way to get more practice behind the camera and connect with potential clients. However, one particular giveaway taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of clear communication and setting expectations upfront.

In this case, someone from outside my area won the giveaway. When I mentioned they would need to drive an hour and a half to meet me for the session, they weren’t willing to make the trip. This left me feeling a bit frustrated, as I realized I hadn’t been clear about location expectations when setting up the giveaway.

The key lesson I took from this experience is the importance of being upfront about all the details, whether it’s for a giveaway or a paid photoshoot. Having clear terms in writing—from location and travel arrangements to pricing and other session specifics—ensures that everyone is on the same page. It also helps protect your time and efforts while ensuring clients have a clear understanding of what to expect.

This experience taught me to value clear, open communication in all aspects of my business. It’s better to take a little extra time upfront to lay everything out than to face misunderstandings later. It’s a lesson that’s shaped the way I approach every interaction with my clients today, and it’s helped me run my business with more professionalism and confidence.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubyrosephotos21
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rubyrosephotos21

Image Credits

First Image: Courtesy of Galveston Beach, Galveston, TX
Second Image: Courtesy of the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA
Third Image: Courtesy of Discovery Green, Houston, TX
Fourth Image: Courtesy of First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach, VA
Fifth Image: Courtesy of Freemason Harbor, Norfolk, VA
Sixth Image: Courtesy of Downtown Amarillo National Bank, Amarillo, TX
Seventh Image: Courtesy of Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Norfolk, VA
Eighth Image: Courtesy of Jax Wax Norfolk, Norfolk, VA