We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zandra Gutay a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Zandra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

I remember when I first started my Facebook page it barely had any of my work or portfolio on it at the time. One day, I received a message from what would become one of my very first clients. They asked if I was available to photograph their simple wedding at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. I was so nervous inside, but I kept telling myself, “Stay focused, stay creative, and stay professional.” I’m grateful I did because those photos turned out beautifully.

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?

Hi, I’m Zandra Gutay, the heart behind ZandraVisuals, a photography and videography brand based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. My love for capturing meaningful moments started back in Manila, Philippines first by taking candid family photos, and later, through my own experiences as a model. That journey sparked my passion for being behind the camera and turned it into a career focused on visual storytelling.

I specialize in outdoor and event-based photography and videography, covering weddings, family milestones, portraits, birthdays, and more. I love working with natural light and capturing real, unscripted emotions to create visuals that feel timeless and genuine.

What makes ZandraVisuals different is my personal, one-on-one approach. I take the time to truly listen, to understand your story, and to make you feel at ease in front of the camera. My goal is to go beyond just delivering beautiful photos.I want to give you memories you can really feel.

What I’m most proud of is the genuine connections I’ve built with my clients and the trust they’ve given me to capture some of life’s most important moments. If you’re considering working with me, I want you to know you’re not just hiring a photographer you’re working with someone who genuinely cares about your story and is passionate about telling it with heart, creativity, and professionalism.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A big pivot in my life happened when I moved from the Philippines to the United States. At first, I thought I would follow a more traditional career path, but deep down, I knew I wanted to pursue something creative. I had always loved photography, starting from candid family photos to my experience as a model in Manila, but I never imagined it could grow into a real business.

When I got to the U.S., I decided to fully pivot toward building ZandraVisuals and turn my passion into something I could share with others. I didn’t have a full portfolio or perfect setup when I started, but I embraced the shift. That decision led me to some of the most meaningful experiences of my life capturing weddings, family milestones, and personal stories for people who trusted me with their special moments.

Looking back, I’m grateful I followed that pivot. It taught me that sometimes life pushes you in a new direction so you can grow into who you’re really meant to be.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is knowing I get to capture moments that people will hold onto forever. It’s more than just taking photos it’s about preserving real emotions, special milestones, and memories they can look back on and truly feel, even years later.

What means the most to me is when clients tell me they felt comfortable, seen, and genuinely happy during our shoot. That connection that trust is everything. The best part is seeing their reactions when they receive their photos and realizing I was able to tell their story in a way that feels real and personal to them. That’s what makes all the effort worth it. It’s those honest, meaningful moments that keep me inspired every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zandravisuals.myportfolio.com/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zandravisuals/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zandravisuals
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZandraVisuals

Image Credits

All photos by ZandraVisuals