Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Denise Vasquez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Denise, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Yes, I am proud to say I am a registered, licensed, and insured photographer. It has taken me a lifetime of many lessons to get to here, but I did it! Earning a full-time living from my creative work, and being self employed is a huge accomplishment, but it has not been an easy path. There are many things that you need to have besides talent & passion in order to be successful.
I’m here to tell other inspiring artists, if you have a dream, a goal, a vision, the first and most important thing you need to do is believe in yourself, your creative aspirations and your dream! Do it because you love it, have to, and there is nothing else in the world that makes you happy. I am an artist who creates because it is a part of my being. Creating is like breathing for me! I’m not happy if I’m not creating!
I’ve been creating as long as I can remember! I was 4 years old when I first performed on stage. I have studied, trained with some of the best in the entertainment industry in New York City, St John USVI, Hollywood, CA and have done everything from being a professional actress, singer & dancer which led me into doing Music Videos, Feature Films, TV, Industrials, Educational Videos and becoming a proud member of SAG-AFTRA since 1995; to being an award winning singer/songwriter/guitarist with three albums on itunes, apple music, Spotify, Amazon Music, stand up comedian, published designer, artist, writer, author and photographer.
From day one, I’ve always had goals, written them down, and stayed focused on what I set out to achieve. Writing down goals has always kept me on target, lets me see accomplishments, and keeps me focused on my destination. Ever since I was a young teen in New York City, I had at least two jobs, even while I was taking classes, training, and performing to support my dreams. Yes, sometimes things in life got in the way and forced me to pause: school, work, people, bills, shut downs, health issues…but you have to take that time to reflect, regroup and decide what you want more. Sometimes I’ve had to sacrifice things to make it happen. While some of my friends were partying growing up, I was training, working, and planning. The most important advice I can share is to work hard, stay focused, keep learning new skills, learn the business, stay organized and surround yourself with positive people who believe in you, respect you and support your creative goals.
I usually talk about this on my Self Promotion For Artists panel at San Diego Comic Con, but my schedule would not allow for me to attend this year, so I’ll share this here: Everything I’ve experienced in life, has been a valuable experience which I incorporate into my art, my life & my work. The lessons are in our journey. Every moment is an opportunity to learn, to grow and to create. Be willing to do the work, be patient with your journey, and don’t try to take short cuts or else you might miss a valuable lesson. Too many artists out there are copying what others are doing. Be YOU! BElieve! Be positive! Having a positive perspective and outlook on life is very important, has helped me in so many ways and has shown me that the power of the mind is an incredible gift.
My journey has been a long crazy rollercoaster ride, but I wouldn’t change a thing. It has given me the perspective I have and made me the artist that I am. I don’t want to go too deep into this incident that I experienced, but I feel it’s imperative to share because it was life changing for me. I’ve always given more than 100% to everything I do. I was working for a photography company & had an accident at work, which led to me being in a wheelchair for three years. I went to hell and back and hell again and ended up with a permanent disability which I fight through every moment of every day. All the while during the time when I was trying to get proper medical care, therapy, dealing with lawyers, doctors, work, insurance company and so much more…Some people might’ve given up, but I never gave up on my passion for photography. My love for my creativity and my craft was stronger everything I was going through, even the chronic pain! I never stopped taking photos, even while I was in the wheelchair for three years which gave me a new perspective on life. I never stopped believing that I was going to walk again. I never stopped visualizing myself walking with my camera in my hand taking photos. I never stopped dreaming. The power of the mind is an incredible gift. We all have it. You know that saying, your focus determines your reality, it’s true. I’m living proof! While I was working hard mentally, physically, and spiritually to get back on my feet, I made a vow to myself. I promised myself, that when I got back on my feet, I would work for myself, set my own hours, and never allow anyone to work me to death or to injury again!
I’m not going to lie, setting up your business can be very time consuming and costly, but I wouldn’t change a thing. You asked a question about what do I think could have sped up the process? It’s important for artists to know that there’s no hurry. Time is just a reminder of where we’ve been and where we are. Be where you are and take in the moment. Many people may not see the reasons why we experience what we do. Being in a wheelchair for three years led me to creating The Disabled Photographer Project and How Accessible Is Accessible series. Being present and really experiencing life can lead you to creating some amazing things if you are totally present in the moments.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a proud Puerto Rican, 54 year old female photographer & artist who has been working in the entertainment business since age 4. I’m not afraid to say how old I am, because for me age is a reminder of where I’ve been and where I am.
I was born and raised in New York City, and have done everything from being a professional stage, film and TV actress, to being a model, dancer, singer/songwriter/guitarist, stand up comedian, writer, author, production key set/PA/Casting assistant, photographer and much more.
I am an internationally published photographer, artist and writer who loves to travel! I left my home in New York City when I was 17, and have been traveling and performing around the world since living in Scotland, London, USVI, California, and Nevada. Why do I love traveling? Because it connects me to people, places, and cultures, gives me new experiences and perspectives, and inspires me to show the the beauty in the world through my lens.
My photography style combines candid, documentary & editorial. I believe the best moments are the real ones, and I love capturing those beautiful memories that live on in every photograph.
Being an artist who has had professional experience both in front of and behind the camera gives me a very unique perspective. Not only do I know how to bring out the best in YOU and help your unique self shine, but I understand what the industry standard is when it comes to having high quality, professional photos that look like YOU.
As an actress, model, singer/songwriter/guitarist and dancer, I’ve had my own personal experiences with photographers. Over the years, since childhood, too many photographers didn’t take the time to get to know me or what I needed the photos for, just took my money, told me what they wanted to do, rushed me in and out, ending up with horrible photos where I looked stiff, empty, uncomfortable, didn’t show my personality or looked nothing like me. Over the years, I’ve also had the pleasure of working with some amazing photographers and filmmakers in New York City, London, US Virgin Islands, and Hollywood who inspired me to want to learn more about working behind the camera. No job is too small! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, every moment is an opportunity! I’ve taken many jobs just to learn from the best. I’ve worked as a key set PA, production and casting assistant where I learned how to scout, photograph and work with talent. I’ve done extra work just to be on set to watch and learn. I’ve also had photography jobs working for companies that just wanted volume over quality. Like all of my endeavors, I make the most out of every situation I’m in, and ended up learning how to photograph quality candid moments which helped me develop a quicker eye which is imperative to capturing moments that will live on in every photograph.
All of my lifelong experiences as an artist, actress, model, dancer, singer/songwriter/guitarist, comedian, host, producer and more, led me to being a photographer. I love meeting people, love collaborating with like minded creators on a vision and bringing it to life, and I love shining the spotlight on talent! I’ve hosted, produced and promoted my own shows, I’ve booked singer, songwriters, musicians and bands on St John, USVI in 6 of my Music Festivals. In Los Angeles, I booked comedians, musicians, actors, singer/songwriters, on my WO+MEN 4 APPLAUSE Variety Shows at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, and at Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank, CA. During my shows, I wore many hats, but I felt it was imperative for artists to have good promotional photos, that represented them at their best, so I began photographing every artist as they performed on stage. When the performers shared the moments I captured, others began approaching me about wanting to be photographed, and that’s when I really knew I was on to something with my photography.
I’ve held so many positions in my life including working as a wedding coordinator with my partners at Book It VI. on St. John, USVI. As a wedding coordinator, I did everything from consulting with my clients, to creating packages, booking the minister, accommodations, transportation, music, florist, photographer, scouted locations, acquired permits & more!
All of my experiences has led me to knowing how to see unique qualities, focus on what stands out, find locations, and capture the best colorful moments to help my clients get what they need.
First impressions are everlasting, and so are the memories you capture in a photograph! My goal as a professional photographer, is to share my knowledge, offer my experience, give you direction, use my skills to help your authentic self shine, so we can have the best experience while capturing the most beautiful moments. I strongly believe that it’s not only important to have a beautiful photo to share with the world, but it is also important to have a photo that showcases the best in you.
I am really proud of all of my accomplishments and I’m here to help you reach your photographic goals. If you’re looking for a creative professional artist & photographer that will help your authentic self shine, focus on the best in you, while capturing real colorful moments as they occur, you’ve come to the right place! If you’re looking for a creative photographer who knows what it takes to help you stand out, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re looking for a photographer who cares about quality over quantity, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re looking for a photographer who will work with you to help you accomplish your goals, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve been on both sides of the camera, so I understand what every person I am photographing is going though. I’m patient, flexible, fun and love being with you every step of the way so you can be at your best during your photo experience.
How do I work as a photographer? We’ll have a consultation before your session, so we can collaborate and discuss your vision and mine. I’ll send you a guide to help you prepare… what to bring, what to wear…so when it’s time for your session, you’ll be ready and I’ll be able to focus on bringing out the best in your while capturing your excitement, your emotions, your qualities and all the real moments that make you shine! I always have two cameras prepared for every photo session: Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera & Canon 6D Markii DSLR camera. I also have a variety of lenses: Canon RF 24-105mm F4L, Canon EF 70-300mm 4-5.6 L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens, and SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG Art Lens. I like to have one camera set up with my telephoto zoom lens, and the other camera set up with a wider lens. I prefer working with my cameras in hand, so I can move around and find the best compositions, but I always have my Promaster Professional Specialist Tripod ready. I love capturing environmental portraits by shooting outdoors using natural light, but I have additional equipment on hand: Canon 470EX-AI Speedlite flash, light panel, and a reflector.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
This is such an important topic that I wish was part of every curriculum in every school! I’ve talked about this topic at Conventions on Self Promotion For Artists Panels at San Diego Comic Con(CA), Dragon Con (ATL), Jedi Con (Germany), Chicago, Texas… I also wrote a chapter on this topic in a book called “Sketch Card Mania” (Impact Books/Penguin Random House).
Connecting with REAL followers takes time! Over the years I built my audience on social media one conversation at a time, one performance at a time, one event at a time. Who remebers Myspace? Yes, I think my account on there is still going! I had over 80,000 followers at one point and had to take all my social media sites down due to my accident, but there was something good about being offline for three years. I regrouped, and started over which was good for my new branding for my photography business.
The internet is a great place to promote yourself & your art. Like everything else, establishing yourself as an artist or business takes a lot of work and time, but the more you put into it, the more results you will see and the easier it will become. Self-Promotion is an art form in itself!
How you present yourself online is how the world will see you, and believe me, everyone is watching! When posting online, you may think no one is paying attention because they’re not liking or commenting on your post, but post a video & see how many views you get. That will give you an idea of how many people are paying attention and looking at your posts! Check your stories to see who’s watching, because like I said, people are watching!
Be positive, be professional and be responsive to those reaching out to you. Post your work, use hashtags, learn and interact with others in your field, go to events, build your network face to face and always have business cards on your where ever you go with your social media profiles on it! If you don’t have business cards, share your social media sites from your phone whenever you make new contacts. Never get caught up in anyone’s drama or negativity, especially online or behind closed doors. The creative industry is smaller than you think and no one wants to hire anyone who’s negative, always complaining or always causing drama. I’ve seen too many artists get caught up in others drama & sabotage their own opportunities. Find an online community who are positive, supportive, professional, in their posts & especially behind the scenes. Always be yourself, especially online! Social media is a great way to introduce yourself & your art to the world!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My mission in life is to be the best photographer, artist, woman, creator, Producer, Performer, Writer, Boriqua that I can be! There is enough room for everyone on this planet. I’m not here to compete with anyone on any level, my goal is to be the best that I can be, so I can inspire others to be the best that they can be! Like I wrote in my song called “Crayons” We are Crayons in the box, different colors but all made the same, for one purpose, to color the picture”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DeniseVasquezPhotography.com & https://www.DeniseVasquezPortraits.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisevasquezofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeniseVasquezPhotographs
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCallyZDiOzSkVDqUjMYdOaw
- Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@denisevasquezphotography