We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eleazar Mascorro Melchor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Eleazar, thanks for joining us today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

Asking friends and family for support in your business can be a complex and sensitive matter.
Open and Honest Communication, It’s essential to have open and honest communication with your friends and family when seeking support for your business. Be clear about your needs, expectations, and the level of involvement you are seeking from them.
Mutual Benefits, show how their support can benefit them as well. Explain how your product or service can address their needs or provide value. This can make it feel like a win-win situation rather than a one-sided request.
Be Mindful of Their Circumstances: Consider the financial and time constraints your friends and family might have. Don’t pressure or guilt-trip them into supporting your business if it’s not convenient for them.
Respect Their Boundaries: Understand that not everyone may be comfortable supporting your business, whether it’s financially or in other ways. Respect their decision, and don’t strain your personal relationships over this issue.
Offer Flexibility: Provide different ways for them to support your business. It could be through referrals, word-of-mouth marketing, social media shares, or small purchases. Let them choose the level of involvement that suits them.
Avoiding Over-reliance, while it’s natural to seek initial support from friends and family, don’t rely solely on them for the success of your business. Diversify your customer base and support network to reduce the pressure on your close relationships.
Maintain Professionalism and treat friends and family like any other customer or supporter. Provide excellent customer service and fulfill your commitments, just as you would with any other client. Being Grateful will Show appreciation for any support you receive, whether it’s a purchase, a referral, or moral support. A simple thank you can go a long way in maintaining strong relationships.
Be mindful not to repeatedly ask for support. Overly frequent requests can strain relationships, so choose your moments strategically.

In terms of anecdotes, many entrepreneurs have different experiences when it comes to involving friends and family in their businesses. Some find their friends and family to be incredibly supportive and willing to go above and beyond to help, while others may face challenges or strained relationships due to financial disagreements or differing expectations. It’s essential to navigate this terrain with care and sensitivity, as maintaining strong personal relationships is often just as important as business success.

Eleazar, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Eleazar Mascorro Melchor, and I’m a photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty and essence of life through the lens of a camera. My journey into the world of photography began when my co-worker ( working at Texas Roadhouse as a server) introduced me to photography she did on the side and talked about what is a good camera to get and how to start. Shout out to my friend Andrea she does amazing work and my mentor, I still ask her for advice till this day. After our talk at work I was instantly drawn to the idea of freezing moments in time, and it quickly became a lifelong pursuit. Over the years, I honed my skills, learned various photography techniques, and developed my own unique style.

I specialize in Portraits, Couples, Weddings, Graduation Photos, and event photography. I have a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for aesthetics, and my work reflects my commitment to capturing not just images but emotions and stories.

One of the key problems I aim to solve for my clients is to create lasting memories and visual narratives that they can cherish for a lifetime. Whether it’s a couple’s special day, a family’s joyous moments, or the beauty of nature, my photography serves as a medium to encapsulate the emotions and experiences of those precious moments. I believe that my ability to connect with my subjects, combined with my technical expertise, sets me apart from others in the field.

What I’m most proud of in my photography journey is the ability to make people smile, cry, and relive their memories through my work. There’s a profound sense of satisfaction in knowing that I’ve contributed to the happiness and memories of my clients.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that I’m dedicated to providing high-quality, meaningful photography services. I take the time to understand my clients’ unique visions and needs, and I work tirelessly to bring those visions to life. My brand is built on creativity, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. I’m not just a photographer; I’m a storyteller, and my lens is the medium through which I tell those stories.

Whether you’re looking for wedding photography that captures the love and joy of your special day, portrait photography that highlights your personality, or stunning landscape shots that transport you to different places, I’m here to make it happen. I look forward to connecting with you, understanding your story, and creating timeless images that you’ll treasure for years to come.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Word of mouth is still a powerful thing, Happy clients often recommend your services to others. Word-of-mouth referrals are invaluable for building a positive reputation.

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial. Maintain a professional website and active social media profiles. Share your work, engage with your audience, and showcase your expertise through blog posts or tutorials.

Building relationships within the industry is vital. Collaborate with other photographers, models, makeup artists, and clients. Attend industry events, workshops, and photography meetups to connect with like-minded individuals

Producing consistently high-quality photographs is essential. Your work should demonstrate technical proficiency, creative vision, and attention to detail. Consistency in delivering excellent results is crucial for building a positive reputation.

The most important one for me personally was being consisted, Consistency not only applies to the quality of your work but also to your brand and online presence. Keep your portfolio, website, and social media profiles up to date and cohesive to present a professional image.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer and creative is the ability to express oneself, connect with others, and have a meaningful impact on the world through the visual language of photography. It’s a profession that combines artistic expression with personal fulfillment, and the possibilities for growth and connection are endless.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bephotography.pic-time.com/client
• Instagram: 93.media
• Twitter: 93Media_