We were lucky to catch up with Eucario Calderon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Eucario, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

We landed our first real client back in 2018, shooting graduation sessions at Sacramento State. At the time, I was finishing my undergrad there and had just started offering grad sessions for around $100 to my classmates and peers. My first few clients were friends from college, and that moment of getting paid to do something I loved was unforgettable.

Looking back at those early photos, I’m humbled by how much I’ve grown as a photographer. What started as a side hustle shooting grad sessions has since turned into a full-time business. We have now captured over 200 graduates, 200 weddings, 300 portrait sessions, and worked with some of the biggest businesses in Sacramento.

We all start somewhere, and for me, it was balancing school while building a photography business. That first paid session was just the beginning of a journey that has taken me further than I ever imagined.

Eucario, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Eucario Calderon, and I’m the founder of EucariosVisuals and Elevar Media. My journey into photography and videography began in 2017 when I picked up a camera for the first time and instantly fell in love with it. That passion led me to switch my major from Criminal Justice to Film at Sacramento State, where I landed an internship doing photo and video production for the university from 2018 to 2020.

Graduating in 2020 was a challenging time. Like many in my class, I faced a lot of uncertainty and limited job opportunities. When my internship ended in January 2021, I had no choice but to go all in on freelancing. What started as a hobby and passion in 2017 has turned into a full-time business, and I haven’t looked back since.

Today, EucariosVisuals specializes in weddings, quinces, and portraits, while Elevar Media is focused on high quality photo and video production for businesses looking to elevate their brand.

What sets us apart is our ability to create an experience where people feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera. Whether it’s a wedding day or a business branding session, we focus on storytelling and authenticity, ensuring every client walks away with visuals that truly represent them.

As I reflect on five years of self-employment and eight years of doing what I love, I’m incredibly grateful for the support of the Sacramento community. From my time at Sac State to now, the relationships and opportunities I’ve built in Sacramento have shaped my career in ways I’ll always be thankful for.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the biggest tests of resilience in my journey came in early 2019 when I made a huge financial risk to invest in my craft. At the time, I was still in college, balancing school, a part-time job at Sacramento State, and living on my own. My first camera, a Nikon D3300, had served me well since 2017, but I knew I needed better equipment to take my photography to the next level.

I took a leap of faith and opened a Best Buy credit card, maxing it out at nearly $10,000 to purchase a Sony A7 III and a some Sony lenses. As a college student already paying for school and bills, that amount felt massive. I remember standing at the checkout, heart racing, telling myself that this was an investment in my future. I didn’t have a solid plan for how I’d pay it off, but I believed in my work and my ability to make it happen.

That decision changed everything. Upgrading from a beginner camera to professional gear elevated the quality of my work, allowing me to charge more, and attract better clients and start gaining more freelance work outside of my internship at Sac State. Looking back, it was a scary risk, but it paid off in ways I never imagined.

What’s funny is that today, I invest more into my business every year, but that first big financial risk taught me a valuable lesson betting on yourself is always worth it. If you’re serious about your craft, investing in yourself and your business is the best decision you can make.

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

After eight years in the industry, I’ve learned that building a strong reputation comes down to consistently practicing your craft, providing a great client experience, and delivering high quality work.

Even now, I’m still working on growing my reputation, but over time, my work has started to speak for itself. Clients trust me because they see the results, and word of mouth referrals have become one of the biggest drivers of my business. The more I focus on creating great content and making sure every client feels valued, the more my name continues to spread in the industry.

Reputation isn’t built overnight. By staying dedicated, improving with every project, and letting my work do the talking, I’ve been able to create a brand that people recognize and trust.

Contact Info:

• Website: EucariosVisuals.com & ElevarMedia.net
• Instagram: @eucariosvisuals
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eucario-calderon-73365119b