We recently connected with Gabriela Gonzales and have shared our conversation below.
Gabriela, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?
In high school, I stumbled upon my love for photography when I joined the yearbook team as the designated photographer. Capturing moments and memories became a true passion of mine. A few years after graduating, I became a proud parent to four beautiful children. Naturally, I found joy in photographing them, cherishing every milestone and documenting their growth.
It was during this time that my friends began approaching me, asking if I would take photos of their children as well. It brought me immense happiness to capture those precious moments for my friends, and slowly, word started to spread about my photography skills. Then, one of my closest friends entrusted me with photographing her sister’s wedding because they couldn’t afford a professional photographer. Although hesitant at first, I accepted the responsibility, making it clear that I wasn’t a seasoned professional but would give it my all.
Driven by my determination to deliver the best possible results, I delved into books and resources, learning about the essential shots to capture at weddings. The experience of photographing that wedding was incredibly rewarding, and soon after, I started receiving inquiries from other friends and acquaintances of the bride. It was then that I realized just how much joy and fulfillment weddings brought me as a photographer.
As my client base began to expand, I recognized the need to invest in better equipment and enhance my skills further. By saving up from my shoots and weddings, I purchased a quality flash, tripod, and improved lenses. Meanwhile, I proactively sought opportunities for education and growth, joining esteemed organizations such as The Houston Guild of Photographers, Professional Photographers of Texas, and Professional Photographers of America. These memberships allowed me to attend classes, gain valuable knowledge, and hone my skills in this ever-evolving field.
Taking the next step towards establishing myself as a legitimate business, I obtained a DBA (Doing Business As) and a Tax Exempt Permit. Simultaneously, I heard about a significant bridal show happening at the George R Brown Convention Center. Through research and preparation, I discovered that up to 6000 brides would attend this event to hire vendors for their weddings. It was essential for me to scout the competition, study their packages and prices, and gauge industry trends.
The bridal show offered an opportunity to be featured in a program booklet distributed to all attendees. Understanding the marketing potential, I secured a full-page advertisement in the program. However, I also realized the importance of engaging directly with potential clients during the show. If I hadn’t paid for the program inclusion, I would have been required to tirelessly distribute brochures to every passerby. This experience taught me the significance of maximizing exposure and making personal connections with potential clients.
In my quest to continuously improve, I took on a role as one of the main photographers for another wedding photographer. By working alongside him and capturing numerous weddings under his guidance, I gained invaluable experience and knowledge in lighting techniques and technical aspects of photography. The more weddings I photographed, the more confidence I built, and the deeper my understanding of the business grew. Clients were impressed with my work and conveyed their satisfaction to the studio owner.
After six months of intense preparation, it was finally time for me to have my own booth at the renowned bridal extravaganza. Engaging with countless brides over the course of two days, discussing weddings and capturing their excitement, brought me immense joy. Looking back, I am delighted to share that in my first official year as a wedding photographer, I had the honor of photographing 50 weddings. It was undoubtedly a challenging journey that demanded unwavering commitment, constant learning, and round-the-clock dedication. But by dedicating myself entirely to the craft, I transitioned into a full-time wedding photographer.
Through this incredible process, I witnessed the transformative power of pursuing passion, seizing opportunities, and mastering the art of photography. Each step, from the initial idea to launching a successful business, was filled with growth, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to deliver exceptional images and experiences for my clients.
Gabriela, 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?
As a seasoned professional with over 24 years of experience in the photography industry, I have had the pleasure of capturing numerous beautiful moments and events. While I have a strong background in wedding photography, my true passion lies in working with CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors, speakers, and individuals who need impactful images for their marketing materials.
What sets me apart from others is my commitment to understanding the unique vision and needs of each client. Before every shoot, I take the time to meet with my clients and discuss their goals, preferred locations, clothing options, and poses. By thoroughly reviewing their websites and understanding their branding, I can provide valuable suggestions and ideas to create the perfect shot that aligns with their marketing objectives.
Convenience is a key aspect of my service. Rather than having clients come to a studio, I bring the studio to them, allowing for a comfortable and personalized photoshoot experience. This approach saves them time and ensures that they feel at ease in their familiar surroundings.
Another advantage of working with me is the meticulous attention to detail. All the images are professionally touched up, enhancing their quality and making them ready for use in various marketing materials such as billboards, websites, editorials, brochures, and more.
Throughout my career, I have taken great pride in delivering exceptional results that exceed my clients’ expectations. I believe in the power of visuals to convey messages effectively and make a lasting impression. It brings me immense satisfaction to support CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers by providing them with captivating images that elevate their brands and help them stand out in their respective industries.
Ultimately, I am here to solve the problem of creating impactful visual content for marketing purposes. Whether clients are looking to boost their online presence, create eye-catching billboards, or enhance their professional image, I am dedicated to working closely with them to bring their vision to life.
To learn more about my portfolio and the services I offer, please visit www.photosbygabriela. com or reach out to me at 832.235.4166. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you and help you achieve your marketing goals
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
From day one, I had a clear vision and passion for photography. Recognizing the importance of having the right equipment to deliver high-quality results, I knew I needed to secure funding to start my business and purchase the necessary gear. However, instead of relying on loans or external investments, I took a disciplined approach.
I made it my priority to save diligently from the very beginning. Every spare penny and extra income went towards building my initial capital. It meant making sacrifices and adopting a frugal mindset, but I was determined to succeed in pursuing my passion.
By carefully managing my personal finances and cutting unnecessary expenditures, I was able to accumulate enough savings to purchase all my gear solely with cash. This approach allowed me to embark on my photography journey without the burden of debt and financial obligations.
Maintaining this mindset of saving throughout the years has been instrumental in sustaining my business. By reinvesting profits back into the company and carefully managing expenditures, I have been able to continually upgrade and expand my equipment as technology advances.
While the road to building my business and acquiring the necessary equipment required discipline and delayed gratification, I am proud of the fact that I have maintained this self-funded approach for 24 years. It has instilled in me a sense of financial independence and stability, allowing me to prioritize the needs of my clients and deliver the best possible results.
Saving diligently not only enabled me to start and grow my business but also led to a greater appreciation for the value of hard work and resourcefulness. I firmly believe that this approach has played a significant role in the longevity and success of my photography career.
By being prudent with my finances and consistently saving, I have built a strong foundation for my business. It provides me with the peace of mind and flexibility to focus on what matters most – capturing memorable moments and delivering exceptional images for my clients.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building my audience on social media has been a journey that I have approached strategically and with a focus on providing value to my followers. Here’s how I went about it:
1. Consistency: I made it a point to post on social media every day at 9 AM. This regular posting schedule helped establish expectations among my audience, ensuring they knew when to anticipate new content from me.
2. Valuable Content: I recognized the importance of sharing helpful information with my followers. I started by watching YouTube videos on marketing to gain insights into effective social media strategies. Taking inspiration from what I learned, I began creating posts that provided tips, such as how to prepare for a photoshoot or why updating your headshot is crucial for personal branding. By offering actionable advice, I was able to position myself as a knowledgeable professional in my field.
3. Personal Touch: In addition to sharing professional insights, I realized that my audience was curious to know more about me personally. To foster a deeper connection, I started sharing glimpses of my personal life alongside my business-focused content. This allowed my clients and followers to see the person behind the camera and relate to me on a more personal level.
4. Client Involvement: After completing a successful photoshoot, I would ask my clients for permission to share their professionally touched-up images on my social media platforms. Not only did this provide valuable content for my audience, but it also helped promote the work of my clients and showcase their businesses. This collaborative approach created a win-win situation and strengthened the bond between myself and my clients.
For those who are just starting to build their social media presence, here are a few key pieces of advice:
1. Consistency is Key: Establish a regular posting schedule and stick to it. Consistency helps build trust with your audience and keeps them engaged.
2. Provide Value: Focus on delivering valuable content that meets the needs or interests of your target audience. Offer tips, insights, or engaging visuals that make your followers feel they are gaining something from following your account.
3. Show Your Personality: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share aspects of your personal life or values that align with your brand. This humanizes your social media presence and allows your audience to connect with you on a deeper level.
4. Collaborate and Engage: Foster relationships with your clients or peers by involving them in your social media content. Showcase their work or share success stories to form a sense of community and encourage engagement.
Ultimately, building an audience on social media takes time and effort. Stay consistent, provide value, and engage genuinely with your followers. By doing so, you can gradually grow your presence and establish meaningful connections with your audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.photosbygabriela.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosbygabriela99/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabriela.elizondo.gonzales/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-elizondo-gonzales-a49b771a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgq16ekmGRYcvBo5lCCLQ4g
Image Credits
Photos By Gabriela