Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Giselle Sanchez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Giselle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
I am an all in or nothing kind of person. I realized I really liked photography when I started to think “I wish I took pictures like that” and kept falling in love with so many photographers work. Whether it was of landscape or a destination wedding. I researched everything about the camera and how to take pictures, because its not just pointing and pushing a button. There is so much to think about before taking a picture and it coming out decent. Things like how lighting affects your ISO setting, aperture and shutter speed, as well as the creative side of composition and what you are aiming to accomplish with that photograph. I decided to buy a camera and right away started practicing. From the beginning I used the manual setting. I tried so many different things and types of photography to see what I liked most. I took my camera everywhere everyday for a straight month and learned so much within that time. My siblings were my most common practice subjects to experiment different setting combinations and lighting. Those were fun and frustrating times lol
Giselle, 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 Giselle and I am native to San Diego. My small business is called GSanchez Photography. I have been doing this for almost 3 years now. My curiosity and desire to learn something new is how I ended up in the photography industry and it is definitely one of the best. My main focus in photography are engagements and small family sessions with a few grad and maternity sessions in between. I love to incorporate some drone shots in my sessions when the location is special to my clients. A goal I have every session is that I try to make the emotions and joy of the moment come through the photograph every time you look at it. My editing style which is a little on the cool grainy side but the smiles and laughter make it warm enough to fall in love and that is what I think my work sets me apart. I am always a little nervous before every session because I want to get it right, and what I love about this job is that my couples and families make it so easy to capture the special moments and laughters. The messages and phone calls I get when my clients view their galleries make all the nervous chills and doubts worth it. I work hard every session to make my clients comfortable and make sure they are having fun. Including the little kiddos. If I have to play baby shark couple times to get them to dance or smile it will be worth it. Another goal is to have my clients feel that their investment in a photo session is always worth it. So capturing these special moments and accomplishments is very important because these occasions are often life changing, whether you are expecting a new baby in the fam or you are about to marry your bestfriend or graduating college with a degree. These are events we want to remember forever and trust the photographer to make it happen.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
My best source for new clients is always through past clients. I get the most work through word of mouth which is always what I prefer because they get to hear about me from those I have already worked with. They have already met me, see how I work, how I interact with others. They see the results of my work and what I do to get those results they often love. New clients know what to expect and sometimes they say they know me already from what they’ve heard from the people that recommended me. Definitely a confidence booster for a creator to hear. I try to do my best every session and establish a good rapport with everyone.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Sometimes you have to invest a little to get started. In my case my photography business beginning was funded by my savings. I invested in workshops by other professional photographers to learn as much as I can especially in the business side of things and not just the fun dreamy photo sessions. When you learn well and willing to keep learning and progress in your craft it pays off in the long run. It will be worth it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/gsanchez.photography
Image Credits
All images are my own