We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Iris Preciado a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Iris, thanks for joining us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
One of the best investments I made was pursuing formal education. I attended Orange Coast Community College, and their photography program is exceptional. The professors are incredibly supportive and provide a comprehensive understanding of the field. Completing the program gave me the confidence to tackle any job, and it prepared me well for the industry.
Another significant investment was in quality equipment. Photography can be costly, and to succeed, you need to invest wisely. I started with basic gear, but as I secured more jobs, I reinvested my earnings into reliable, high-quality equipment. For my primary focus in portrait and commercial photography, having fast and durable lenses was essential. While investing can feel daunting, the ability to deliver high-quality images to my clients makes it all worthwhile.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Photography has been a significant part of my life since my teenage years. I started out with a film camera, capturing moments from family camping trips. Those early experiences ignited my passion, and today, I proudly serve as my family’s personal photographer.
As I grew older, I expanded my focus to include events for friends and family, which inspired me to elevate my skills further. I enrolled in the photography program at Orange Coast Community College, where I earned two certificates. The program was incredible, and I learned so much from the talented professors there.
Currently, I specialize in portraits, weddings, and jewelry photography. My clients can expect professional and heartfelt images because I truly love what I do. I’ve been told that I have the right attitude for this field; I genuinely enjoy connecting with people and expressing my creativity through my work.
For me, photography is personal. My main goal is to ensure my clients are thrilled with their images. I take my work very seriously, and I strive to create lasting memories that my clients will cherish for a lifetime.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Life without photography is unimaginable for me; I cannot picture myself without my camera. Photography allows me to express a unique form of art that I truly love. I enjoy playing with light and crafting beautiful scenes. The most rewarding part of being a creative is witnessing the joy on my family’s, friends’, and clients’ faces as they see themselves in a new light—appreciating how they look and cherishing the moments I capture that will last a lifetime.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
At the start of my photography journey, I faced challenges with finances and equipment. I’ve always believed that having the best, most expensive gear isn’t the key to success, but let’s be honest: photography can be costly. As a full-time student and employee, it was tough to afford lenses and other gear that could enhance my craft. Fortunately, attending school gave me access to equipment that helped me identify what I truly needed. Learning about rental services like Pro Photo, where I could rent lenses and lighting at reasonable prices, was a game changer. This experience allowed me to experiment with different gear and discover what worked best for my creative vision. These resources were invaluable in helping me determine which equipment I should invest in for my photography.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: iris_preciadophotography, irispreciadop
