We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jesus Duran. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jesus below.

Alright, Jesus thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

I started photography in 2015, only taking photos for family and friends for fun. My friends would always share on social media and I would get messages of other people wanting an actual photo session. I would give them the information, but unfortunately I would never book anything. After a whole year, I got a message from this family wanting photos for their baby turning 1. At the time I did not know what to charge because I wasn’t thinking of ever doing this for money. I gave them my prices and she booked! I was so excited and proud of myself because it was the first time I was getting paid for this and after a year of not getting anything. It was great knowing that she actually booked me.

The day come for the photo session, we meet at a park that I recommended to them. As we start the session, I get so nervous and scared. I didn’t know how to direct or pose their child. I used to be a very shy person but I got through it, thankfully.
After the session, it was ready to get paid. When I tell y’all what I charged them, you’re not going to believe me. She rights me a check for twenty dollars. I was the happiest person in that moment. I believe that, that moment was the moment I realized this was my calling, this is what I wanted to dive into and create something out of it.
I remember my mother telling me, when I do my first paid client. Always keep that money, never spend it and save it for good luck and just have that memory of your first payment received.

My first client was definitely a great experience and I will forever be grateful for that family to trust me and give me that opportunity. I will never forget that moment, because that how it all started.

Jesus, 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 journey as a photographer started when I moved for college. Graduating high school in 2015, my mother gifted me a camera. I went off to college and while unpacking, I remembered I had this camera. One day friend ask for photos. The more I did it, the more I liked it. After a while of posting my work of my friends, I got the public to ask me for pricing on session. I was shocked because I didn’t think me taking photos of my friends would turn into taking photos of other people, especially for money. My first photo session was a baby, I believed he was turning 1. I was so nervous because it was my first paid client. I remember quoting them $20, and to me that was enough because I was just starting. After a few months of doing clients here and there, something really sparked in me to continue this as a business. in 2017, I started my business and named it Pure Snap Photography. The meaning behind the name is very special to me because growing up I wasn’t the most handsome and I got bullied a lot, so when I was coming up with me business name. I told myself, I want this name to represent the pure beauty of people without all the editing and hard presets. For that reason, when I edit I do try to keep all the natural beauty of each person.

After starting my business, I was still working my 9 to 5 as a Dental Assistant. So I was doing photo sessions like once or twice a month, still trying to get my name out there.

2018, unfortunately, I went through a hard time in my personal life; dealing with my mental health, relationships and family issues. I was making the decision to quit photography altogether and get rid of my equipment. With everything I was going through, it just felt impossible to continue what I fell in loved to do, but my friends and family never gave up on me and told me that I should go strong and not give up. I did just that. I kept working on photography and I used it as something therapeutic while I was going through my hard times.

Fast forward to 2019, I overcame all my hardships and I had this ambition to succeed as a photographer and make it my full time job. I was booking more clients but not as much as I wanted so I continued my 9 to 5. When the pandemic start, everything shut down and so did my business but I didn’t give up. Instead, I took the risk and upgraded my equipment. Not knowing how the world was going to leave us financially, I still took the risk to spend the money to improve my work. By the middle of 2020, I was booking for 2021 and by December of 2020, I was fully booked for the following year. During the pandemic, I also took the risk to move out and get my own place. Taking all this risk taught me a lot; it taught me how to work harder, taught how to appreciate more and it showed me who was really with me through all this. I got a lot of people telling me how crazy I was to take all these risk during this time. I didn’t listen to the negative and continued through my pans.

2021 was my most busiest year, traveling to so many states for photo sessions and just overall expanding my business. As I was working all year I was also writing down all my goals for 2022. I told myself I want to be able to be financially stable and slowly leave my 9 to 5 and be a full time photographer.

Now, March 2022, I’ve quit my job and only do it once or twice a week. My business has become successful, booking months and months in advance and even booking for the following year, but I’m still working hard to make it to be one of the best photographers in the state of Texas. From all these years of being a photographer and a business owner, I’ve learned that taking risk is something you have to do at times but with positive energy and prayer, it’ll all work out and come together. It’s taught me how to not give up on my dreams, and that everything it possible with hard work and dedication.

I always support all my friends who want to start a business because I know if I didn’t have my group of friends and family cheering me on the entire way, I don’t know if I could have done it alone. I will always be grateful for those that have been there for me since day one.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My work, I would say its more diverse and affordable. I know a lot of photographers have their own editing style or specialize in one type of photography. For me, I don’t specialize in just one type of session, I love doing it all and I work with each client, by sitting down and talking about their session; from editing style, photo shoot style, location and scenery. I also offer affordable pricing, because I know how it can be to want professional photos but not being able to afford it. Now that being said, I know my worth of my work and business but I also won’t make you break the bank for my clients. I believe that’s what sets me apart from everyone, because I can give them exactly what they are looking for no matter style and for an affordable cost.

I always want my clients to have a great session and I want them to love their photos at the end. I like to create the relationships with my clients so we all feel comfortable during the entire process. I know that it can be scary being in front of a camera, especially in front of a stranger so that why client relationships matter a lot to me.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Almost 7 years of doing photography and I think the best way to grow your clientele, is social media. Social media is going to be your best friend to grow your clientele. It the best for marketing, selling your services and keeping your client and potential client up to date with all your business plans.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/puresnapphotos
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/puresnapphotos
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Jesus Duran – Pure Snap Photography