We were lucky to catch up with Joffre Camacho recently and have shared our conversation below.
Joffre, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.
I had just lost my job and needed to find a way to earn money to keep up with household expenses. I did several online searches, and there were many options, so I began trying them one by one. Initially, I considered becoming a truck driver, but I didn’t meet all the requirements. The next best option seemed to be photography. After doing some reading and delving deeper into the details, I decided to pursue a job as a photographer. To this end, I began building my own website and researching potential companies to collaborate with. To my surprise, many companies were seeking photographers in 2019, so getting interviews wasn’t tricky. The catch was that they all requested portfolios, and I didn’t even have a camera. My next step was to buy an affordable camera, as I was on a tight budget. If things went well, I’d consider investing in a better one; if not, I’d at least have a camera for family photos. After researching the photography industry extensively, I realized how challenging it was to choose a camera. I took my time to make a confident choice, and in the meantime, I contacted as many realtors as possible. I believe I sent out at least 300 emails at one point. Eventually, someone responded to my outreach. This company didn’t ask for a portfolio, as I had explained in my email that I was just starting out and was seeking an opportunity. They provided guidelines for their photo requirements. After reading through them multiple times, I set out to complete my first assignment. I remember being extremely nervous, constantly thinking, “What now?” I kept referring to the printed guidelines, trying to calm myself so I could do a good job. Everything hinged on making a good first impression. What felt like 10 minutes was actually two hours in which I managed to complete my first photography assignment. After returning home and submitting the photos, I felt relief. The wait for feedback was nerve-wracking. Finally, the next day brought the news I had been eagerly awaiting: I had my second assignment! I was ecstatic and could hardly believe it. I was finally a real estate photographer! That week, I was busy almost every day. The best news came at the end of the week when they asked for my invoice. To my astonishment, I had earned my first thousand dollars in photography that week! Moreover, my schedule for the next week was already full. It felt like a miracle. After being unemployed for three months and having depleted my savings, the first thing I did with my earnings was pay off my credit cards. That night, for the first time in a long while, I slept soundly, knowing things were looking up.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I studied computer engineering and immigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities. For many years, I tried to find a job as a programmer without much success. I ventured into the photography industry with few expectations but a strong desire to learn. Now, after being a photographer for several years, I have honed my skills in various fields of photography, including weddings, corporate events, food, products, and real estate. However, my true passion lies in real estate photography. Through my services, I aim to help individuals make a profit, often by shortening the time their properties remain on the market. Frequently, a property remains listed longer than necessary because the seller or agent failed to hire a professional for quality photos. High-quality property images are the cornerstone of any sale. I always put myself in the shoes of the buyer or tenant and think: if an agent didn’t even invest in good photographs, can they offer quality service? This thought often drives clients towards a more attentive agent. My photography services enhance my clients’ chances of securing favorable deals. If they profit, I profit. If they face difficulties in selling or sealing deals quickly, I ensure that the photos are not the issue. Over time, I’ve developed professional relationships with many clients, allowing me to photograph properties without any supervision or presence from agents or sellers. In this line of work, an agent’s time is precious and should be spent wisely.
I take pride in knowing that the properties I’ve worked with sell and rent more quickly and often at higher rates. The ultimate reward is passing by a property I photographed and seeing new owners settling in, knowing I played a small role in that achievement. Being a small part of someone else’s life journey, contributing daily to a more egalitarian and tolerant society, that’s my true passion.
I began my journey in the real estate photography market with just a camera and a dream. Now, I offer top-notch services, including drone photography and videography, 3D virtual tours, virtual staging, floor plans, and much more.
I exclusively specialize in real estate photography in the Houston area. I operate as the sole owner and photographer of my own business, hiring talent from around the world for various editing services.
I have grown fond of Houston and chose to settle here with my family. My children, Javi, Gabo, and Isa, are my primary source of inspiration. I thank God every day for allowing me to provide for and cherish them.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
As a university graduate, I honed many skills in the technology sector and founded my own company. As a successful entrepreneur, I secured various contracts that allowed me to employ others and support my family, affording a home and becoming debt-free. Being at the helm of a company with skilled personnel to push the business forward, I found myself spending more time at home and less at work, feeling that life was treating me well, and considering myself quite fortunate.
However, the conditions in my country began to deteriorate progressively. I never imagined things could get so bad. Just when we thought we had hit rock bottom, the situation worsened even further, seemingly without an end in sight. One day, after work, several individuals attempted to assault me. I had always been stubborn, dismissing my wife’s repeated pleas over the years to leave the country. But after that incident, leaving was no longer just a consideration; it was an imminent decision. My obstinacy vanished, replaced by the distress and desperation of seeing the dreams I’d worked so hard for shattered before my eyes, powerless to stop it. Leaving your homeland for another country, where everything from the culture to the language is different, is not an easy decision. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, but that’s the choice immigrants make day after day, and I don’t judge them, for I am one of them. We all seek the chance for a better life, the opportunity to provide for our families, and the means to contribute positively to society. We are like grains of sand, each playing a small part in building a brighter future for all.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
I treat others with respect, treat everyone the way I would want to be treated, and always approach my work with the positive impact it will have on my clients in mind, especially if done correctly. I particularly love hearing their feedback. Often, they are so astonished by the quality of the work that I can jokingly say to them, “Now you’ve decided you don’t want to sell it, right?” or they playfully comment, “They look so much better than the ones my husband took!”
I genuinely enjoy working with my clients and always pay close attention to their instructions, striving for detail in my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joffrecamacho.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joffrecamachophotography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joffre-camacho-07280324/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Joffre_Camacho
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMrZmcPJAb0_fkTy5MqwN7Q
- Other: https://youpic.com/photographer/JoffreCamacho/ https://joffrecamachophotography.pixieset.com/
Image Credits
Joffre Camacho