We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Letty Avelar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Letty, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I were to start over with my photography I would definitely do things a little different. As a beginner in the photography world it is easy to lose focus and compare yourself to others work, and second guess yourself. I remember being on social media and scrolling through other photographers pages admiring and wishing my work looked just as theirs. (biggest mistake ever) Instead on focusing on myself I was focusing on what everyone else was posting. If I were to start over I would pay attention to my own work and focus more on creating my own brand and style. The second main thing I would do is invest mainly on education and not on the extra little things. (Trust me it adds up pretty quick) Education is very important: understanding the light, composition, editing, camera settings. It is important to do your research when choosing a mentor/education when it comes to photography. I remember wasting time and money on little courses, actions, small seminars that did not get me anywhere. If I were to start over I would definitely mentor with someone who is passionate and dedicated to teaching the wonderful ART of photography.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Leticia Avelar a single mother of four and the face behind Hazel Moments photography. My journey really started when I had my first born there was nothing I loved more than taking pictures of every moment I experienced with him, seeing the world in a different perspective raising a child. The more pictures I took I learned a few more skills and was more experienced when I had my second child. I soaked every moment and decided to share my greatest inspiration with everyone else and that is only the beginning on how I started my photography business.

I am located in DFW, Texas. Since my greatest inspiration is my children, my main focus is Children’s portrait photography and Seniors. I do also take family and maternity sessions to capture their special moments as well. I enjoy capturing children whether it’s their favorite sport, costume or even celebrating another year of life.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My audience on social media was very small when I first started. I remember asking my friends and family to share my work with their friends and family and that is how I started gaining more followers. Once I saw the numbers increasing I decided to do several giveaways that required for people to share my page to get more people to follow my work. The use of hashtags and creating stories has also helped tremendously into building and audience on my social media. My advice is to stay true to yourself and be consistent when posting on your social media accounts.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Photography has always peeked my interest, I started it as a side hustle as I was a full time mother for my two boys. I captured every moment of them as they were growing up and decided to share it on Facebook with my close family and friends. The more I would share on social media the more my work was being noticed. Which is why I was more dedicated to starting photography as my profession. My social media accounts went from private to public and from there my business took off and sessions were getting booked!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hazelmoments37.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazel_moments_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hazelmomentsphotography