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

Lucero, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

Success Story: Transforming a Million-Dollar Brand with Professional Imagery

Alexandra, is a successful insurance broker and owner of a thriving company, when we met she had recently celebrated a major milestone with her team—they won an award for reaching a million dollars in sales. Despite this achievement, Alexandra’s online presence didn’t reflect her success. Her photos were outdated, blurry, and pixelated, which didn’t align with the high standards of her brand.

Recognizing the need for a visual upgrade, after talking with Alexandra, my professional recommendation was to proceed with a personal branding session. Understanding the importance of consistency and professionalism in branding, I designed a session that would elevate Alexandra’s image to match the prestige of her company.

The personal branding session took place in my studio, where Alexandra’s essence as a leader was captured through a series of sophisticated and professional images with various backdrops. I also conducted corporate headshots for Alexandra’s team at their office, ensuring that every image aligned with the company’s brand colors and vision.

The results were transformative. The new photos became a central part of Alexandra’s brand, prominently featured on her website and social media platforms. These images not only enhanced her online presence but also became the face of her company at philanthropic events, in magazine articles, and in every professional setting where Alexandra and her team were represented. I am proud that my work has empowered her to present her business in the best possible light, wherever she goes.

Lucero, 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?

I’m creative a heart, photographer, personal brand consultant, industrial designer, curator, and artist, originally from Monclova Mexico and now proudly calling Austin home for the past 13 years. My journey into photography started with my family’s business in our photography studios and stores. I’ve further cultivated my passion for marketing and design through my academic background—a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design and Product Development, and an Associate degree in Communications and Marketing. This unique blend of skills allows me to approach photography not just as an art, but as a powerful tool for storytelling and branding.

How I Got into the Industry

I entered the world of branding photography out of a deep love for capturing jewelry, products, and the makers behind them. I quickly realized the significant impact that visuals have on both personal and business branding. I like to say that I’m not in the business of making memories, but of creating images that have impact and drive sales for my clients. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing incredible business owners, makers, influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and non-profits, helping them present their best selves to the world. My work with various non-profits, like We All Grow Latina and Latinitas, and collaborations with notable clients such as the City of Austin and Amplify Credit Union Bank, have solidified my commitment to uplifting my community through visual storytelling.

Services and Solutions

At Lucero Creative Business, we offer a range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. These include:

Commercial and Advertising Photography: Creating compelling images that align with your brand’s identity and marketing goals.
Corporate Headshots and Personal Branding Photography: Capturing your professional image in a way that resonates with your audience and enhances your online presence.
Product and Lifestyle Branding: Showcasing your products in the best light, with images that tell a story and connect with your customers.
We specialize in working with business owners, community leaders, influencers, and corporations. Our goal is to match the incredible talent and contributions of our clients with visuals that truly reflect their achievements and values.

What Sets Me Apart

What truly sets me apart is my many years of experience in photography, coupled with a deep understanding of lighting and its impact on every shot. Whether in a studio or on location, my joy is to bring professional lighting expertise to every session, ensuring the images are not just visually stunning but also optimized for marketing materials and beyond. I understand how these visuals are used to tell a story, build a brand, and connect with an audience. My commitment to the Austin’s community, particularly the Non-Profit and Latino community, and my focus on empowerment, diversity, and cultural celebration are at the heart of my work. Through professional imagery, I help elevate Latino entrepreneurs by showcasing their significant achievements and helping them gain the recognition they deserve.

What I Want You to Know

If there’s one thing I want potential clients know about Lucero Creative, it’s that we are here to tell your story in the most authentic and empowering way possible. We believe in the power of imagery to transform not just brands, but lives. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to elevate your personal brand, a business needing high-quality product photography, or a leader wanting to make a strong visual statement, we are here to help you achieve your goals with integrity, creativity, and a deep respect for your unique journey.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One of the most significant resources I wish I had discovered earlier in my journey is the importance of Personal Branding. It goes far beyond just creating a visual identity; it starts with a deep understanding of oneself. Personal branding is not just about the work you do, but about how you present yourself to the world. For example I wish I had understood sooner how the colors I choose—those that complement my skin tone and those that represent who I am as a person—can become an integral part of my brand, shopping is never become so easy.

Moreover, I realized that personal branding is a continuous process of self-discovery and refinement. It’s about aligning every aspect of your life—your values, your vision, your appearance, and even your social presence—with the message you want to convey to the world. Knowing this earlier would have given me a stronger foundation in my business, allowing me to communicate my story and my services more effectively right from the start.

In hindsight, understanding the power of personal branding has been a game-changer for me. It has not only helped me in presenting my work but also in connecting with my clients on a deeper level, as they can see the authenticity behind my brand. I encourage everyone in a creative field to invest time in truly understanding themselves and how they want to be perceived—because your personal brand is, ultimately, a reflection of your true self.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the idea of doing everything for everyone. In the early stages of my career, I believed that being versatile and accommodating every request would lead to success. However, I found myself stretched thin, doing work that didn’t always align with my passions or strengths. It was a path that, while busy, left me feeling unfulfilled.

The turning point came when I asked myself some crucial questions: What do I truly love doing? Who are the clients I connect with the most? How can I serve them in a way that brings out the best in both of us? The answers to these questions led me to focus on working with corporations, business owners and leaders. I realized that my true passion lies in helping these individuals by providing photography that supports their missions and helps them expand their businesses.

Now, I have the joy of doing what I love every day, and it’s because I’ve narrowed my focus to the clients and work that resonate most with me. By unlearning the need to please everyone, I’ve been able to build deeper, more meaningful relationships with my clients, and produce work that not only fulfills me but also significantly impacts their success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lucerocreativebusiness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucero.studio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucero.creative/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucero-g-valle-lucero-creative-57bb8716/

Image Credits

All images by Lucero Creative ATX