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

Patricia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I think about this every so often, funny enough. But even though I have thought about what would’ve been had I started my business earlier, I know that I started it officially at the right time. Technology has come so far in the past couple of years and there are tools and products that would not be available to me had I started sooner. I’m grateful to have started where I did because I’ve been to use those tools to help further my success in not only photography but also editing and gallery delivery and so forth.

Although I’ve been passionate about photography nearly all my life, it wasn’t until the last 10 years or so that I really started to look at it as more than just a hobby. With every new client I book, I’d like to think that I’m able to capture lovely moments that I know will one day become memories for these individuals. I’m a huge advocate for constantly taking photos and videos because I know that one day, that’s all we’ll have left. And so being able to document that for anyone is magic.

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?

My original story starts in Cuba as I was born there before I came to the U.S. I essentially grew up around the film industry as my dad is a director and producer. So, for me I was constantly surrounded by camera and video gear. Luckily, it’s always interested me as I’m a huge movie and tv buff. I love watching new stories or see old ones being told in different ways.

I’ve always been the type to have a camera in my hand. Among friends, I’ve always been the photographer and making sure to document everything and anything because as I’ve mentioned before, that’s all we’ll have left one day so why not capture it to enjoy looking back later on?

One of the main things I love about photography is that I am able to literally capture a moment in time and make it stand still. And my ultimate goal is that every wedding or portrait session I capture remain timeless, intimate, and captivating. While there will always be guidance in posing, ultimately, I like to tell a story with my images. I want the images that the couple or individual look back on are filled with warmth, emotion, and happiness.

Even though I’ve got a bit to go to where I want to be, I am very proud of myself in where I stand today. I only went official with my business a little over a year ago, and I’ve already photographed 5 weddings in that time! I’m incredibly proud of myself that I decided to take a leap of faith and really chased my first true passion. It’ll be exciting to see where I go from here and I’m looking to every step along the way.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love being able to connect with others and for the most part, I get along with a good majority of people. There may be certain times where I might the feel the vibe is off but that’s okay. I’m not for everyone and everyone isn’t for me. But for the ones who do vibe with me, I’m all in. I’m there to capture all the magic that is in that couple or wedding or branding session. I also love being able to give each client something tangible after our time spent together and moments that will be cherished memories for years to come.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

For the most part, it’s been word of mouth. I’ve been able to book new clients because I had initially photographed a family and from there, they recommended me to their co-worker, friend, etc. I’m very grateful to have the clients I do and each one of them have been wonderful.

Contact Info:

• Website: patricialapeliroja.com
• Instagram: @patricialapelirojaphoto
• Facebook: Facebook.com/patricialapelirojaphoto