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

Polly , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One of the biggest decisions and risks I’ve ever taken was moving from Brazil to Houston, leaving behind a well-established photography studio and a loyal client base. In Brazil, I had a thriving business, a full schedule, and a reputation I had carefully built over the years. It was secure, comfortable, and provided stability. But at the same time, I felt a pull—a desire for growth and new challenges that I knew I could only find outside my comfort zone.

The idea of moving to the United States started as a distant dream but quickly turned into a concrete plan. I knew it meant starting from scratch in a place where I didn’t know anyone, adapting to a culture completely different from mine, and learning English along the way. It was terrifying but also exhilarating.

When I arrived in Houston, the challenges became real almost immediately. The language barrier was one of the toughest obstacles. Every conversation felt like climbing a mountain—whether it was ordering food at a restaurant or trying to understand feedback about my work. On top of that, the photography market in the U.S. was entirely different from what I was used to in Brazil. The competition was fierce, and client expectations were distinct. I had to rethink everything—my style, my branding, and even how I introduced myself as a professional.

The first few months were incredibly hard. Without a network or a studio, I had to get creative to stand out. During this time, I began building a more specialized portfolio, focusing on families, maternity, and children. I also invested in a client closet to offer a unique and elevated experience, which I knew could set me apart.

Slowly but surely, things started to change. I made friends, built partnerships, and began to attract clients. Every new session I booked felt like a small victory. Today, looking back, I can see that this decision was truly life-changing. It was a massive risk, but it turned out to be the best thing I could have done for both my career and my personal growth.

Leaving Brazil to start over in the United States taught me resilience and adaptability. More importantly, it showed me that dreams are worth pursuing, even when the path is uncertain and difficult. This experience has not only made me a better photographer but also a stronger, more confident person.

Polly , 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 Polly Acioli, a family photographer based in Houston, Texas. My journey into photography began years ago in Brazil, where I owned a successful studio with a loyal client base. Photography started as a passion—a way to capture the beauty of fleeting moments—but it quickly evolved into a full-time career. After moving to the U.S., I took a leap of faith to start over in a new country, adapting to a different culture, market, and language while rebuilding my business from the ground up.

I specialize in family photography, including maternity, children, and special moments like cake smashes and fine art portraits. I also offer branding and headshots for professionals. My services are designed to create timeless, artistic images that families will cherish for generations. From studio sessions to outdoor shoots, I work to make every session unique and meaningful, reflecting the personality and story of each client.

What sets me apart is the experience I provide. I offer a carefully curated client closet with over 150 beautiful dresses to elevate the look of each session, giving families one less thing to worry about. I also scout stunning locations, including private settings like a picturesque glasshouse farm in Angleton, TX. Whether it’s a classic studio session or a dreamy outdoor scene, my goal is to make families feel comfortable and celebrated while creating art they will treasure.

I’m proud of the relationships I build with my clients. Many of them return year after year, trusting me to capture their families as they grow. One of my most cherished experiences was photographing a maternity session for a breast cancer survivor—it was a powerful reminder of the significance of my work. Each session is more than just photos; it’s about celebrating life’s milestones, big and small.

For potential clients, here’s what I want you to know: I’m committed to creating an experience that’s seamless, enjoyable, and tailored to you. I take care of the details, from wardrobe to location, so you can focus on enjoying the moment. My approach is grounded in artistry and professionalism, but also warmth and understanding—I know these moments matter, and I’m here to help you preserve them beautifully.

Whether you’re looking to celebrate a milestone, create lasting memories with your loved ones, or elevate your personal brand with standout images, I’m here to bring your vision to life. Let’s create something truly special together!

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

Of course! Looking back, there are several resources I wish I had known about earlier in my photography journey, especially after moving to the U.S.

1-Local Networking Groups
When I arrived in Houston, I had no idea how essential local networking groups were for connecting with other photographers and potential clients. Groups like Rising Tide Society and local meetups could have helped me feel less isolated and provided valuable insights into the local market.

2-Online Photography Communities
Platforms like Clickin Moms or Summerana offer forums, tutorials, and workshops specifically for photographers. These resources would have been a huge help in refining my skills and learning about industry trends from the very beginning.

3-Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
The U.S. has incredible resources for small business owners, such as the SCORE mentorship program and local SBDCs. These organizations offer free or low-cost advice on everything from marketing strategies to tax laws. Navigating the business side of photography was challenging in the beginning, and having access to these tools earlier could have saved me a lot of trial and error.

Knowing about these resources would have made my journey easier, but discovering them along the way also taught me resilience and problem-solving. If I could offer advice to anyone starting now, it would be to seek out these communities and tools from the start—they make all the difference!

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

The best source of new clients for me has been word of mouth and referrals from past clients. In photography, especially in family and intimate portraits, the connection I build with each client is essential. When clients have a positive experience with me, whether through the session itself or by the way I deliver their photos, they often share their experience with family and friends. This organic form of marketing has been incredibly valuable.

I also make it a point to stay active in my community and engage with local groups. Networking, both online and offline, has helped me connect with potential clients and other local creatives. Hosting events like mini-sessions and special themed shoots, as well as maintaining an active presence on social media, also allows new clients to discover my work.

Another important source has been the private VIP group on Facebook, where I engage directly with previous clients and offer early access to sessions or special promotions. This sense of exclusivity has created a strong bond and encouraged word-of-mouth referrals within a trusted network.

Ultimately, the combination of delivering excellent service and building a personal connection with clients has made word-of-mouth my most effective client acquisition strategy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pollyacioli.com