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

Hi Scott, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

From a young age, I was always fascinated by photography. Growing up, my parents owned a restaurant, and whenever I wasn’t in school, I was working—whether it was washing dishes or assisting at the host stand. With the money I earned, I saved up enough to purchase my first camera, a $300 Sony point-and-shoot with 8.1 megapixels. I would take pictures of everything—animals, buildings, and people—I loved capturing moments.

It wasn’t until 2015 that I started taking photography more seriously. At the time, Instagram was growing in popularity, and my younger brother, who was involved in his high school yearbook, had purchased a professional Nikon camera. Eventually, he passed it down to me—a Nikon D3100 with interchangeable lenses. Determined to master the craft, I taught myself how to use the camera by watching YouTube tutorials and researching online.

I would spend hours exploring downtown Dallas, capturing architecture, street art in Deep Ellum, and city life. While working as a server at Happiest Hour, a restaurant in downtown Dallas, I began asking my coworkers if they would model for me. We would explore different areas of the city, creating unique photo shoots. I started sharing my work on Instagram, which became my primary platform for networking and gaining exposure.

One of my first opportunities came when a friend, who was a model, introduced me to the fashion industry. He would model for various designers, and I would photograph him in their clothing. This opened the door to meeting more models and designers at fashion shows. By consistently sharing my work on Instagram and Facebook, people began reaching out for photoshoots, and that’s how my photography business started.

Looking back, one thing I would have done differently is embracing Instagram sooner—it played a crucial role in my growth. I firmly believe that networking is the key to success. I’ve always been a hustler, constantly meeting new people and expanding my connections. One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was the lack of mentorship. Many photographers I reached out to were unwilling to share their knowledge. However, that only motivated me to push harder, learn independently, and build something of my own.

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 Scott MolinaI was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Plano, where my creativity flourished from an early age. As a child, I loved drawing Marvel and Disney characters and developed a fascination with photography. I would often take my mom’s camera and capture everything around me—people, animals, buildings, and nature.

Growing up, my parents owned a Tex-Mex restaurant, where I worked throughout high school and college. Watching their dedication and hard work instilled in me an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong work ethic. I pursued studies in Business Marketing and Audio Engineering at Collin College, but my passion for photography truly took off in 2015.

At the time, Instagram was still growing, and I found inspiration by following other photographers. I thought, I can do this too, and started honing my skills using a Nikon D3100 camera my brother gave me. Through YouTube tutorials and hands-on experience, I taught myself the fundamentals of photography. I would explore downtown Dallas, capturing its architecture and street art, especially in Deep Ellum.

While working as a server at Happiest Hour in Downtown Dallas, I asked my coworkers to model for me. We would venture out to different parts of the city, and I would share my work on Instagram. My breakthrough came when a friend, who was a model, invited me to photograph him at a runway fashion show with fashion designer clothing. That experience introduced me to models and fashion designers, expanding my network.

By consistently posting my work on Instagram and Facebook, I began attracting clients who reached out for photoshoots. Social media became my primary tool for networking and growing my photography business. I primarily focus on portrait photography but have been expanding my experience into food, real estate, and lifestyle photography. Additionally, I am looking to further develop my video work and content creation.

What sets me apart from other photographers is my open-minded approach to opportunities and my commitment to providing the best possible experience for my clients. I take a service-based approach, ensuring each session is not just about great photos but also about creating a memorable and enjoyable experience. I am a problem solver when it comes to clients who feel shy or unsure of how to pose. I make them feel safe and comfortable by bringing a fun, lighthearted energy to our sessions—cracking jokes, keeping the mood relaxed, and making sure they enjoy the process. Unlike many photographers, I don’t limit the number of photos my clients receive during our hour-long sessions—they get every image we capture within that time. That level of value and dedication is what separates the Scott Molina Visuals brand from the rest.

I am most proud of my passion for continuous growth and learning. I am always looking for ways to expand my skills and gain new knowledge about photography to better serve my clients. Whether it’s refining my technique, staying up to date with industry trends, or exploring new creative approaches, my goal is to meet my clients’ needs and provide exceptional service that helps their businesses stand out.

What started as a creative passion has evolved into a thriving career, allowing me to connect with people and tell stories through my lens.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My journey as a creative has been anything but linear. It’s been a path filled with challenges, self-discovery, and an unwavering drive to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.

Growing up, I watched my parents pour their hearts into our family’s Tex-Mex restaurant. Their relentless work ethic and dedication taught me what it truly means to hustle. I carried that mindset with me through every stage of my life, whether it was working long hours while balancing school or later, navigating the ups and downs of building my own photography business from the ground up.

When I first picked up a camera, I had no formal training—just passion and curiosity. I spent countless hours teaching myself through YouTube videos, experimenting with my Nikon D3100, and walking through the streets of downtown Dallas capturing anything that inspired me. But turning that passion into a career wasn’t easy.

There were times when self-doubt crept in, when I questioned if I was good enough or if this dream was even realistic. I faced rejection, slow seasons where business wasn’t coming in, and moments where I had to work other jobs just to keep going. But instead of letting setbacks define me, I used them as fuel to improve.

I never allowed myself to get comfortable. I sought out new opportunities, networked relentlessly, and pushed myself to expand beyond portrait photography into food, real estate, and lifestyle photography. I invested time into learning video work and content creation because I knew adaptability was key.

More than anything, my resilience has come from my commitment to providing value to others. Every time I see a client light up when they see their photos, every time I help a business showcase their brand through my visuals, I’m reminded why I never gave up.

My journey is still unfolding, and I know there will be more challenges ahead. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that resilience isn’t about avoiding obstacles—it’s about embracing them, learning from them, and coming back stronger every time. And that’s exactly what I intend to keep doing.

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

Looking back on my creative journey, one resource I wish I had discovered sooner is the power of community and mentorship. When I first started photography, I relied heavily on YouTube tutorials and trial-and-error to teach myself the technical side of things. While that helped me build a strong foundation, I now realize how much faster I could have grown if I had actively sought out a community of like-minded creatives and mentors early on.

Being surrounded by people who share your passion—whether it’s photographers, videographers, or content creators—can completely change the game. They provide insight, constructive feedback, and opportunities that you might not have found on your own. Connecting with experienced professionals can help you avoid common mistakes, understand the business side of creativity, and even open doors to collaborations or client referrals.

Now, I make it a priority to engage with other creatives, whether through networking events, online forums, or social media groups. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and even local meetups are filled with people willing to share knowledge and support each other. If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to put myself out there sooner, ask more questions, and learn from those who have already walked the path I was just starting on.

No matter where you are in your journey, never underestimate the value of surrounding yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and push you to be better. Creativity isn’t meant to be a solo journey—it thrives in collaboration.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @scottmolinavisuals
• Facebook: Scott Molina, Scott Molina Visuals Business Page
• Twitter: @scottmolinavis
• Youtube: Scott Molina Visuals @scottmolinavisuals9134

Image Credits

Well the picture of me my brother took with my camera lol. All the other photos I took them.