We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Gutierrez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria , thanks for joining us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in a creative career or as an entrepreneur is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

I’ve been pretty lucky so far in my experience, but some things that come to mind are big brands not paying me, and other photographers getting intimidated and trying to sabotage me. These kinda go hand in hand for me, cause it happened the same weekend. Friday i had a shoot with a huge company, and I even had them sign a contract, and they never paid me. But the next day on Saturday, I ended up getting another gig, and they ended up paying me what the big company was supposed to pay. So I lucked out.

At the event I booked, I was the second photographer. The main photographer was immediately intimidated by me and would be a little mean every chance she got. But I was so hyped that I got this gig, her being mean to me didn’t phase me at all. I did my thing, I networked with the guests and brands and I received so many compliments. Personally, I thought it was hilarious that she was being a mean girl for no reason. My dad would always tell me, “learn to love your haters.” I think I’ve mastered it at this point haha.

Instead of seeing me as part of the team, she tried her best to try to make me look bad in front of the boss lady. So what happened was, we were in the bathroom and the boss lady walked in coincidentally. Hater girl has the audacity to ask the boss lady why she hired me to be there, in front of me!! Boss lady said it’s a big event and it’s always good to have a backup photographer. Boss lady asks me to see some photos. She likes them, and asks me to make sure to get some pictures of the DJ. I say ok. THEN, the hater girl asks to see them too. I show her, and she tells me “Oh these are cute, but it looks like you’re using a filter. You must be using Photoshop on your camera, right?”

And I’m thinking, “Omg this girl really thinks I’m dumb, okay girl I can play dumb.” So I say, “Photoshop on my camera? Wow I’ve just been using Manuel this whole time! But since you know, can you please show me where on my camera settings I can use Photoshop?” I handed her my camera, and you can tell she was NOT expecting that. She grabs it and says “actually your photos are fine, good job.”
Boss lady then gives her the dirtiest look, and walks out. Then I give the hater girl a wink, and walk out as well.
It felt so good to flip it on her. I ended up having an amazing time the rest of the day. Made some new friends, and created some business opportunities for myself.

Victoria , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a photographer based in Long Beach, ca. I provide studio, location, and event photography services. I also do a little bit of product photography. When I started it was just a hobby, then people started asking me to take pictures of them. I wasn’t charging yet until I met my mentor, Bobby Z. Rodriguez. He had just shot the Roddy Rich concert when I met him, and I asked him to teach me cause that’s what I wanted to do, concert photography. He then went on to teach me how to use my camera better, lighting techniques, and how to turn myself into a business. What I want people to know about me and my brand is that everything that comes from me is genuine passion and hard work.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivot I had to do was learn product photography. When the pandemic hit, I couldn’t take in person clients anymore. But I still wanted to make some extra money with photography, so I learned to shoot product photography.

I was working for a well known brand, doing computer work, then went on to become the photographer for products and content. It was a stepping stone to a bigger opportunity.

I got an interview, and during my interview the manager mentioned his photographer was behind on shooting products.
The PERFECT opportunity to tell him that I do product photos and I can help out. He gets me in contact with the CEO, and I talk with him and tell him my price. He says, okay ill think about it and he’ll get back to me.

I didn’t hear anything for like a week, then I booked a gig myself at a big event and I happen to run into the marketing team for the company there! I introduced myself, and mentioned i just got hired at the warehouse and that I sent over a test shoot. Turns out he CEO showed them the gallery and asked if I was Vicky Secrets! I was so shocked that they remembered my name from my link! They were also pretty impressed that I got hired from someone else to be at this big event. They got to see me in action, talking, and networking etc. A few days later, I got the product photography job AND I didn’t have to work weekends, AND I got to keep everything I shot! I had so many cannabis samples every week, it was so much fun!! The universe really had my back on this one. Fun fact, this is also the same event where I had that hater photographer girl try to sabotage me.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that needs everything to be perfect. I learned that done is better than perfect. Sometimes I can be a perfectionist and take forever on a project. But now I try not to overthink it, my goal is to be intentional, have fun and be creative. It takes time to learn and develop your craft. Your style might change over time, and that’s okay.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vickysecretsphotography5.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: @vickysecretss_
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-gutierrez-7217b916a

Image Credits
The photo of me with my camera, Image credit to Angela Xandra