We've got another GREAT Student Spotlight for you today! Introducing Mercedes Herrada of Mxphotography, out of Key West, FL. Mercedes is one of our youngest spotlights yet and I'm just so inspired by her journey and drive. Let's talk a little bit more with her today about what her business is like!
I currently only shoot newborn and family portraits. I have been taking pictures since I was 17, now 21 years old ( almost 22) but I have “officially” been a business since 2019 and have been loving it! It was a bit (more like extremely) slow and hard to get clients but I have slowly been building my name up in the community.
I wanted to get into photography literally the week after I got my Quinceanera Pictures (sweet 15’s) taken. My parents had given me the opportunity to have a full 3 days of taking pictures or 1 full night of a HUGE party. I absolutely loved my photographers and they made my pictures so fun and not bland. I hope one day I can do the same for someone else.
I get to be my own boss and be as creative as I want to be with my sessions. I don't have to worry about matching someone else’s style. And I get FULL credit for all of the hard work that I do.
I have successfully completed one out of two big events while co-hosting! The first event was originally scheduled for March 2020 a full on easter egg extravaganza with an egg pit, pictures with bunny and a arts and crafts section but eventually got canceled. I was able to create a Truck or treat event again with the same co host and created a “pumpkin patch” with a classic red truck, hay bales and lots and lots of pumpkins. Many of the parents enjoyed have some type of picture taken to document fall.
If i could go back in time and tell myself just one this i would say: Don’t spend money on props! I haven spent soooooo much money on props that are just sitting collecting dust because I don’t get enough clients YET. I would have much rather waited to see what my area liked and were constantly asking for instead of me getting props that are cute and pretty and be unsure if I’ll actually get to use them.
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