Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Espinal.
Vanessa, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Photography has always been a love of mine. Growing up, my family always teased me about being their personal “unpaid” photographer. I was always the one behind the camera capturing people, breathtaking landscapes, and literally anything or anyone that caught my eye.
I stared off using disposable and point and shoot cameras but I was lucky enough to have the most supportive parents that till this day ride alongside my dreams. They have always showed their endless support and have proved to me that there is no limit as to how far you can make it with hard work and dedication. In high school I was in yearbook and photographed my peers during sports events and interviews for the school story lines. I was actually published my very first time in 2011, while visiting the Herff Jones Manufacture with the serpent staff. As a graduation gift, my parents purchased my very first camera, the EOS Rebel T6. This camera was great for me as a beginner and definitely kick started my true passion for photography as more than a hobby.
Life happened and I put my dreams on hold for love. I met my wonderful husband Gabriel who after just 6 months of dating joined the United States Marine Corps and took me with him. He was stationed in North Carolina when we tied the knot. We lived there for four years before we moved here to Las Colinas, Texas.
It wasn’t until I delivered the love of my life, my daughter, Anaya Rose, that I was ready to pick the camera back up. As a mom, you grab the camera for milestones in your child’s life but it was different for me. I didn’t just want to capture her walking, or talking for the first time, I wanted to catch her laughing, mid meltdown, and everything in between. Not only that, I missed capturing others, my family, their kids and capturing real, raw love.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I take pride in being witness to beautiful moments of life. I like my clients to feel less directed to pose and more to be in the moment. I love the in between smiles, kisses and laughs that come from cheesy and probably terrible jokes made with the simple purpose of capturing the reaction. Showing my clients how beautiful they look is so important to me. Sometimes being in front of the camera can be intimidating but my subjects naturally feel so comfortable with me that it starts to feel like no one’s watching. I also love the friendships I’ve forged with my clients. By the end of my sessions we end up knowing so much about one another and I get to get a glimpse of all the amazing things that have brought them to this very moment.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
I would say start with what you have now. In the past I hesitated sharing my work with the public because I felt I needed to gather all my equipment before starting. The photography community and those who have been at this business for a while have showed us amazing pieces of gear that make you excited to also try them out. I quickly learned that it’s not about the gear you have or the lens you purchase. Photography is beautiful because you capture and create your own type of beauty. YOU create it. You really need to have an eye for this craft and you can do that using whatever equipment you have available and saving up for your goal gear. If this is your passion and truly what drives you, keep at it. All days won’t be easy and some months might be slower than others but always remember why you fell in love with the lens.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work is on Facebook, Instagram and my personal website.
@vanessaespinalphoto
FB: Vanessa Espinal Photography
WEBSITE: https://vanessaespinalhdez.wixsite.com/vephoto
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vanessaespinalhdez.wixsite.com/vephoto
- Phone: 5618592846
- Email: vespinalphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessaespinalphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nessavphotography
Image Credit:
Vanessa Espinal Photography
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