Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Estrada.
Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My photography business started about 6 years ago when a friend noticed the photos I was capturing and suggested I make a small business out of it. If it wasn’t for that friend believing in me, I wouldn’t have taken the next step. Fast forward to present day, I’m capturing memories for friends old and new for various occasions and loving it.
Because of my friend who believed in me, I try my best in helping others go for their goals and dreams. We only get one life, so why live in fear and sit on the “what ifs” and not take the steps to make the things we want in life a reality.
I think that’s what I have learned the most. I was discouraged and daunted at the thought of taking big strides with photography, especially at the start – which, don’t get me wrong, big strides can help propel you into what you want. But it was the small consistent steps that really pushed me along in getting me to where I am today.
I currently get the opportunity to photograph so many different awesome people! I capture moments of couples, families and friends and for weddings, engagement proposals, and events including one of my favorite annual events, Awaken, hosted by Priscilla Shrier.
Aside from photography, I’m also a social media manager at Dallas College where I can also put my photography skills to the test. And I’m most definitely am a travel and dance enthusiast. I love traveling domestically and around the world and really enjoy dancing, mainly ballet.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing in life is free, right? And not everything will be given to us. Hard work usually comes with challenges. For me, I think comparing myself to other photographers was and has been a constant struggle. The comparison game can stop you from reaching your potential and can hold you back from moving forward. I had to work hard to just even save money to buy the camera equipment I wanted to capture quality images.
And I’ve learned that one shoe doesn’t fit all. What may work for me, may not work for someone else – and vice versa. You have to believe in yourself when nobody else does, and you have to keep putting yourself out there even when you feel like nobody is paying attention to your work.
Another obstacle I’ve faced was losing one of my best friends from college in 2016. She unexpectedly passed away when she was 25. It rocked my world in ways I didn’t think were possible. It was most definitely a challenging time trying to navigate life after she passed. She had so much more life to live. But if there’s anything I’ve learned from it, it’s that God had a plan for her life and the memories I share with her will last forever.
This life-changing moment reminded me that life is so short. As cliché as it sounds, it really is. We don’t know how many days we have left, so we must take each day as an opportunity to live it out to the fullest and to not only live for ourselves but to take that love that’s within us and spread it to others.
I try to remind myself often to give everything my all, especially when it comes to capturing moments on camera for others because I still have breath in my lungs and a chance to keep going in this life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a lifestyle photographer and I capture everything from individuals, couples and families to events such as weddings. If you take a look at my photos, you can tell I love blue and green hues but still keep it warm and soft. I love a good tight shot that really captures the emotion of the subjects being photographed.
There are so many amazing photographers out there, but I think what sets me apart from others is my way of capturing photos and communicating with clients. Especially for new clients, expect to be friends with me later! That’s just how I want to be – a friend to all. I love chatting during photo sessions and getting to know others. I think that has a lot to do with making others feel comfortable in front of the camera.
One thing I actually love to do during photo sessions is to play the client’s favorite music. This really helps to keep them relaxed and just to have a good time, which is what it’s all about especially when creating lasting memories! So if you haven’t taken photos with me yet, you can expect a jam sess with your favorite tunes.
I don’t want to just be that “camera lady.” I want to create lasting relationships with my clients that exceeds just being the person who takes photos!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
The positive feedback I receive from clients about their photos. When I hear back from a client about how much they love their photos, it puts a big smile on my face to know I did my job well.
Aside from photography, I absolutely love traveling and exploring the world. I think many of us can agree that traveling is such a freeing experience that we wish we could all the time. Getting to learn about new places, people and things broadens our perspective about everything and helps us to grow individually. Some of the best trips I’ve taken have made me appreciate life so much more and have taught me a lot about myself.
I’m happiest when I’m just sitting on a plane headed somewhere new or to a place I love. The anticipation of the adventures yet to be had will never get old.
Contact Info:
- Website: jessicacestrada.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicacestrada/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicaestradaphoto
Image Credits
Jessica Estrada Photography
