Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Gonzales
Hi Camille, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my photography journey at 13 years old, and turned it into a thriving business at age 16. The passion for it really sparked for me in high school when I took a photojournalism class and quickly learned how much I loved to document. I got to play with the school’s fancy cameras and lenses that were available to me in which I learned things like lighting, angles, composition, and how to use a camera. I fell head over heels with the creativity and stories I could tell through photographs. My sophomore year of high school I did photoshoots with my friends for fun, and got peer pressured (in a good way) into making an Instagram account for my work. Turns out, it was the best decision I could have ever made. Soon, others from my school started to reach out and inquire about scheduling a photoshoot; whether that be for senior portraits, family photos, or even couples photos. After a few months of my business taking off, I hustled and started to create a strong client base which led me to start booking higher-end engagement sessions and I even shot my first wedding at a courthouse within that year. I continued pursuing photography and growing my business throughout high school, and when my senior year rolled around, I was accepted into Mays Business School at Texas A&M University where I’ve studied marketing and advertising for the last (almost) 4 years. College is where I really started to explore weddings. I’ve second shot a number of weddings and have taken on my own weddings as main photographer in the last 2 years. Documenting weddings and love stories is where I thrive. Getting a front row seat to watch love stories unfold and preserve the joyful memories of people who fell in love and chose me to capture it, is a job I don’t take lightly. I am forever grateful for the trust my clients have in me and my work to make their vision come to life. I am now 21 years old, and finishing up my senior year of college at Texas A&M (whoop!), and in the process of taking wedding photography full time when I graduate, and move back to Dallas. I am indescribably grateful for this job, the amazing people I get to work with, and the treasure it is to document their lives.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a pretty smooth road for me getting into the industry! The biggest challenge I constantly face is balancing my school work load with my full time photography job, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! And soon enough when I graduate next spring, I’ll get to pursue my passion full time!
As you know, we’re big fans of Cami Grace Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Cami Grace Photography is more than just a photoshoot and photos, it’s an experience. Each client that I am blessed to work with I approach from a relational point of view, not a transactional one. I want to know who my clients are as a friend and not just as a photographer. My job is to take my clients vision for their photos and bring it to life! In order for me to do that I want to know them, their likes and dislikes, like a friend would! In building this relationship through trust, my hope is that it takes any stress off my clients, and allows room for excitement, joy, and anticipation! I’m not just the girl behind the camera, I’m also hair stylist, fashion consultant, day of coordinator, creative director, and most importantly a friend to lean on.
I am a professional photographer that specializes in natural light photography catered to each client and what they want for their experience (a studio, downtown/urban, nature, etc.). My photos have been described as joyful, documentative, warm, bright, and timeless. My niche is weddings and engagements, but I also have extensive experience with seniors, families, branding, and couples, and will continue to do them.
What sets me apart from others is that not only have I practiced photography for the last 9 years, but I have also studied business, marketing, and specifically advertising for the last 4 at one of the best business schools in Texas. The knowledge I’ve cultivated being in such a creative but also analytical major has not only helped me perfect my eye for composition and color in my art, but also my client experience. I’ve learned in depth about service based business, CRM, creative digital and social media marketing, SEO, consumer behavior, and strategic management in which I have all implemented into my business in order to better serve my clients, and make their experience as delightful as possible!
I am most proud of my brand in the way that I’ve cultivated it to be a place of joy, inspiration, and connection. Not only for clients, but for other creatives in the industry too (photographers, florists, makeup artists, etc.). Some of the friends I’ve made through this job are the most talented people I know, and their work drives and inspires me daily. I am proud that people feel safe and trust me with some of their most valued memories, and doing this job brings me the greatest joy.
At Cami Grace Photography I offer a variety of photoshoot types including high school senior portraits, college graduation portraits, family portraits, branding portraits, couples photos, engagement photos, and weddings. To inquire you can visit my website at Camigracephotography.com or email me at camigracephotography@gmail.com with any questions. My portfolio, investments, and contact form can all be found on my website as well! I utilize Instagram as my main source of communication with my clients with the most up to date information on changes and weekly posts of my recent work! My handle is @Camigracephotography and I invite you to follow along!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was always a super creative kid. Whether it was painting, singing, dancing, photography, or learning a new instrument – I was always very driven and passionate with whatever I was invested in at the moment. I grew up learning to play the piano and was classically trained for 10 years. I started playing piano, guitar, and singing when I was 5 years old. Music was a large part of my life for a long time. The older I got, around middle school and high school, the more I started to transition into dance. I danced at a studio for a few years and when I turned 15 I dove head first into my high schools drill team where I eventually became the president of our social officers team. Staying true to the root of who I am, this title basically meant that I got to plan lots of the creative events, graphics, and gifts. Basically all the marketing side of the team. It was in high school when I turned 16 that I really truly discovered my love for photography, and I never looked back. I always knew when I grew up that I was going to be doing something exciting and creative, that would help others and allow me to meet new people, travel, and make memories.
Pricing:
- Portrait sessions (Seniors, Engagements, Families, Branding) start at $550
- Weddings start at $3000
- Mini sessions start at $275
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.camigracephotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camigracephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camigracephotography
Image Credits
All images copyrighted by Cami Grace Photography.
