Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Escobedo.
Hi Marina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Marina Escobedo, from M.E. Photography, founder and creative director I’,m a Latina photographer based in Dallas-Ft Worth. My journey as a photographer began in 2019 when I started working with Abaunzas Photography. That experience taught me so much about the world of quinceañeras and weddings, and it’s really where I discovered my passion for capturing life’s most meaningful moments. When the pandemic hit, everything came to a standstill, and like many small businesses, photography took a big hit. But when things reopened in 2021, I slowly began rebuilding and refocusing my career.
In 2023, I joined a program with the Greater Hispanic Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and that opportunity completely changed my path. It’s where I met Gabriela Carvallo, who became such an important mentor for me. With her support, I officially opened my DBA in 2024 after graduating from the Chamber’s ESL Entrepreneurship Program. Gabriela also referred me to Univision, which opened the door for me to start photographing more corporate events. From there, I was referred to Visit Dallas and the City of Dallas, which were huge milestones for me and my business.
Through the Chamber’s “Scale Up” program, I was able to take things even further — I established my LLC, built my website, and really started shaping my business to reach its full potential.
But my love for photography started long before all of this. When I was a little girl, my parents gave me my very first camera — a small Kodak — and that gift planted the seed for what would eventually become my dream career. Even though I didn’t start professionally until 2019, that early spark never left me. Today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m still growing, learning, and pushing myself to capture the beauty and stories around me. I also hold certifications from SCORE, which has helped me continue developing my business and creative skills.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — it’s been rough at times, especially when it comes to advertising and getting my business out there. When you run a photography business, you quickly realize it’s not just about taking pictures. You’re doing everything yourself — marketing, editing, planning, managing clients — all the behind-the-scenes work that people don’t usually see. On top of that, being a single mom of two while running my business has made the journey a little harder, but it’s definitely not impossible. It’s taken a lot of patience and balance, but I’m slowly getting there, step by step. Thankfully, being part of the Greater Hispanic Dallas Chamber of Commerce has made a huge difference. They’ve helped me learn the business side of things I didn’t know before, and that support has helped me grow — not just as a business owner, but as a mom and as a person. My journey has been shaped by the support of my family and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today. I am deeply grateful for them, their influence has helped me stay grounded, motivated, and focused on my goals, and I thank God for guiding me throughout my personal and professional growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a photographer based in Dallas-Ft Worth area, and I specialize in branding, corporate events, and family events. I also design invitations and holiday cards, so I love helping people create a complete experience around their special moments. I’m known for my photography, but what I’m most proud of is seeing the joy my clients feel when they see the final results — knowing that I was able to capture their moments just the way they imagined.
What sets me apart from other photographers is my approach to giving clients value and care. For example, if I have extra photos from a session, I always share them without charging any additional fees. Many photographers have strict limits on how many images clients receive, but I believe that my clients should get the most out of their experience. For me, it’s not just about taking pictures — it’s about creating memories, and capturing with purpose. I transform my clients’ ideas into visual experiences that elevate their brands and create lasting impact.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory has to be spending Christmas with my whole family at my grandparents’ house. We’re a huge family with a bunch of cousins, and I loved how everyone would pitch in to prepare food — often sneaking bites while we cooked! We’d bake cookies, laugh, and just enjoy being together. And then, as soon as the clock struck midnight, the celebration would really begin: everyone dancing, opening gifts, and soaking in every joyful moment. As Catholics, we also took time to remember the true meaning of Christmas — celebrating the birth of Jesus and giving thanks for His love and blessings. Holidays were full of love, laughter, and that special feeling of being surrounded by family — memories that have stayed with me ever since. Now, my goal is to pass those traditions and that joy on to our own kids and future generations, so they can experience the same warmth and happiness we cherished growing up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marinae.photography
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinae.photography/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBXJZKvUbOk
- Other: https://linktr.ee/marinae.photography
Image Credits
M.E. Photography by Marina Escobedo
