Today we’d like to introduce you to Moch Snyder.
Hi Moch, 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 backstories with our readers?
I have enjoyed photography since I was very young. I was intrigued by imagery and marking moments in time with pictures. I have few photographs of myself as a child and my family. I regret this very much, looking back.
I have many personal stories of where I came from and how my family became my family. My mom and dad met in a concentration camp in Cambodia, which became unstable. They were forced to flee to safety in Thailand. They were secure there for some time. My sister and I were born there. She in 82′ and I in 85′, right on the border of Cambodia and Thailand. I do not think they had birth certificates when I was born, but I do have a photograph of myself with my birthdate written on the back. My mom somehow managed to bring along her two children from a previous marriage, but my dad was not so lucky. He left his entire family behind. When the situation declined yet again, we sought safety in the Philippines. From the Philippines, we journeyed to the United States of America. I am pretty sure I have a picture of all of us at the airport in the States with our names on our shirts. Funnily enough, we actually landed in Fort Worth, of all places, but soon after moved to Washington State, where we knew of a Cambodian community. I spent most of my childhood in Washington, but we moved to Texas in the fall of 2021, to be closer to my husband’s family.
It wasn’t until high school that I was able to get my hands on a camera. I took an elective class that taught black and white film. I fell in love with it. Fast forward to college, some close friends bought me my very first camera, because they saw the passion I had for it. While I did not major in photography at university, I did take a long month course on photography in NYC for a J-term session. I jumped at the opportunity when I saw there was an offering in photography. It was an amazing experience that I think of fondly. With my major, it was a requirement to do an internship of some sort, and I chose photography. I was lucky enough to intern with a wedding photographer who graciously shared her time with me. She helped me realize that photography could be more than a hobby; it could be a career.
While I was in college, I met the love of my life. We married even before graduating in 2007. I kept practicing photography on people, my favorite subjects! Soon after I got a business license. It has been 14 years now of owning this little business, it brings me so much joy. I always hope to share my joy with my clients in hopes that they can look back on the images we create together with sincere gratitude and remembrance. Looking back over the course of my life, it is clear that photography has meant so much to me. Coming back to Fort Worth has made me realize just how much depth photography has had as a part of my life.
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 has not been a smooth road, lots of bumps. The path has had both good and bad bumps. You can learn from the good, as well as the bad, if you allow yourself to. All of those bumps have brought me to a place where I still enjoy taking photos, and I hope that I have many more years ahead of me. I learned very quickly that owning my own business means that I do everything, from being the boss to being the customer service.
I think the most difficult lesson I have learned is knowing my self-worth and skills are good enough to get paid for it. In the beginning, it was hard for me to charge people so that I could make a living pursuing my passion. The other struggle is finding balance between owning a photography business and having a family. Balance is a funny thing; it’s quite a unicorn idea, if I can be honest. I believe most folks struggle with balance. Thankfully, I do have a wonderful husband who helps and is so supportive of me and my dream.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an artist and creative!
If I have to pick a specialty for my work, it would have to be wedding and family. I do a lot more than photograph those two things, but I have a deep love for people and capturing them is such an honor for me personally. I get to freeze special moments for people, and they get to keep the images forever and pass them on to their children to remember. I love helping people share their stories through my photographs. As a photographer, I set myself apart by the relationships I maintain with my clients, friends, and family after I finish their event or session. I do my best to stay connected to everyone who has invested in me and my dream. I love to see them move forward in life, succeeding and enjoying their time.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I feel like I have been incredibly blessed. I have a lot to be thankful for. I am most grateful for my faith, my family, and everyone I have met in this crazy and precious life. Each person I know has either loved me, supported me, taught me, or all three. This goes for life and business.
I owe a lot of my luck on earth to those family and friends who believed in me and pushed me toward living this dream of being a photographer. The one person I would love to thank most is my husband. He has given me the most amazing little family; they have seen me at my best and at my worst. They have been cheering me on since the very beginning. They still love and support me, even with the hectic schedule I have been keeping. They help me combat any negativity that I conjure in myself through doubt and insecurity and for that, I am the luckiest wife and mama in the biz.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@mochsnyder.com
- Website: www.mochphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mochiesnyder/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonandmochphotography
Image Credits
Jon Snyder
