Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Tanguma.
Alicia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story started around sophomore year of high school. I was selected to be apart of my school’s media team. I would record all the sporting events and create highlight videos for the school news. It was then I found my passion for not only videography but photography as well. My parents noticed how serious I took this position and pushed me even further. They gifted me my 1st DSLR camera for Christmas in 2011. I immediately started taking pictures at family events and would have friends allow me to take their senior photos or just some random shoots. I didn’t start thinking of making this into a business. It was just a hobby and something I truly enjoyed doing.
My junior year of high school I applied for an internship at Channel 12 News in Sherman TX. I honestly didn’t think I would get it because the only “experience” I had was self taught in high school during the media team. I ended receiving the internship and that’s where it all began. I started learning how to use all the big cameras and editing graphics for the station. I would help the anchors with anything they needed. My senior year I was offered a paid position as a Production Assistant Manager. I worked there for my entire senior year and senior summer before I left and went to college for softball. I ended up going to college with the mindset of becoming a PE teacher / head softball coach, not the mindset of I am going to become a photographer. I never took a single course in college for photography and videography. I continued to shoot for family and friends on weekends I would be home and I just kept getting booked. Throughout my college career, my photography business wasn’t really a business as at. It was a hobby I got paid for from time to time. It wasn’t until I graduated college in 2019 that I then took my photography business seriously. I started attending online seminars, classes and watching tons of youtube videos on how to become successful. I continued to broaden my knowledge on photography. I never knew what all the terms and different options on my camera were. I am self taught on everything you can think of when it comes to a photographer. It was a lot of trial and error. I didn’t have to best of the best camera, but it worked.
How I got to where I am today is simply because of my support system and to the man up above. Without my village I wouldn’t be here. It’s because of word of mouth that my hobby is even a business. After I had my daughter in 2021, I started taking it even more serious. I’ve invested in more equipment and knowledge. I have also reached out to other photographers for pointers or any advice. I now have tons of associates and partners that promote my business as well. I have connections with a lot of different people that help get my name out there. I am still learning and growing today. I am no where near where I want to be yet, but it is coming in due time. I keep my faith and continue to pursue my dreams. The ending goal is to give back to my family for supporting me and my dreams. I plan to own my own studio one day and hopefully build this business to where I can offer mentorships & help other people who dream of wanting to become a photographer possible and affordable.
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 definitely hasn’t always been smooth sailing. I financially couldn’t depend on just my photography to keep me above water. Trying to work and finish school, while also trying to build a photography business is not the easiest. I missed out on a lot of opportunities because I had to work or had class. I honestly took the long way to do things because my main love was and still is softball. If i would have focused on photography in college I might be further in my plan than I am now, but honestly I can’t think of it like that. My story is just that. It was all in God’s timing and I am where I need to be today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I would say I specialize in senior photography and wedding photography. What sets me apart and what i’m known for is honestly my affordable pricing. I go above and beyond for my clients without charging them an arm and a leg. Everyone deserves professional photographs. I know from experience what it’s like to want them but not be able to afford them. I am not in it for the money. I want to capture those forever memories for people at affordable pricing. No one is promised tomorrow, but having those photos to remember people by is truly special.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was definitely the boy in the family. My dad always wanted a son and my mom would always joke that he got that with me. My family is all athletes. Softball was and is still my 1st love. I played softball for 24 years now. I started when I was 4 and continued to play into my adulthood. I was determined as a kid to play college ball so I made sure to make that dream come true. I missed out on school functions, sleep overs, birthday parties and other things just because I played softball year round. I traveled to different states playing just trying to get my name out there. I was determined and hardworking. I set goals and met them. I worked hard on and off the field. I graduated top 15% of my class with honors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amtphotography2.shootproof.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amtphotography1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMTPhotography1
Image Credits
AMT Photography & Videography
