Today we’d like to introduce you to Isela Mariana Flores.
Hi Isela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Upon starting Isela Mariana PRN Photography, I wanted it to represent everything that I am and stand for. As far as I can remember, I have always loved photography. When smartphones first came out, I would always take picture of my younger siblings. When they were not in the mood to be my models, self-timer was my best friend. I had more editing apps on my phone than I did storage. I grew up being the family photographer. I took senior pictures for my younger siblings, including my own. I never imaged being here today, taking pictures for people outside of my family to this extent.
One thing that set me back from pursuing anything with photography sooner was the calling I felt to be a nurse my freshman year of high school. As naive as this may sound, I did not think I could be both. Although I love my vocation, being a nurse during the start and peak of COVID was detrimental to my mental health. On top of that, I was pregnant during that time, making everything that was going on in the world that much scarier. After returning to work from my maternity leave, I knew something had to change. I was working 16-hour shifts, starting my day at 4 AM after a night of little to no sleep, getting home at 9 PM just to do it all over again. I took a leap faith, picked up a camera and well, here we are. I have since changed jobs to one with a more fitting schedule for my family and growing business. I like to say I am a full-time mom, part-time nurse, and a photographer as needed. Hence my name, Isela Mariana PRN Photography “Capturing Your Memories as Needed.”
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
One of my main struggles is trying to find that perfect balance between being a mom, a nurse, and a photographer. The other one is the constant learning curve that comes with being a self-taught photographer and entrepreneur. In attempt to learn from my experiences, I have decided to start things off a little slower this new year. I am taking this as an opportunity to expand my knowledge in everything from technique, editing style, and software, in order to continue providing high-quality work for my clients. Needless to say, I am beyond excited and ready to see what is to come for Isela Mariana PRN Photography!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
There is a TikTok trend that asks its users to share moments that altered their brain chemistry in 2022. To me, the moment that altered my brain chemistry as a photographer in 2022 was having my first Mental Health Awareness session. One of my very first sessions when I first started doing photography were portraits for former Miss Texas Latina 2022 candidate, Marty Padron. One of the things she used her platform for was to be an advocate for mental health. Inspired by her and her story, we collaborated and along with two close friends, we shared a message in which the images were literally worth more than a thousand words. The entire experience was so meaningful to everyone that was a part of it that we have decided to take it a step further this year and create our first Mental Health Workshop. This will allow us to invite more photographers in the surrounding DFW areas and reach that many more people. I believe that is one thing that not only do I pride myself in, but it also sets me apart from other photographers. I took the opportunity to combine art and activism in order to create images that people fighting the same battle can relate to. This workshop will be open to all photographers in any level of expertise – from aspiring, new, and experience photographers whom wish to shine light to mental health. Our tentative date is early May as the entire month is dedicated to Mental Health Awareness. Please feel free to follow Isela Mariana PRN Photography on my social media platforms for more upcoming details.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I do not think I am where I am today due to luck. I believe I am here because of my faith and hard work. The growth I’ve had in the span of my first year in business has been surreal. During this time, I have captured the full circle of life for my clients from engagements, weddings, maternity, newborn, and one-year milestones amongst other sessions. In addition to these feel-good moments, I recently received my very first award in my first year in business! Isela Mariana PRN Photography has been voted Best Photographer in Ellis County by Best of Ellis County 2022. To everyone that believes in me, trusts my vision, and has supported me from day one, this one is for all of you!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iselamarianaphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/iselamarianaprnphotography?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075907535888
