Today we’d like to introduce you to Dulce Hartford.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dulce. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey to becoming a photographer is kind of a funny one. Growing up I would take any camera I could find and start snapping away, but it really never dawned on me that I could or should one day pursue photography. My older sister was close friends with an amazing photographer, whom I still admire, and every time I saw her work, I was left with this immense curiosity to know how on earth she captured such a spectacular shot! I would think to myself “Wow, that’s beautiful! I wish I could do that!” but again, I still didn’t figure out that I could, in fact, do that. As time went on and I grew older, I dabbled in so many career fields, never fully feeling satisfied. Sure, I liked my job(s). But that was it. I liked it. Nothing more, nothing less. Feeling completely unfulfilled, one day, during my maternity leave from my bookkeeping job, my husband and I were discussing our future. He asked, “what is it that you really want to do?” I thought about it for a second and replied, “I like nursing!” and then I said, “but those shift hours will be so strenuous…” I was stumped. I wasn’t happy with the 9-5 I was working and my husband knew it. He looked at me as said “You like taking pictures, don’t you? Little miss selfie queen.” I chuckled and said, “I do, don’t I?” How could I not think about this before?! Six months later I was the proud owner of my first DSLR camera. Fast forward 4 years and I am steadily reaching new milestones and meeting incredible people along the way. I am a full-time student, a full-time wife and mom and a full-time photographer. And I absolutely wouldn’t have it any other way. My career is where I was meant to be. Photographing wonderful people and creating the perfect time capsule for them, and in return, I get the best reactions I could ever hope for as a business owner!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
What’s the saying? Rome wasn’t built in a day? When I first went public with my new found love for photography, no one took me seriously. I honestly can understand why, so, no hard feelings. I was so devoted to becoming a photographer, I didn’t let anyone’s doubt’s stopped me, not even mine. That was until I realized I wasn’t getting any business whatsoever. I was a new name in the market, with zero experience, so I wasn’t charging much, but even with a very low price point, people were not interested in an amateur photographer. My Facebook page had (maybe) 50 likes and I was only able to photograph close friends and family as practice. Oh gosh, I was a hot mess, really. I had no idea how to run a business, and was not brave enough to reach out to pro-photographers for help. That’s when I started doubting myself. I didn’t understand what I was doing wrong. I mean, now I do, but I didn’t have the slightest clue back then. Business was extremely slow. I was getting 2 or 3 bookings per year. That definitely wasn’t good for my self-esteem. Then one day, while mentally preparing myself for a wedding I was booked for, I told myself that it would be the last time I would doubt my career so heavily and that I would do an amazing job from now on. And, somehow, that worked! I can honestly say that I have been busy meeting with clients and colleagues since that day. It was in me all along, I just needed to assert myself. I needed to desperately let go of that self-doubt, and once I did, doors no longer closed, but rather opened and welcomed me in. It’s incredible.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a freelance photographer. I do not shy away from any job unless it’s life threatening. When I talk to clients I am as clear and concise as I can possibly be when it comes to my booking process. Once business is handled, I want to know if they have any ideas in mind, and concerns or inquiries, what location suggestions would they like, their portrait likes and dislikes, etc. I specialize in many areas of photography, however, I am more than thrilled when I get to do glamorous shoots. I really have such a love for making my subjects feel confident, and sexy, and beautiful. I get many shy clients that are often too worried about how they will look that they can’t enjoy being the center of attention, so I sympathize and reassure them they have nothing to worry about. To this day, every single person that has felt uneasy about the final results, are always thankful they did it because they love what they get back. I am proud to be more than “just” a photographer. My clients have often become my friends and are loyal to my services. I have seen so much success from their referrals, that I am eternally grateful for them. I honestly believe what sets me apart from other photographers is the bond I build with every person that stands in front of my lens. When I see tears of joy, emotional page reviews, and excited texts come through, I feel that equal excitement with them. I feel honored and proud. These are not just clients to me, they are now friends and they are the sole reason I get to do what I love most as a career.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was definitely the rebellious kid. I think it mostly had to do with being severely misunderstood. Very cliché, I know lol. I had such a big heart and so much creativity, I just didn’t know how to properly express my feelings. Much like now, I was interested in art, ballet, poems, and Beethoven. But what 14-year-old teenager living in an urban city really wants to admit that? When no one was looking, I turned to my favorite pastimes such as writing poetry or made “serious” drawing attempts. I would listen to beautiful classical music. My interior was so much softer and refined than my exterior. Thank God for growing older and learning that it is perfectly okay to be who you are. I now proudly, and openly, do all of this now, and I have zero shame about it.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.dhartfordphotography.com
- Phone: (310) 591-4444
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @dhartfordphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dhartfordphotography
Image Credit:
“Sisters Bonding” – Anabel and Genesis Martinez
“Grace” – Abby Britto
“Damsel” – Lynette Jacobs
“I do” – Jennifer and Aldo Ayon
“Sleep little princess” – Jenevieve Martinez
“The Veil” -Julie Mendez
“Underground” -Gerson Luna
“Curly Sue” -Jaylin Hartford
“Headshot” -Bryan Coy
“Classic” -Jessie Topete
