Check Out Alaina Nunez’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alaina Nunez.

Alaina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey as a photographer long before I became a mother. I was coined the family documentarian because I was always drawn to taking pictures and had this love of capturing moments. Not only capturing them but the excitement and joy of receiving the images in print and putting them in photo albums or hanging them up on my wall.

I have always had many passions and interests but I have always had photography as my constant form of creating. So I took photography classes at our local community college, was the band photographer in high school for my brother’s band which played throughout LA and OC.

In my college journey, I started focusing more on medicine and become a medical assistant with the goal of becoming a respiratory therapist and helping people breathe (I had severe asthma growing up). After having my daughter I decided I didn’t want to work long hours away from her so I switched gears and focused on music, which was another important part of my life. I completed my associate in music education after having my 2nd child and right around that time, as I was finishing up my degree I had this thought… “I wish someone would offer the service of coming to my home to take pictures of my newborn baby and all the adorable milestones.” So, I became that person thinking that if I was having these thoughts and feelings, I bet other moms were having the same thoughts as me.

My focus was on newborns and families and my tagline was “I bring the studio to you”. Over the years, I’ve photographed so many events and worked within different industries. After having my 4th child, I become interested in birth photography and asked a friend if I could be her photographer during her home birth. It was such an amazing experience and I loved being a trusted presence in the birthing space. I didn’t realize until after how much of a gift documentation of a birth is. My friend had her eyes closed because she didn’t want to get distracted by all the people who were there (there were a good amount) and never really opened her eyes until baby was out and she was pulling him up and out of the water. She shared with me that she didn’t feel like she was fully able to experience that birth… until she received the photos I took for her. Once she saw all of the photos she was able to re-live those moments and knew in her heart she had the birth experience that she truly desired and now she had closure.

I thought, wow! I am so honored to be able to provide this gift to you. And that is how I feel about each mama and birth that I am able to be present at. I am blessed and honored to be invited into such an intimate space and be trusted to support and document this amazing journey.

Just a few years ago, I became a birth doula to add to the service and support that I provide for the families that hire me to be part of their birth support team. It just felt like the next level of care that I could provide and I really love being able to walk alongside these families while supporting, encouraging and praying for and over them.

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?
I’ve always had an entrepreneur spirit but actually running a business and learning all the ins and out of profits, losses, legalities, marketing, and definitely dealing with impostor syndrome, etc. etc. That has been a steep learning curve.

There’s been so many moments of “should I just give up now?”, “I don’t even know what I’m doing!”, and definitely tears.

But the Lord put this fire and drive in me. I am not a quitter. When things get hard and I am at the end of what I can do and have nothing left to give, He is always so good and faithful to restore my weary soul and He gave me an amazing husband that has supported and encouraged me even when he didn’t see my vision.

I am thankful the Lord leads gently those with young because as I was building my business I was also trying to nurture and grow our family and most importantly be the best mama for my children.

Though I think they are my biggest drive to want to succeed. I want my children to know that whatever desires and passions the Lord has placed on their heart, they can accomplish anything if they’re willing to put the work in. I want to lead by example and show them, all things are possible and God will give them the strength and wisdom through it all.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a birth, newborn and family photographer as well as a birth doula. As a photographer, I document family stories. I don’t just see the obvious but am an observer of light, shadows, feelings, emotions, connection and love.

People have told me that when they look at my images they can feel the emotions and feel like they are there, in that moment and those who I have documented are able to re-live it all through my images.

I think what sets me apart is being me. There is no other me. There are definitely other birth and newborn photographers and of course family photographers but there is no one who sees exactly what I see. I’ve been told that I have a peaceful and calming presence and a soothing voice. I attribute those as gifts from the Lord. It isn’t just my character but my experiences in life that have made me who I am and how I approach each situation. It is bringing His peace that surpasses all understand WITH me into each home and birthing space.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe that timing is important and that “failures” are useful in learning big lessons.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alainanunez.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/alainanunez (business coaching and families) and www.instagram.com/alainanunez_birthstories (birth, newborn photo & doula)
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/alainanunezphotography (business coaching and families) and www.facebook.com/alainanunezbirthstories (birth, newborn photo & doula)
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainanunez
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@alainanunez
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/alaina-nunez-photography-la-mirada
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/alainamnunez/

Image Credits
All images taken by Alaina Nunez