Today we’d like to introduce you to Iliana Garcia-Flores.
Hi Iliana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I come from a bloodline of photographers on my maternal side of the family. I remember going to my aunt’s photo studio in Mexico during summer break and practically being an intern. I would work the front counter, assisting clients pick up their photo orders, cleaning cameras, and feeling like I was on top of the world. Sometimes, my cousin, who is also a photographer, would allow me to shadow him during his sessions. I would watch closely and take notes. My cousin didn’t have a passion for mentoring. Eventually, I felt like I was just in his way and I decided to do my own thing. I would watch Youtube videos and read photography books and became a self-taught photographer.
One Christmas, right after high school, my parents gifted me my first “fancy” camera, a good ol’ Nikon D3200 (the kind you can get at Costco for a great deal on Black Friday). I bursted into tears, I couldn’t believe that I had my very own camera. My parents looked at each other in disbelief. I guess that’s when they really realized how badly I wanted to be a photographer.
I took that camera EVERYWHERE. I photographed everything and anything. Believe it or not, I was very secretive about pursuing photography to my friends and family. I was so scared to be judged. I was scared that they would tell me “I wasn’t good enough” or that “You can’t make a career out of photography”. It was actually fun to have my little secret escape. A secret so dear to me that allowed me to escape reality and express my creativity.
In 2014, my boyfriend Michael (now my husband) and I started dating. We were both in college working on our Bachelor’s degrees at Cal Poly Pomona. He was majoring in Finance and I was majoring in Spanish. He really pushed me to turn photography into a business but I was so scared. I didn’t know where and how to start a business. That year, for my birthday, he gifted me my domain name to start my website, lighting umbrellas, some backdrops, and my business license. It was the push I needed to just say…”Ok let’s do this”.
Within a month of starting my business, I had a few graduation inquiries and I couldn’t believe it. Michael was there to support me every step of the way, he would drive me to every single photo session, he would help me create Excel sheets to keep track of my expenses and earnings. I don’t think he realizes how much he has contributed to the success of Iliana Garcia Photography. Here we are 10 years running OUR business that started off as a secret dream.
Over the years, photography has opened up so many doors for me and let me tell you, opportunities come at you when you least expect it! For example, one time I was in an elevator in DTLA and a gentlemen standing next to me was on the phone talking to someone about how stressed out he was because he couldn’t find a photographer to photograph a “huge” event for him. I built the courage to interrupt his phone call and slide over my business card to him. Long story short, he hired me for the event. I couldn’t believe that elevator ride scored me the opportunity to bump into the Director of a PR firm putting together an event for the Dodgers, Three days later Michael and I were at Dodger Stadium photographing our favorite players. I still get goosebumps telling that story!
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?
Being a business owner has definitely been one of my proudest accomplishments. I have really enjoyed looking back and seeing the growth of my business and my craft as a photographer. However, with success comes responsibility… a lot of responsibility.
When the pandemic hit, I really thought it was the end of my business. Who would want to take photos during times of such uncertainty? I was wrong. My business blossomed like never before. I think people gained a new level of appreciation for photos because tomorrow is not promised. Having family photos became a top priority for a lot fo my clients and I sold out every month between 2020-2022. It was the most hectic year of my life. I completely pushed myself to limits I didn’t know existed and I overbooked myself because I didn’t want to say “no” to clients and reject the business. I was so focused on my business growth that I was burning myself out.
My biggest challenge these last couple of years has been work and life balance. I love what I do and serving my clients but I have learned that if I’m not good mentally or physically, then there is no Iliana Garcia Photography.
I am really focused to make 2023 the year to decelerate and enjoy the little things. I’m taking less inquiries and just focusing on slowing down. My clients and photography community have been extremely supportive, and for that I am extremely grateful. As a photographer, I have realized that saying, “Sorry I’m overbooked already” does not mean I miss out on an opportunity. It means that I’m blessed to have work, bookings, and people who chose me over millions of other photographers to be THEIR photographer. Do you realize how powerful that is?
I will never stop bragging about the amazing clients I have. There are times when I post on social media that I’ve been editing for hours and then I will randomly get a Starbucks gift card emailed to me from a client saying, “Here is some editing fuel, get those galleries done, girl”. My heart literally melts. Little moments like this is what fuels a small business owner.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think what sets me apart from other photographers is my attention to detail and the hospitality I provide for all my clients. I create detailed styled guides to help them prep for their session, I have a check-in call a few days prior to their session to answer any questions they may have and hype them for their photo session.
Every year I create mood boards with special styled shoots for my clients. I create the set design and pour so much love and passion into every detail. For example, my Womanhood Sessions sell out every year. It is a photo marathon designed to empower women and highlight the beauty of my client. Most of my clients end up crying because they are overwhelmed with so much emotion and they cannot believe it’s them when I show them their photos from the back of my camera.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support Iliana Garcia Photography is by tagging me when you post your photos, refer me to a friend, neighbor, or family member. A simple tag goes a long way especially when the majority of my clients find me through Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ilianagarciaphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilianagarciaphoto/
Image Credits
Phots: Iliana Garcia Photography
