Exploring Life & Business with Ana Gonzalez of Renzo Booth and Ana Renzo Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Gonzalez

Hi Ana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hey there! I’m thrilled to introduce you to Ana Renzo Photography and Renzo Booth. My photo booth business began with my journey as a photographer (@anarenzophoto). Initially, I considered the photo booth a side hustle alongside my photography career, never anticipating it would grow to what it is today.

Growing up, my parents placed a strong emphasis on documenting me and my siblings. I fondly remember family gatherings where we captured memories with large camcorders, and my mother always had a disposable camera ready for special occasions—those you would drop off at Sav-Ons for developing. I was the child who would eagerly ask to use it, gradually nurturing my love for creativity. When my mom gifted me my first point-and-shoot camera as a teenager, I never imagined that photography would become my career.

I am a first generation Latina and I thought I had to get a “Classic American” career to be successful and make my parents proud. So I attended nursing school and spent five years in the medical field, I realized it wasn’t the right path for me. I had always harbored a passion for art that I had yet to explore, so I decided to leave nursing and pursue photography. I started by taking cityscapes and pictures of family and friends. Seeking formal training, I enrolled in a photography class at Fullerton College, thinking it would be a fun experience. This was a pivotal moment in my life; I had just lost my father and recognized that nursing wasn’t my lifelong ambition. At Fullerton, I met my mentor, Tony Maher, who played a significant role in shaping my development as a photographer. He later offered me my first official photo related job as a Photography Lab Technician when he became the Photography Department head at Cypress College, making my dream feel attainable.

Fast forward to when the pandemic hit and the world shut down, I found myself out of work due to the transition to remote learning. Although I returned to my job when schools reopened, I quickly realized I had outgrown it. I yearned for more. At 29, I struggled to make ends meet while juggling two jobs and often wondered why I hadn’t figured things out by this point. The pandemic served as a reset for me; I dedicated time to refining my craft and expanding my photography business, which sparked the idea for a photo booth service. Initially, I hesitated, thinking it wasn’t the right time. However, as things began to normalize, I made the investment in my first booth and launched my Photo Booth business on October 17, 2021. My photo booth business took on a life of its own and rapidly grew so I had to grow with it. Five months later, I acquired a second booth, followed by a third just three months after that, bringing my total to four photo booths today. I truly believe my photography experience and knowledge is the highlight of my photo booths and what makes them stand out against my competitors. I get so much feedback that my images are of such high quality, we get compliments on our lighting techniques and all of that comes back to my photography experience.

Today, I am a full-time self-employed photographer and photo booth business owner. This venture has allowed me to focus on the types of photography I enjoy most—primarily weddings, proposals, and maternity shoots and other passion projects. The flexibility of my business has also enabled me to continue my education; I am set to graduate from Cypress College this fall with an Associate’s degree in Studio Art, and recently was accepted into Cal State Fullerton where I’ll continue my Studio art degree and minor in marketing.

Additionally, my photo booths have been instrumental in launching my partner’s business, @muchoamorevents, where we collaborate on proposal setups that I photograph. Together, we’ve successfully built thriving businesses that have reached six figures. I cannot express enough gratitude for my partner, Ruby. She has believed in me from day one, learning the craft to support me. More than that, she is my best friend and partner in both life and business. Our photo booth attendants— Angel, Jessica, and Carlos—have also been significant influences in our expansion.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. As a first-generation brown Latina woman born and raised in Boyle Heights and part of the LGBT community, I’ve faced my share of challenges—both personally and professionally. Entrepreneurship comes with its bumps, and I’ve learned valuable lessons along the way.

When I first started my business, I had no guidance. I remember the anxiety of doing my taxes for the first time as an entrepreneur; I felt like I was going to pass out! Over time, I’ve learned the do’s and don’ts, especially when navigating busy and slow seasons. Being an entrepreneur means wearing many hats, and one of the toughest lessons has been learning to create a work-life balance.

Starting my own business involves more than just financial investment. I had to figure out social media, sales, client management, contracts—the whole package. Social media has become a powerful tool for me, with about 90% of my bookings coming from TikTok or Instagram. But creating content that hooks people in and drives sales isn’t easy. It requires staying on top of trends and being creative to stand out amidst the flood of content out there.

Putting myself out there on social media has been a major struggle. It can feel vulnerable and sometimes embarrassing, leading to that internal battle of second-guessing myself and worrying about what others might say. However, once I managed to quiet those doubts and push through those invisible barriers, I really started to see the rewards of my hard work.

On a personal level, as I focused on my commercial career, my artistic pursuits slowed down, and I lost mentors who believed I couldn’t be both an entrepreneur and an artist. That really made me question my path and whether I was making the right moves. It often feels like the art world divides fine art from commercial work, suggesting that pursuing one dilutes your identity as an artist. My goal is to prove that both can coexist harmoniously.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Renzo Booth and Ana Renzo Photography?
Ana Renzo Photography and Renzo Booth we specialize in Wedding Photography + High Quality Modern Photo Booth services.

At Ana Renzo Photography, I primarily specialize in wedding photography + maternity sessions. I blend fine art photography into your wedding day to give you those stunning, artistic images that have a rom-com vibe—think beautiful moments mixed with that genuine, vulnerable feeling of love. I really want to be more than just another vendor on your big day. My goal is to make you feel like we’re friends so you’re totally comfortable while I capture those special moments. No matter who you are, you deserve to feel beautiful and confident in front of the camera. I love hearing clients say, “We usually feel so awkward taking pictures, but you made us feel so comfortable!” That’s what it’s all about for me.

Then there’s Renzo Booth, a photo booth business based in the vibrant city of Los Angeles! We cover all of LA, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Our photo booths are sleek and stylish, perfect for everything from weddings to corporate events. But we’re not just a rental service; we’re all about creating a fun, upbeat vibe where everyone can let loose and have a blast. What sets us apart? We customize each photo booth experience to fit your event’s theme, offering high-quality prints, fun props, and cool backgrounds. We know the importance of wanting to post that cute picture you just took so our packages come with instant prints + instant digital downloads. Think of us as your #1 hype crew, making sure it’s an experience to remember, not just a service!

I want everyone to know that at Ana Renzo Photography and Renzo Booth, we’re all about making your day as awesome as possible. If you’re curious about what we can do for you, check us out—we’d love to be part of your special moments! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @anarenzophoto & @renzobooth.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think risk-taking is an essential part of growth, both personally and professionally. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone to embrace opportunities that could lead to something amazing. I wouldn’t necessarily label myself a risk-taker, but I’ve definitely taken some significant leaps along the way.

One of the biggest risks I took was starting my own photography business. Leaving a stable job to pursue my passion was daunting. I had to invest in equipment, build a client base from scratch, and navigate the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. There were moments when I doubted my decision, but ultimately, I believed in my vision and my ability to connect with clients.

Another risk was expanding into the photo booth business. It was a new venture that required not only financial investment but also a commitment to learning about a different side of the industry. I had to research trends, source quality equipment, and develop a brand that stood out. It felt like a big gamble, but it paid off in terms of growth and diversification.

For me, risk is about balancing the potential for reward with the possibility of failure. I try to view setbacks as learning experiences rather than failures. Each risk I’ve taken has shaped my journey and helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses better.

In the end, I believe that embracing calculated risks can lead to incredible opportunities and growth. It’s all about being open to new experiences and trusting your instincts, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://renzobooth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renzobooth/ and https://www.instagram.com/anarenzophoto/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@renzobooth and https://www.tiktok.com/@anarenzophoto

Image Credits
Photography Credit to @AnaRenzoPhoto