Meet Alexandra Marie De La Cruz of Shot By Alexandra Marie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Marie De La Cruz

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always loved taking pictures. It was my way of freezing time and having something to reflect on. My husband gifted me my first DSLR camera, but it sat in a box for two years. After I lost my grandmother, I realized that all I had left to remember her by were the pictures, which prompted me to unbox my camera and start practicing with my daughter. She wasn’t all that cooperative, so I took to Facebook to announce that I wanted to grow my portfolio. I offered about ten free sessions in various styles, and that’s when I realized that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Hearing people’s stories and capturing moments that they can cherish for a lifetime makes my job incredibly rewarding. It may sound cliché, but I owe it all to my husband for believing in me and giving me my first camera.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
NOOO, lol
its been a bumpy road, but without the bumps I definitely wouldn’t be here today. The biggest struggle I have had to overcome was the feeling not having to be on my phone 24/7, If someone sent a message I felt the urge I needed to responded right then and their if I didn’t they wouldn’t book me. The feeling of having to post and if I didn’t the algorithm would hate me and not show me to people. It was putting a huge toll on my mental health and personal life I felt I was missing all the moments with my family because the FOMO was real. Running a business that uses social media is crazy and mentally draning. The sooner you learn to semi balance it the better. I cant really give you any advice on it as its a struggle till this day but its a struggle I am slowly learning to over come. It’s been a bumpy road, but without those challenges, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced is the constant pressure to be on my phone 24/7. Whenever someone sent a message, I felt the urge to respond immediately; if I didn’t, I worried they might not book me. I also felt the need to post regularly, fearing that if I didn’t, the algorithm would punish me by not showing my content to others.

This pressure took a significant toll on my mental health and personal life. I felt like I was missing valuable moments with my family because the fear of missing out (FOMO) was so real. Running a business that relies on social media can be overwhelming and mentally draining.

The sooner you learn to find a balance, the better. While I can’t offer much advice on this topic since it’s still a struggle for me, I am slowly learning to overcome it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Shot By Alexandra Marie?
I am an affordable photographer for all occasions. I don’t limit my self in just one type of photography. I love waking up one day doing a cake smash or a newborn session and that weekend I am capturing a wedding or quince.

I am known for my vibrant crisp photos that capture true and raw emotions.

My clients say that what sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to be my self. That I make them feel like we have been friends for years and it couldn’t be our second time meeting. That I give them beautiful memories to look back on with out breaking the bank.

That I have created a name for my self. I created something for my family to be proud of and carry on if they wish too.

I want our readers to know to stop letting life pass you by. We are only getting older, Our kids will not be little forever. I get it we all want to lose weight but if we keep using that as an excuse we will never capture ourselves and when its our time to go we wont be leaving our family and friends with anything to remember us by. Memories fade but pictures last a life time. If moneys a problem well find a awesome photographer like me who does payment plans.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If I were just starting out and could give myself advice, it would be this: Just get out there. Stop letting fear hold you back from achieving everything you can. Just because there are a million photographers doesn’t mean you can’t be one. We are all unique in our own ways, so find your path. Learn your camera inside and out, and charge what you believe you are worth. Never give up if this is truly your passion.

Pricing:

• Newborn $160
• Maternity $175
• Event starting price $485
• Family $150
• Cake Smash $235

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shotbyalexandramarie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotbyalexandramarie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShotByAlexandraMarie
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shot-by-alexandra-marie-rialto-4
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shotbyalexandramarie