Meet Celene Vasquez of Takes From Celene in LA County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Celene Vasquez.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I got my first DSLR camera when I was 15 years old, but I loved photography from the moment I was able to navigate anything with a camera. Originally, I went by KGH Photography which stood for “Kidd Got Heart,” but decided to change it about a year or two ago.

Shortly after, I got my first camera; I was blessed by a beautiful tragedy. My best friend died, and her mom arranged for me to attend a private school in her place. I attended San Gabriel Mission High for my junior and senior year – there they expanded my love and vision for photos: something my best friend really saw a future for me in. I learned marketing skills, technical skills, and most of all I found my eye. By the time I graduated, I had been published in the local paper and been referred to numerous people and businesses for both photography and graphics. I worked at Starbucks for about five years, I moved up in the company but was consistently known for creating artwork in the stores which really made me love working for Starbucks. When I left, I was the social media coordinator for STIIIZY, and content creator for a Beverly Hills plastic surgery center. From then, I decided I wanted to expand and challenge my creativity.

There was a period of about two years that I took a break, I didn’t think my vision was good enough. I thought that the competition was too great, and I had to learn how to use other artists as inspirations rather than let them get me down. Thankfully, I’ve got an amazing support system that believes in Takes From Celene and I hope to share it with everyone I work with.

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?
I strongly believe in the saying, “Without struggle, there is no progress.” Being able to do something that I love and bring people happiness with the finished products is a feeling that can’t be beat. But in this constantly growing and changing industry, you have to keep up with technology and be ahead of what’s next. Some struggles I’ve faced have been thinking I wasn’t good enough to take the job, or just plain out thinking I should go back to school and pursue another career. But you have to continue to fight for what you want and what makes you happy. I don’t believe anything is ever given to you and so being able to push through struggles is an amazing motivation for me.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Takes From Celene offers services in editing, graphic design, photography, and videography. I’m known for capturing quality moments with quality content. Something I make sure of when I go into any set is comfortability and positive energy. I focus on ensuring the viewer is in a sense actually there for the picture. Images and videos are worth a thousand words, my goal is to make you feel so much love for your products that you are speechless. I’m also a part of the LGBTQ 🏳️‍🌈 Community and support all beauty. I do not believe I am too good for anyone, and I understand sometimes we don’t have the confidence to stand in front of a camera and let someone capture images of the raw you. I welcome all walks of life.

What were you like growing up?
I was extremely quiet, and definitely a tomboy who was into sports. My grandma is really artistic, she made sure we were always doing some sort of arts and crafts with her. Whether I was doodling on Paint or on the sides of my notes in class, illustration and designing patterns has been something I always drew as a kid. When I was twelve, my family found out I was into girls and that was something that honestly felt like a weight off my shoulders. Growing up, I learned really young that you have to just keep on going. No matter what, when something happens, you have to keep going because the world continues to go. But when I was using a camera, I was able to slow everything down and produce moments that I felt like the world slowed down so it could be captured and felt.

Pricing:

• $75- 5 retouched images
• $150- 30 sec-1:15 min video
• $200- 5 retouched images and 45-60 sec video.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 3236042232
• Email: cmv.photo.fx@gmail.com
• Instagram: @takesfromcelene

Image Credit:
Miranda Muro

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