Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Mendoza.
Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I traveled to Paris for a study abroad program in 2010 and purchased a point and shoot camera for the trip. I spent the whole summer falling in love with photography and capturing all the incredible sights of France. I remember having this couple who was on the trip with me, fake a proposal in front of the Eiffel tower just so I can have fun taking a photo of it. Sounds so silly now, but there was something in me that enjoyed capturing people and love stories. Flash forward to college where I graduated in Journalism with an emphasis on photojournalism. I had some cool internships including The Keven & Bean Show at KROQ. I got to photograph some of the guests including the Lumineers.
At first, I thought, music photography is where I want to end up, but after working for a photographer in my town, my passion shifted to weddings. I was second shooting for him and really felt comfortable with couples and weddings. After second shooting for a couple of years I took the plunge and started my own business. I had a desk job, working in DTLA for a huge advertising agency at this time, it was scary to leave the comfort of this job for my hobby/weekend job, but it was the best decision I could ever make for myself. I am now going on my 5th year of being a full-time wedding photographer.
Has it been a smooth road?
Not a smooth road at all. Self-doubt will always have the best of me. Comparing myself to other photographers in the industry and not feeling good enough to do this for a living. I quickly snap out of that when it happens and shift my focus into the goals I want to achieve. In the beginning, it was tough because I really didn’t have the money to start up a business. Brand new equipment, a legit computer and editing software, branding, advertising, etc. I somehow pulled it together by getting side jobs such as waitressing and babysitting to help me get started.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in wedding and portrait photography, which includes families, maternity and couples. I am very proud that I have been able to meet my goals in terms of how many weddings I book a year. On average its 25-30. I shoot all around Southern California and have been lucky enough to shoot four destination weddings. I really focus on having my work be real, in the moment type of shots and true to what my couples are all about. I love bright, bold colors and working with the natural sunlight.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Southern California is a wonderful area for a photography business. There are tons of amazing venues all over the state that range from so many different looks. You can get married in the desert, the mountains, wineries, the beach. I think about this all the time, how lucky I am to have a business in an area where there is a huge market for it.
Pricing:
- Wedding collections begin at $3,400
- Portrait sessions begin at $400
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jessicalynnmendoza.com
- Instagram: Jessicalynn_photo
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