Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Flores.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lydia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I could, in theory, write a novel on how I started and got to where I am today. However, I will try to keep my story simple, short, and to the point. Growing up I had always been a curious person who would spend some minutes now-and-then observing people and my surroundings. I must clarify, I was NOT a stalker, I simply enjoyed watching the interaction between people and nature. It was around high school that my Grandfather, a well-known photographer in Mexico, taught me the art of photography. He would come and visit from Mexico and he would walk me through the steps of photography while I would teach him the secrets of Photoshop as fair trade.
I soon became his apprentice and decided to join this great journey of capturing moments for lifetime memories. During this time, I only viewed photography as a hobby. As time passed by, I had several jobs from which I learned clerical and professional skills. Photography, however, always pulled the creativeness in me. I soon decided to launch MakeMeReal Photography with the support of my family. I was lucky to have photographed so many beautiful events and build great relationships with many people, and even though I enjoyed photographing precious moments, I also felt that my path was taking a different turn.
I had a change of heart in my journey when the news of my Grandfather’s passing reached me. I felt a hole in me but yet I knew I needed to listen to my inner voice. I had ignored my inner voice because I was afraid of the journey as I feared it was going to be tough and difficult and, like many, I would have settled with having a good job and living comfortably. This new calling had me change my status from Photographer to currently studying to become a plant-based Nurse Practitioner. As weird as it may sound, I have a passion for helping people as well. As my Grandpa used to say “we are here to serve” and I do see that as my purpose in life. This does not mean, however, that I have left my passion for Photography behind. I still enjoy photographing nature and people in my own terms and when I am able to. One of the many advantages of having your own business.
Great, 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?
I find myself enjoying all stages of life. Whether difficult or smooth, I get to see the good or bad and learn from each. The biggest struggle I believe is fear. As I photographed my first wedding, I was not able to sleep the night before due to all the checklists I made fearing I would forget to take pictures of several items or sections. It was also difficult to maneuver shoots with itineraries which did not go according to plan. Overall, I learned to be more confident and create a plan B for any unexpected situation.
Please tell us more about your work.
My company is makemereal.photography and my business specializes in capturing images for personal or commercial projects. I’m known for not altering photographs too much to the point where people won’t recognize the client and for being a quiet shooter.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment for me so far is to continue to have that special bond I shared with my Grandfather through photography while reaching for my next goal in the healthcare field.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://makemereal.photography/
- Phone: 909-231-1974
- Email: [email protected]
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
