Today we’d like to introduce you to Terial Quirarte.
Hi Terial, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all began when my dad handed me his Canon 35mm film camera for my school field trip to Joshua Tree. I was beyond excited to take photos — I can’t even remember how they turned out (or if they did at all, to be honest!). From there, I was hooked. I started buying disposable cameras, dropping them off at the local store, and anxiously waiting days to see the results… only to be utterly disappointed when half didn’t even come out.
Fast forward to high school and college — I took every photography class I could. The creative energy it gave me was unbelievable. I loved how endless the possibilities felt.
A few years later, I bought my first digital camera, and like most new moms, I couldn’t stop photographing my baby boy. His tiny toes, his eyes, his laughter — I wanted to freeze it all before it slipped away. There was something magical about holding those moments in my hands, knowing I could revisit them long after they’d passed. That’s when I realized photography wasn’t just about taking pictures — it was about preserving love in its purest form.
Before long, friends, family, and coworkers began asking me to take their photos, too. What started as a passion slowly became something more. I still remember wondering, When do I officially become a professional? Someone once told me, “When people start paying you for your photos.” That moment came when I received my very first handwritten check for a full session — I still have it to this day.
Now, nearly ten years later, I’m still chasing light and laughter, telling stories through the faces and moments that fill my lens. I photograph couples, families, weddings, maternity sessions, and every now and then, the sweetest cake smashes and newborn snuggles. Each session feels like its own little love story — a reminder that time is fleeting, but beauty is endless. And that’s what keeps me inspired every single day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Confidence has probably been my biggest hurdle — learning to quiet the voices that whisper, you’re not good enough, and keep creating anyway.
I’ve had to remind myself that growth takes time — that every photographer I admire once stood exactly where I am. Being patient with myself as I learned (and then learned some more) has been an ongoing process. There were seasons I doubted my style, my pricing, even my place in this industry. But each challenge taught me something new — not just about photography, but about resilience, faith, and trusting the journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a portrait photographer based in Orange County, California, specializing in capturing families, couples, maternity, and the in-between moments that make life worth remembering. My work has often been described as soft, light & airy, emotional, and timeless — the kind of imagery that feels like a memory rather than a pose.
What sets me apart is the heart behind the lens. I don’t just want to take pretty pictures — I want to create photographs that feel like something. The laughter, the quiet glances, the hands intertwined — those are the things I love the most. My clients often tell me they feel calm and seen during their sessions, and that means everything to me.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come, not just as an artist but as someone who’s learned to see beauty in every season — light, love, and even imperfection. To me, photography is storytelling… and every story deserves to be told beautifully.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t really believe in luck — I believe in God’s timing. There have been moments in my life and business that others might call “lucky,” but I see them as blessings. Every door that’s opened, every client who’s crossed my path, every lesson that’s shaped me — it’s all been part of something bigger than me.
Even the hard seasons have had purpose. They’ve stretched my faith, refined my character, and reminded me that God’s plan is always better than mine. So rather than luck, I’d say God’s grace has played the biggest role in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.terialinaphotography.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/terialina_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terialinaphotography
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@terialinaphotography?si=0hgKSUFmdKS2Mjcu
