Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Gonzalez-Zelaya.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
What could I say? Well, I am originally from Monterrey, Mexico. I came to the United States 13 years ago leaving behind family, friends and the beautiful culture Mexico offers to everyone. I got married to my best friend who always supports my craziness and we have 2 daughters that are our life!
I graduated college in Mexico in Business Administration and luckily I started working in financial institutions since I was 16 years old, but you never know where life is going to take you. Photography has been my hobby since I was very young. Of course, I didn’t start my business knowing everything or having the best equipment… I have learned from so many people who have the same passion as me, and to be honest with you, I feel that you never stop learning. In Photography, you always have to be open to learn and enjoy.
I remember carrying my small camera to every travel, party, any special event or celebration. I recall being the only one In the group sharing pictures from everywhere we went. Of course, I was never in those pictures, but I never cared, all I wanted was to document memories of what was happening around me.
Just like everyone else, I started taking pictures everywhere I went, and one day, I decided to do it as a part-time job. Five years later that hobby turned into my full-time job and I really love it, I love it so much that I don’t even feel I am working when I am in a photo session or documenting a special event. Right now, my business has been in the market since 2014 and I don’t think it’s going to stop any time soon. I feel photography is going to give me so many more memories and beautiful moments in the future.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think I had a struggle so far. Professionally, my road has been very smooth in the photography business. I am so passionate about photography and feel very comfortable behind the camera. I guess my major struggle was to adapt to a different country, but at the same time, I can say I love to be a Houstonian. I love Houston’s diversity of cultures and knowing that a lot of people from around the world come here from other countries makes my way so much easier. Most of my customers are returning customers from varied backgrounds, and that makes me feel at home every time I work for them.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Naranja Dulce Photography – what should we know?
I do almost everything, I specialize in maternity and newborn photo sessions, kids photography, seasonal mini sessions, and any special events. I feel so proud every time I deliver my pictures to my customers, I value their feedback, and like to hear when they tell me that they love their images, and are looking forward to seeing me again documenting their lives.
I really think all photographers have their very own style. I think what sets me apart from others is that for some reason most of the kids feel comfortable with me making it easier to capture great images.
One of the most important things about my service is that my newborn sessions are done at my customers’ homes. That allows them to keep their babies at home and makes them feel more comfortable. I do take my equipment to their house and I set up a mini studio, allowing them to take any necessary breaks during the time I spend with them. I have to mention that this kind of photo session normally takes two to three hours and turns my job into a documentation of their lives which result in beautiful memories for my clients.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have a couple of friends who have supported me when I had questions or technical issues since the beginning of my business and I always appreciate that. Mario Garza @Mango Photography and Justin Lambert. But I also have to give the biggest credit to all my customers, they always play a big role in every photo session, and they are the ones who refer me to new clients, thanks to that, I had never had to pay for any advertisement. I am very grateful for them, they are not just my models but they have been supporting me since the beginning.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.naranjadulcephotography.com
- Phone: 832.597.8265
- Email: info@naranjadulcephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naranjaDulcePhotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naranjaDulcePhotography
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/naranjaDulcePh1
Image Credit:
Justin Lambert, Jamie Rickets
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