Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarice Brito Salcido.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Clarice. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am originally from Brazil, I moved to Clear Lake when I was only 12 years old. Today, I am a wife, a mother of 2 wonderful kids, a teacher at Atascocita High School, and a Grad student at The University Of Phoenix pursuing my Master’s Degree in Education Administration. I have always had a passion for languages and arts in various forms. I began my passion for photography by simply taking fun, spontaneous snapshots of family and friends. What began as an occasional hobby, has turned into a thriving, consuming fire. I dabbled in photos a little bit more while pursuing my BA degree in Spanish/Mexican American Studies at the University of Houston, but it wasn’t until a couple of years later that I picked up a camera again. I was proudly capturing the events following the birth of my son and my daughter. I enjoy seeking creative ways of posing my participants in ways that they themselves have never seen. I specialize in stylized children and family photography. I use props and wardrobe to create magical moments any chance I get.
Has it been a smooth road?
OMG! There were so many.
I have faced many different challenges in my lifetime but nothing faith and hard work couldn’t resolve, from the moment I arrived in the US, every aspect of life was very challenging because I didn’t speak English or Spanish.
Being away from my mother was very difficult during my teenage years. She sacrificed her time with me to provide me with a better education, it was hard being in the US without her but she is definitely an inspiring woman. I will always be grateful to her and for her decisions.
Having my first child at 23, halfway through my degree program wasn’t easy without my mother or in-laws nearby, especially when I had a little one to care for while husband worked full-time to provide for us. I would have never been able to graduate without the help of amazing friends and professors at UH as they would allow me to bring my baby to class.
Starting up a photography business on a budget was very difficult, I didn’t realize how much I needed to invest to run my own business. Most people may believe “she just take pictures” little do they know, how expensive the equipment is, the workshops, software, wardrobe, marketing, and the list goes on! I invested in my education by attending an online program NYIP and it was worth every penny!
Today, my challenges are a lot different, I feel there aren’t enough hours to accomplish everything I need to do, Juggling many hats have been tough on us but not impossible. (I am working on lesson plans for Monday morning as I type this…)
Photography is definitely my getaway these days as I make time to photograph my own children. I think they are tired of modeling for me but there isn’t much they won’t do for ice cream, lol!
It’s challenging coming home from work and having to write papers for grad school, do homework with the kids, take care of their needs, and after their bedtime, it’s my editing time!!! 24hrs. is simply not enough!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Cici Loo Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a photographer and the owner of Cici Loo Photography. I specialize in children and family photography. I believe when a client books a session, I need to deliver fun spontaneous shots, but I also owe them an experience they will cherish. After all, there are so many amazing and talented photographers in town, I’m always honored they have chosen little old me! I collaborate with my clients beforehand, so we can decide location, hair, makeup up, wardrobe and most importantly, I love to hear what ideas they would like to shoot. Themed sessions are so much fun, I don’t mind dragging heavy furniture outside, balancing plush Elmo on my head for a smile or ordering the perfect wardrobe for my client! Whatever it takes for the ultimate experience and shout YOLO!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Although I see my work in photography growing exponentially, I want my business to continue being fun, innovative and magical for my clients. I want to be considered the best photographer to my clients because that is the ultimate appreciation and approval that drives me to the next level of satisfaction. I do see the stars as the limit due to my experiences and the vast improvements in technology.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ciciloophotography.com
- Phone: 832-445-5969
- Email: ciciloophotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ciciloophotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ciciloophotography
Image Credit:
Clarice Brito-Salcido, Cici Loo Photography
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