Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Lanza.
Victoria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey as a photographer started back in 2010. I went to Europe to study abroad and brought with me a shoot and point Kodak camera. Nothing fancy, just something that could fit in my pocket to capture the moment. Now in days, we would just use our phones, but I did not have a smartphone back then. My interest at the time was not people but interesting landscapes and architecture. I captured beautiful rivers in Brugge, Belgium and iconic city views in Florence, Italy. I came home after three months living the dream in Europe and quickly printed off some of my favorite images from the trip. I still have them displayed in my home nine years later. I realized from that trip that images can truly tell a story and be cherish for years to come.
In 2013, I decided I wanted to upgrade my camera to something a little bit more sophisticated for when I travel. So I decided to get a Nikon full frame camera. When I bought the camera, I told myself this was just a hobby and for traveling. I took it with me to Chicago and San Francisco and captured some amazing photos. But in 2015 is when my focus changed from travel and landscape photography to people. I gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl and of course like any mother, took hundreds of photos of her. When she was four months, I took this one profile picture of her and realized that I can turn this into a business. I realized that I could capture the joy for others just like what I had done for my own child. It was a big turning point for me. I quickly started my business plan as a professional photographer. I bought courses online on how to take photos and edit images. I taught myself how to use my camera and work with light. Several people told me I would not last as a professional photographer. People said its hard work, it takes skill, and that I was just a mom with a fancy camera. I ignored them and told them, I could do it, watch me. So in 2016, I launched my business to the public. And the rest is history.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the beginning, there was a lot of trial and error. I did not know what my focus was and so I tried to do it all. I quickly realize that I could not do it all and had to focus on what brought me joy. The joy that I got was families and special events.
Also, in the beginning, there was a huge learning curve. I had to learn everything there is to a photography business and it’s a lot more than clicking a button on a camera. I had to learn how to set up a website, how to blog, creating contracts, collecting invoices, paying taxes, advertising, etc. But, with patience and determination, I overcame my obstacles. Now, I feel more comfortable overall in my photography business and I’m ever growing as a photographer each and every day.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Victoria Lanza Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I realized quickly in my photography business that in order to be successful, you must specialize. I really found my love in capturing families and special events. I enjoy capturing the laughters families have during my sessions and the happiness people bring on their special day. People tell me they reached out because my images tell a story. I really try to capture the magic that happens behind my lens. I do not like to be posy and very direct during my sessions, but rather guide my clients during the session and allow them to be themselves. This is particularly true when it comes to children as I let the children be children. When you allow people to be themselves, you then capture the magic. And I feel thats what sets me apart from others.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
The luck that has played in my life is having children of my own. Without my kiddos, I probably would not have a photography business. My oldest is what pushed me into the photography world. My kids motivate me each and every day. They have allowed me to be relatable to other families. They have made me more patient and understanding towards others. I’m the luckiest parent to have them in my life and motivate me to do what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.victorialanzaphotography.com
- Phone: 832.374.5220
- Email: info@victorialanzaphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorialanzaphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victorialanzaphotography/
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