Today we’d like to introduce you to Axel Cardenas
Hi Axel , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Axel Cardenas, and I am a Mexican-born immigrant who came to the U.S. at the age of four. I’ve always had a passion for math and science and, despite my heritage, I consider myself more American at heart, even if the system doesn’t always recognize that. My dream was to secure a solid job after college, work hard, build wealth, lift my family out of poverty, and start a family of my own. But life had other plans.
After high school, the harsh reality set in that paying for college wouldn’t be straightforward. As a Mexican immigrant, the scholarships and financial aid available to my peers were out of reach for me. So, I entered the workforce and found a knack for bartending, using it to fund my college journey. At first, things seemed promising—I was taking classes, earning money, and felt on track. But when my father lost his job, I became the sole provider for my family of five. This led to financial setbacks, failed classes, and an ongoing struggle to save enough for school, with progress coming in small, hard-earned increments. By the time I was 25, I hadn’t given up on my dream of studying physics, a field I deeply love, but I realized my current path wouldn’t lead us out of poverty.
Determined to make a change, I had what some might call a quarter-life crisis. I walked out mid-shift from my job as a bar manager at a fine dining restaurant and began editing photos, driven by the need to take control of my life and earn for myself. I borrowed a camera from my cousin, attended a local car meet, and started photographing and networking. At first, it was just a creative outlet, but it soon became a passion. Meeting photographers like Xavier and Tristan inspired me to take things seriously, upgrade my equipment, refine my craft, and put myself out there.
My cousin eventually asked for a favor in return and had me photograph one of his properties. The results were better than I expected, and I knew I had found something special. I began marketing myself to real estate agents and discovered my niche. Since then, my small business, Axel 346 Media, has been growing steadily. With my determination and the support of those who believed in me, I have no doubt that within the next year, everyone in Houston will know the name Axel 346 Media. And as my business continues to thrive, I’m confident that I’ll also achieve my dream of returning to school to study physics—proving that hard work truly makes anything possible.
Thank you for taking the time to hear my story.
Alright, 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?
There were definitely challenges. Most of them stemmed from lack of finances to get the industry standard equipment, or my own introvertedness causing me to avoid phone calls like the plague. Just the occasional everyday struggles of learning something new everyday.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a photographer and videographer with an extensive background in editing. While my niche is Real Estate Photography, I have expanded into other styles of photography including event photography, business photography, and product photography. I also make short form content for social media specializing in brand growth. What truly sets me apart from others is my dedication to a project. I come a background of customer service, so I make sure the customers is completely satisfied. The job is not over until they are happy with it. This, along side with genuine enthusiasm to work with the client has always set me apart. I’m too eager and happy for my own good.
What’s next?
Right now, the company is just me and my hopes and dreams. This is only temporary though: I plan on hiring and personally training a team of editors in conjunction with a team of cameramen to capture footage or photo. This will allow me to focus almost purely on outreach and relations, to build an even bigger brand. I have big plans to expand and become a media giant, especially in the real estate space. You know the saying ” shoot for the moon, and even if you miss you’ll land among the stars”
Pricing:
- HDR and Drone stills staring at $150
- Reel/TikTok starting at $135
- Cinematic Video starting at $290
Contact Info:
- Website: https://axel346media.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axel346.media/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565885346939
Image Credits
Axel 346 Media
