Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaqueline Duarte
Hi Jaqueline, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Photography has been a cherished part of my life since childhood. I loved capturing moments with my disposable camera and eagerly posing for my mom. While I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I fell in love with photography, I know my passion grew with every camera upgrade over the years.
During college, I deepened my understanding of the craft by interning at Cantu Studios Photography as part of my marketing studies. After earning my MBA, my dad gifted me a brand new mirrorless camera—a gift I’ll always be grateful for. It was a turning point that inspired me to pursue my dream of starting a photography business.
To build my portfolio, I began taking pictures of friends and family, sharing my work on Instagram, and creating my website. My efforts soon led to securing clients and forming a partnership with a Catholic Church as their sacrament photographer. Over time, my business has grown steadily, driven by continuous learning, hard work, and the unwavering support of those around me. Every day presents a new opportunity to improve, grow, and honor the journey that brought me here.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting my own photography business has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. It requires constant attention and effort to keep everything running smoothly. I’m incredibly grateful for my educational background, which has provided me with the tools and knowledge to navigate this path.
One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced is embracing the discomfort that comes with growth. As an entrepreneur, it can be intimidating at first to put yourself out there—it demands relentless networking and self-promotion. But I’ve learned that stepping out of my comfort zone is essential to building my business and expanding my clientele.
Since launching in late April 2024, these past seven months have been a whirlwind of learning and progress. By embracing the challenges, I’ve established clear expectations and a solid marketing plan that will position my business for even greater success by its first anniversary. While I can’t share too much yet, I’m thrilled about the exciting projects I have in store. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!
We’ve been impressed with Shot By Jaqui Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The “Jaqui” in Shot By Jaqui Photography comes from my nickname, derived from my full name, Jaqueline. I specialize in capturing life’s most cherished moments, from love stories and weddings to birthdays, sacraments like first communions and confirmations, graduations, and timeless family portraits. My portfolio also includes commercial photography, branding sessions, and professional headshots. In the coming months, I’m excited to expand into maternity and newborn photography, broadening the stories I get to tell through my lens.
What truly sets SBJ Photography apart is my commitment to bringing my clients’ visions to life. I pride myself on understanding and portraying their stories exactly as they envision them. Each session is thoughtfully crafted to be comfortable, fun, and memorable. I guide my clients with poses, draw inspiration during the session, and incorporate candid moments that feel natural and unique. My goal is not just to take photos but to create an experience that makes my clients feel seen, valued, and genuinely happy with the results.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a shy girl at heart, but my love for music, dancing, singing, and telenovelas always found a way to shine through. Around my family, I felt free to be myself, and that’s where my journey as a natural entertainer began. It all started with karaoke and my obsession with the band RBD. I would sing and dance for my family endlessly. My passion for music deepened when I joined my school’s band in 5th grade, staying involved through high school.
My love for performing led me to take bold steps to overcome my shyness. One day, I decided to start singing at my home parish, and from there, I joined a worship group as the lead singer performing in Houston, San Antonio, Atlanta, and Chicago. I also became part of a Latin Jazz group as a singer, performing in annual concerts at Houston’s iconic Outdoor Miller Theater and gigs across Houston and Dallas. While in college, I even joined a dance team, embracing yet another way to express my creativity.
Since childhood, I’ve also been a natural persuader, always influencing and inspiring others. This knack for connecting with people led me to pursue my degrees in business and marketing. I vividly remember being 10 years old, dreaming of having my very own store and becoming a successful businesswoman.
It’s funny—thinking back on my younger self, I’m reminded of the TikTok sound from Euphoria: “Maddy knew who she was from a very early age.” That’s exactly how I’ve always felt—driven, ambitious, confident, and ready to take on the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shotbyjaqui.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotbyjaqui/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shotbyjaquiphotography
- Other: https://book.usesession.com/i/Ea5zYsZKws
Image Credits
First Image: Sandra Takes Photos
Shot By Jaqui Photography
