Today we’d like to introduce you to Yancy Villatoro.
Yancy , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mother was a photographer, so I grew up surrounded by cameras, lighting equipment, and all the language of photography. Even with that early exposure, however, I never imagined that I would become a photographer myself.
My own journey began when I went to school for graphic design and took a photography class as part of the program. I really enjoyed it, and that experience led me to explore photography more seriously. Throughout my life, I have always been someone who wants to go beyond what is expected. I’m not interested in simply doing what everyone else is doing, I want to experiment, see things differently, and develop my own creative style. That approach became an important part of my photography and, I believe, a major part of the success and longevity of my career.
Over the years, I photographed everything from weddings and portraits to commercial projects. But I always felt especially drawn to photographing pregnant women. I wanted to portray them differently, not only through the soft, romantic style traditionally associated with maternity photography, but in a way that felt powerful, elevated, and empowering.
That vision ultimately became the focus of my work today. I create maternity portraits that celebrate a woman’s beauty and strength, giving her the opportunity to see herself in a new way during one of the most meaningful chapters of her life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. I’ve been fortunate to stay busy throughout the past 15 years, but there have certainly been challenges along the way. Changes in the economy, shifting trends, and the constant evolution of the photography industry have all created obstacles at different points in my career.
One of my biggest struggles was learning how to separate my passion for photography from the business of photography. As artists, we can become so emotionally invested in creating that we sometimes forget our art is also our profession. I had to learn how to manage a business, value my work, and make decisions that would allow me not only to create, but also to pay my bills and build a sustainable career.
What has helped me continue moving forward is my willingness to do things differently. Rather than simply following what everyone else is doing, I’ve worked to develop my own style and offer my clients a distinctive experience.
I’ve also made it a priority to keep experimenting, educating myself, and evolving. Photography and the way people experience it, is always changing, so remaining curious and open to growth is essential. Every challenge has encouraged me to adapt, become more creative, and strengthen both my artistry and my business. That ability to evolve is a big part of what has allowed me to build such a long and fulfilling career.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in maternity photography, creating portraits that celebrate women as powerful, confident, and beautiful. My work moves beyond the traditional soft and romantic approach to maternity photography. I want every session to feel elevated, artistic, and empowering, an experience that allows each woman to see herself in a completely new way.
I’m known for pushing creative boundaries and bringing a distinctive style to my work. My background in graphic design, combined with growing up around photography equipment through my mother, helped shape the way I see light, composition, color, and the overall presentation of an image. Over the past 15 years, I have also worked across many areas of photography, including weddings, portraits, and commercial projects. That range of experience continues to influence the maternity work I create today.
What sets me apart is that I don’t simply follow trends. I’m always experimenting, educating myself, and searching for new ways to create. I want my images to feel intentional and original, while still reflecting the personality and strength of the woman in front of my camera. Just as importantly, I focus on the entire client experience, helping women feel comfortable, cared for, and confident throughout the process.
I’m also an educator, which has become another meaningful part of my career. I share the knowledge and experience I have gained with other photographers, helping them grow creatively while also understanding the business side of their work. I know firsthand that talent and passion are only part of building a sustainable career. Photographers must also learn how to value their work, serve their clients, and operate a successful business.
I’m most proud of the impact my work has on women. When a client sees her portraits and recognizes her own beauty and strength, that means everything to me. I’m also proud that my journey allows me to inspire and educate other photographers. Being able to empower women through my portraits while helping fellow artists develop their own voices is what makes my work so fulfilling.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was definitely a rebel. I was always drawn to fashion and music, and I remember dressing differently from everyone around me. Even then, I wasn’t interested in simply following trends, I enjoyed expressing myself, experimenting, and sometimes even setting trends of my own.
Personality-wise, I would describe myself as an ambivert with a Type A personality. I can be quiet and introverted, especially in unfamiliar environments, but when I feel comfortable and safe with the people around me, my more outgoing side comes out. I’ve also always been driven, independent, and determined to do things in my own way.
Creativity was present in almost every part of my childhood. Art was always my favorite subject in school, and I loved drawing, painting, sewing, cooking, and baking. Anything that gave me the freedom to make something with my hands or bring an idea to life immediately captured my attention.
I was also fascinated by technology from an early age. I began using computers in 1992, and from the moment I touched one, I was hooked. That curiosity has never left me. I enjoy learning about new tools and staying connected to how technology is evolving, from those early computers to today’s developments in AI. Looking back, that combination of creativity, curiosity, independence, and willingness to experiment has influenced almost everything I do today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yvphotogrpahy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yancyvillatorophotography?igsi=ejF5bjJ4dzF2aHI5&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YVPHOTOGRAPHY.ONLINE
