Today we’d like to introduce you to Celeste Monterroso.
Hi Celeste, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I can only tell you how excited I was when I got my first iPod. The second I found out it came with flash, I started jumping up and down and said, “Omg and it comes with flash!” Seriously, ask the employee that helped us out. When Apple first released the portrait setting for photos, I had to get the phone that came with it. Now you’re probably wondering why didn’t I just get a camera right? Honestly, I’m asking myself the same question. But at the time I needed the phone to be able to communicate with my parents. Part of growing up, right? Well, I took advantage of that portrait setting and took pictures of flowers and people. When they would see their photos they would be so happy with them and that’s what encouraged me to want to be a photographer. I didn’t have a camera at the time but with my simple iPhone 7, I did what a photographer would do. Help people feel as good as they look. It wasn’t until I turned 15 that I got my first camera.
In my Hispanic household, a 15th birthday means it’s time to have a quinceañera. In a quinceañera, they give the birthday a surprise gift and it’s supposed to be the biggest gift of the night. It could be a car, a computer, a new phone, or something else. For me, it was a Nikon D3500 gifted to me by my dearest sister. Was I expecting it? Nope, I definitely wasn’t. But to this day I am still very grateful for the wonderful gift she gave to me. It’s been almost 3 years since I got my first professional camera and I’ve grown so much. I started promoting myself as a professional photographer the year my first year with the camera. I would only take portraits and every now and then pictures of friends and couples. Fast forward to this year, I’ve now shot my first family session and engagement session. I’ve definitely seen growth in my skill and I can’t wait to see what more I can do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a business is never easy. Especially when you’re still in high school and learning to develop in the business industry. But, I learned as time went by. To start off, it was tough to learn about photography itself. I never took a class about it so everything that I do know is self-taught. Sure, I would make mistakes here and there, but I would learn to not make the same mistake twice. I still don’t know everything there is to know about photography but I plan on extending my knowledge. Another struggle and I’m still working on it is booking! It’s normal to have that struggle when you’re starting a business and want to promote yourself. In my case, I didn’t have a big portfolio when I started and I didn’t want to reuse my pictures too much. But God provided and I’ve extended my area of work to couples and engagements.
As you know, we’re big fans of JustCelestee Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
JustCelestee Photography focuses on portraits, couples, and families. You can book a session for any occasion. Whether it’s an engagement, graduation, brand, or just want new pictures because you want to. I’m your girl! I also tend to have seasonal minis because who doesn’t love a few pictures for a holiday season! One thing I do love is shooting around sunset time because not only do you get that wonderful lighting, but you get a good look at the sky and who doesn’t love looking at the sky. I try to experiment with every single one of my clients. Even if the pictures don’t come out as we expected, it’s always fun to try new ideas. I’m also in love with nature as the scenery for pictures. Then there’s also the city aesthetic. The cool and edgy look that it gives your pictures is just so good!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Covid-19 was tough on everyone. It was a very hard year but it was also a lesson to be taught. It taught us that time is precious and we should cherish each and every moment. Especially with our loved ones. For me, I learned to appreciate the times when services at church weren’t restricted or when we had the liberty to get close to anyone and worship together. I also learned to appreciate blowing candles on my birthday cake. We take things like that for granted and we don’t even notice it until we can’t have it.
Pricing:
- Portraits: Lifestyle, Graduation, and Birthday; Unlimited Pictures – $250
- Couples ; Unlimited Pictures- $275
- Families; 25+ Pictures – $300
Contact Info:
- Email: justcelesteephotos@gmail.com
- Website: https://justcelesteephotos.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/justcelesteephotos
