Today we’d like to introduce you to Joselyn Gutierrez.
Hi Joselyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Joselyn Gutierrez and I’m 22 years old. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures of myself and being on camera. At the age of 16, I wanted to start a YouTube channel, so I asked my mom for a camera so that I could get started. On Black Friday that year, she got me a small Sony camera which I fell in love with. Although I never got around to starting a YouTube channel, my older brother would ask if we could drive to downtown so that I could take pictures for him in his new outfits he would buy. I had to put my camera to use someday, so I went along with him for the ride.
Since then, I’ve known that I seriously enjoyed taking pictures, but what I loved more was editing them. This was the first time I knew that I had joy in photography. I just didn’t think it could be a career, as I was still in high school and had my goals to go to college. Years went by in a flash and that same Sony camera sat in my closet untouched, so long that it no longer worked when I decided to pick it up again. Curious about photography, I went on Instagram and found a Houston photographer by the name of Danny Batista. Seeing his work and editing skills sparked something inside of me and I wanted to try it out again. I messaged a few friends asking if they would be down to hang out and take pictures, and one of them came over that next weekend. I had no camera, so I borrowed a camera from a family friend of mine.
After that day, I knew that this was what I wanted to do even if it was just a hobby. It was something I loved, and I decided to make a photography page for myself. I posted some of the pictures I took and already had a few friends of mine asking to take some for them. While on Instagram looking through Danny’s page for inspiration, I came across another amazing Houston Photographer named Christian Pena (@Christianpena.photos). Without knowing, this is the guy who would change my life. I followed Christian on Instagram because I loved his work. After discovering his page, I wanted to take on more shoots. It was a bit of a hassle since I had to borrow a camera, but I continued to work with what I had and messaged more friends to do photoshoots so that I could practice.
Literally a week later, Christian posted a MAJOR giveaway on his Instagram that I could NOT ignore. He was giving away $5,000 + worth of Photography equipment. In that very moment, I KNEW I had to enter. It was far-fetched, but I entered anyway. I told myself that if I actually won, I would take on photography by the horns and kick ass! I mean, come on, whoever gets the opportunity to receive a Fuji film camera, a drone, and many other equipment for FREE? Again, I knew this was far-fetched so I continued to shoot off a friend’s camera and continued saving up for my own. August 7th came around, which was the day to announce the giveaway winner. It’s funny because I had such a hectic morning that day, my tire blew out on me, I was late for work, nothing was going right. I completely forgot about the giveaway And failed to watch them announce the winner on Instagram live. At around 1 pm, I received a call from Christian letting me know that I was the giveaway winner. I could NOT believe what I was hearing. I broke down in tears. How did I have a spark for photography just two weeks ago, find Christian on Instagram, and WIN all this equipment in such a short time?! I was astounded and so emotional. I knew that this was for a reason! I felt so overwhelmed and blessed for Christian and his kind gesture to bless a complete stranger! And that’s really where it all started, since then and even now, this is my motivation that it was meant for me. Although my shooting time is very limited because I have a full-time job, I still stay committed to photography and it’s something I will always hold close to me!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t always been smooth. Before winning the giveaway, I had no camera of my own. I was borrowing a family friend’s camera. Since it wasn’t mine, I had to work around her schedule and had to figure out when I could use the camera and when a friend could take time out of the day to shoot with me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Houston photographer who enjoys taking fashion/lifestyle pictures. Although I am open and available to take any kind of photos for clients, I thrive off of taking pictures for women and making them feel as beautiful as they truly are. I am a female who hasn’t always been photogenic and I’m not picture perfect. Having this, I feel that I can really help women as I relate to them in many ways. I offer them comfort and support during shoots and I remind them that they are beautiful for who they are!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I feel like I am super detail-oriented. When I am taking pictures, I communicate with the clients to make sure they are comfortable and we are both on the same page. When I am editing pictures, I take my time to make sure they will receive pictures they truly love and would want to share. My goal is for them to know that their photos are just as important to me as it is to them.
Pricing:
- $50 an hour
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @J0xb.vision
Image Credits
@j0xb.vision
