Today we’d like to introduce you to Edna J Sandoval.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I discovered my love of photography at the age of 14 years old. I would photograph my oldest brother’s band when they would practice in his garage. The first camera that I used was a point and shoot Canon Owl camera.
Growing up in a Traditional Mexican Family (My Mother was born in Miel y Norriega, Nuevo Leon, and My Father was born in Pharr, TX) I was limited on where and what I could photograph. School and at home were my main location spots. I would photograph my classmates, parents, my brothers’ friends. I seemed to always have a camera with me. My junior year in high school, I took a photojournalism class and discovered the traditional form of processing and printing black and white film in a darkroom. I loved creating images used in that process.
Senior year, I was in yearbook only because I couldn’t take photojournalism again, and I had the opportunity to use a camera. I first opened my business under EJ Ink. Photography in 2006 but re-Branded to Edna J. Photography in 2015.
Please tell us about your art.
I have been a full-time professional photographer for 3 years and part time for the last 9. I have a diverse portfolio of what I photograph. From newborns to pets, boudoir to wedding, quinceaneras to musician portraits, business headshots, to creative artist headshots. I believe what inspires me is life. Documenting life. I feel that anyone can pick up a camera and snap a photo, but it takes a unique eye, knowing how your camera functions (and amazing lighting) to create a portrait. I love when a client is taken by the results of my creative work. When they (the client) tell me, “I can’t decide which one I love, they are all too beautiful”, I know that I did my part. I have to also mention what inspires me is My Mother. She is my biggest critic. She’s honest with me.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I believe it can be hard at times. Being a professional photographer isn’t a consistent paycheck. For most people, hiring a photographer is considered a luxury. I keep myself busy on those slow days with writing out (literally writing out) my next marketing plan, researching the latest portrait trends, attempting to watch webinars, (I have a 5-year-old son), to improve my business and grow. I believe you never stop learning and improving. What helped me the most was having an amazing business mentor and friend, Laurie Perez, of Laurie Perez Photography. We’ve been friends for about 15 years, give or take, she was very encouraging and helpful, she taught me the do’s and don’ts of the business. Her teachings weren’t given to me though, they were earned, and I am forever grateful for it. So, I would say to any aspiring photographer, find a good mentor, and actually work to build your brand, put the work in. Don’t cut corners or “wing it”. And never forget who helped you along the way.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find my latest work on either my Instagram page or my Facebook page. You can also support my work by giving my pages some love by liking and sharing. How about booking a mini session with me? And you can own a piece of unique portrait work to admire with your loved ones.
Contact Info:
- Address: Houston, Tx 77072
- Website: http://facebook.com/ednajphotography
- Phone: 832-620-8078
- Email: hello@ednajphotography.com
- Instagram: @ednaj.photo
- Twitter: @ednajphotohtx
Image Credit:
Edna J Photography
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