Today we’d like to introduce you to Viridiana De La Garza.
Hi Viridiana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My photography journey began with a Christmas gift in 2019—my very first camera. At the time, I had no idea that gift would eventually change my life.
In June of 2020, during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband lost his job and our family’s income suddenly became very limited. Like many families during that time, we were looking for ways to make ends meet. I picked up my camera and started practicing, hoping I could earn a little extra money to help cover expenses for my children.
I began offering mini sessions at a very low cost. Honestly, I was nervous every time I picked up my camera. Not only was money involved, but I was also meeting people I didn’t know. Although I’ve always been a social person, stepping into a professional role while still learning the craft felt intimidating. Still, I’ve always been someone who believes in pushing through fear rather than letting it stop me.
What started as simple sessions with young children and small setups slowly grew into something much bigger. As my confidence increased, I began photographing couples, families, and eventually events. With every session, I continued learning, improving, and discovering what truly inspired me as an artist.
Over time, I realized that I had fallen in love with photographing adults, engagement sessions, and weddings. I love capturing genuine emotions, meaningful connections, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. I also discovered a passion for studio photography, where I can blend creativity, lighting, and storytelling to create timeless portraits.
Looking back, photography started as a way to help support my family during a difficult season, but it became so much more than that. It became a career, a creative outlet, and a way to connect with people during some of the most important moments of their lives. Today, I’m grateful for every client who has trusted me along the way and excited for everything that’s still ahead.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape who I am today.
One of the biggest struggles in the beginning was confidence. When I first started charging for sessions, I was still learning and often questioned whether I was good enough. I remember feeling nervous before almost every session—not only because clients were trusting me with their money, but because I was meeting people I didn’t know and wanted to give them the best experience possible.
Another challenge was building a business while raising a family. Photography often requires long hours, late-night editing, weekend events, and continuous learning. There were many times when I had to balance being a wife, a mother, and an entrepreneur all at once. It wasn’t always easy, but my family has always been my motivation to keep going.
Financially, growing a photography business can also be difficult. There is always new equipment, software, education, studio expenses, and investments needed to improve your craft and provide a better experience for clients. In the beginning, every dollar mattered, and I had to be very intentional with every investment I made.
I also had to learn how to overcome the fear of putting myself out there. Building a client base, marketing my work, and believing in my own value were all things that took time. Like many creatives, I experienced moments of self-doubt, but I chose to keep moving forward even when things felt uncomfortable.
Looking back, I believe those challenges made me stronger. They taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of never giving up on something you truly love. Every obstacle became a lesson, and every lesson helped me build the business I have today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would describe myself as a photographer who loves documenting people and their stories in all stages of life and business. Over the years, I have photographed children, families, maternity sessions, couples, engagements, weddings, events, branding sessions, and professional portraits. While I especially enjoy studio photography, engagements, and weddings, I truly love the variety that photography brings into my life.
One day I may be documenting a couple’s wedding, another day I may be helping a small business owner create content for their brand, and the next I may be capturing a family milestone. What excites me most is the opportunity to preserve meaningful moments and celebrate people’s journeys.
As a business owner myself, I particularly enjoy working with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals. There is something special about capturing someone’s hard work, achievements, and passion for what they do. Watching others grow and succeed is inspiring, and I love being able to contribute to their story through photography.
What sets me apart is my ability to connect with people from all walks of life. I want every client to feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely cared for. For me, photography is about more than creating beautiful images—it’s about creating an experience and preserving memories that will last for generations.
What I’m most proud of is turning a difficult season in my life into a career that I truly love. What started as a way to help support my family has grown into a business that allows me to meet incredible people, tell meaningful stories, and do something that brings me joy every single day.
What does success mean to you?
To be honest, I’m not sure success is something you ever fully achieve. I think many people view success as reaching a final destination, but for me, it’s more of an ongoing journey.
Every time I reach a goal, I find myself setting a new one. There is always something new to learn, improve, create, or accomplish. Success isn’t about having everything figured out; it’s about finding fulfillment in the process and continuing to grow.
For me, success comes from the satisfaction of knowing that I gave my best effort, that I am moving forward, and that I am creating something meaningful. It’s seeing my clients happy, watching my business grow, overcoming challenges, and knowing that I didn’t give up when things became difficult.
I don’t measure success by perfection or by a specific milestone. I measure it by the sense of purpose, growth, and gratitude I feel along the way. As long as I continue doing what I love, supporting my family, and finding joy in the journey, I consider myself successful.
Pricing:
- Studio starting at $300 + tax for birthday, branding, headshots
- Studio starting at $350 +tax for families
- Events ph $300 + tax
Contact Info:
- Website: https://virydelagarzaphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virydlgphotography/
