We’re looking forward to introducing you to Monnyca Gammel. Check out our conversation below.
Monnyca , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Slowing down and truly noticing life for what it is doesn’t come easily—especially for a child growing up as the world seemed to shift constantly. I spent much of my childhood trying to stay mentally organized, holding everything together and managing my thoughts—rarely allowing myself to pause and simply experience life as it was.
Photography changed that. Behind the camera, time seems to disappear in the most beautiful way. I become fully present, noticing fleeting expressions, quiet gestures, and genuine connections. Every session, whether small and intimate or a milestone event, captures a moment that will never exist again.
Being trusted to tell someone’s story reminds me why I create: it’s not just about taking pictures, but about slowing down, witnessing life, and preserving memories that are as fleeting as they are profound.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Turning real-life moments into art is the heart of Flash Moments Photography, my Houston-based portrait and event brand. Each session is carefully crafted with intentional creativity, authenticity, and storytelling at its core. My name is Monnyca, 27, I’ve dedicated years to capturing real, meaningful moments: the quiet in-between details, the subtle emotions, and the pieces of someone’s story that often go unseen. Whether I’m photographing a wedding, a family session, or an editorial portrait, my goal is always the same—to create images that feel cinematic, emotional, and timeless.
What sets my brand apart is the purpose behind every session. I never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I carefully curate each experience—from the atmosphere and posing to the way I edit every image—to reflect the unique personality and story of the person in front of my lens. My clients appreciate not only the final gallery, but the experience of feeling celebrated, understood, and guided from start to finish.
My style is influenced by a love for coffee-fueled creativity, travel, and film-inspired aesthetics, which come together to create the warm, nostalgic tone of my work. Over time, Flash Moments has grown into more than just a photography service—it’s become a space where clients feel seen, connected, and excited to create meaningful moments with me and their loved ones.
I remain focused on crafting memorable, intentional experiences for every client. In addition to portraits and events, I continue to specialize in boudoir photography, offering a space for people to reconnect with themselves, celebrate their bodies, and experience self-love in unexpected and empowering ways.
Dance photography is another area close to my heart, shaped by over 12 years of personal dance experience. Capturing movement allows me to highlight strength, emotion, passion, and the artistry of the human form, creating images that feel alive and full of expression. Looking ahead, I’m also expanding into nursery photography; preserving the delicate, fleeting moments that welcome newborns into the world and celebrate the love that forms the foundation of every family.
I truly love what I do, and I’m grateful for every person who trusts me to tell their story through my lens.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Looking back on my childhood, I often struggled with a negative perspective, even as I tried my best to bring light to every room I entered—more than I’d like to admit. I believed that my thoughts, feelings, and perspective didn’t truly matter, and that I needed to stay small to avoid judgment or dismissal. Over time, through healing, reflection, and creative expression, I’ve learned that this simply isn’t true.
By allowing myself to be fully open to who I am, I’ve discovered that my voice, experiences, and perspective are not only valid—they can also create connection and joy for others. Overcoming this belief wasn’t easy, but it was possible through patience, support, and intentional practice in valuing myself, my words, and my individuality—just as each of us deserves to do.
Now, I approach challenges with confidence, embrace my creativity fully, and intentionally create spaces where others feel seen, celebrated, and understood. By sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others to let go of limiting beliefs, trust their own voices, and step boldly into their worth.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to my younger self, it would be this: You are enough, exactly as you are, and your voice matters more than you know. I spent so many years believing that my feelings, my perspective, and my creativity weren’t important—that I needed to shrink myself to fit in or avoid disappointing others. But life has shown me that those beliefs aren’t true. Through healing, reflection, and embracing my creative passions, I’ve learned that my experiences and my voice have value—and that by stepping fully into them, I can connect with others, create beauty, and inspire change.
I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to feel fear, uncertainty, and doubt, but those feelings don’t define you or limit your potential. Each step forward, no matter how small, matters. I would remind her that healing is possible, that resilience is built through perseverance, and that the journey of learning to trust yourself is one of the most powerful things you will ever do.
Most importantly, I’d want her to know that she doesn’t have to wait for permission to shine. She has always had everything she needs inside her—her courage, her creativity, her heart—and that embracing those gifts will not only change her life but also allow her to touch the lives of others. Looking back now, I see that the struggles and the fears I once thought were weaknesses were actually the foundation for the strength, empathy, and purpose I carry today.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I’m committed to—no matter how long it takes—is becoming the most healed, whole, and self-assured version of myself. For a long time, I carried doubts about my worth, my voice, and whether I was even allowed to take up space. As we grow, our perspectives evolve, and that shift is often what sparks the healing process. For me, unlearning those limiting beliefs and reconnecting with my true self has been an ongoing journey—one I’m deeply devoted to continuing, no matter how many years it takes or how many layers I have to peel back.
I’m committed to growing as someone who moves with confidence, softness, and intention. Someone who shows up for herself consistently, listens to her own needs, and no longer carries the weight of old beliefs that were never hers to hold. Becoming that version of myself is my lifelong project.
This commitment isn’t about striving for perfection; it’s about honesty, acceptance, and choosing every day to move forward with courage. And I hope that as I continue doing this work, it offers others a reminder that they, too, can grow into their strongest, truest selves.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I wouldn’t say I’m tap-dancing to work every single day—life naturally has its highs and lows—but the moments that matter absolutely feel like that. For me, that excitement comes from knowing that every time I get to create—whether it’s something small and intimate or a huge milestone—I’m stepping into a moment that will never exist again. Being trusted to capture that is something I never take for granted.
The more I create, the more I realize how special this journey truly is. Every session, every story, every person brings something new into my world. I get excited not just about the art itself, but about witnessing people in their most honest, joyful, vulnerable, or celebratory moments. It’s an honor to be invited into those spaces.
And while every day of life isn’t perfect, the truth is that the “tap-dancing to work” feeling shows up every time I’m behind the camera. Each client, each memory, each fleeting moment reignites that spark. Every time someone trusts me with their story, I’m reminded why I started, how far I’ve come creatively and mentally, and how blessed I am to do work that connects me so deeply to others.
So yes, I have those days—and I still have them, with every session and every event. Creating these once-in-a-lifetime memories isn’t just my job; it’s a privilege I get to experience again and again, and one I’ll always be grateful for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://flashmomentsphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashmomentsphotography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monnyca-gammel-a9b9aa207/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flashmomentsphotography.mymoments/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/flash-moments-photography-houston
