We were lucky to catch up with Ana Torres recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ana, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
What a question! Generosity should be a quality we all pray to have and for others to see. My reason of why I open my business was first because I wanted to created an opportunity for families to take pictures and have those sweet memories with their families. As a child, I witness the hardship in my family and how hard was to created big moments as a family. I feel like a photo session should feel like an adventure where you can be free and relaxed. I try to be a blessing to those families in need with a photos session, give discounts or sometimes help others around me who do fundraisers or raffles for others in me. I want to pass along that sweet feeling when you see someone care so much that all you can do is smile. What a blessing is for me to have this platform to be able to share why I do things. My business allows me to give and love others. I am thankful that I get to photograph moments.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a lifestyle photographer, a girl living the dream. My business was born out of the desire to help families have memories captured in any special occasion. Honestly, I wanted to help someway because I grew up seeing how being tight of money can stop us from doing something we desire. I am truly blessed to be getting to photograph families in every stage of their lives. My business helps me and my family keep on going but I do all that I can to stay affordable and to stay giving to others that can’t have this luxury. I love all those photographers around me, the talent and their growth. However, some people can’t afford them and my heart hurts because it’s hard especially now. Thank you for everyone who has supported me since the beginning. If you ever need a photographer, I would be honor to be thought of because your moment big or small is pretty important. It’s a step towards the story you will tell your generation. Your legacy! Your purpose. Every moment in our life has a purpose and I am honor to capture it for you and freeze this moment. Remember the details like the sun glowing or the way the wind blew through your hair. I am a photographer, a storyteller.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Qualities, Skills or Knowledge that have helped me in my business journey.. Honestly it has been my ability to passionately love every thing I do. I love it all! A skill would be the ability to not give up and the area of knowledge would be the fact that portraits will not ever go out of style. Honestly, if you want something, you can’t give up. You have to push even with tears you have to push. Focus on your ability to love what you want to achieve. I wanted to be a photographer and I used all that I am and put it in. My social skills, my fast learning and my passion.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
OVERWHELMED! Let me first be the one to tell you, if this is something you are feeling right now. CRY! Let it all out. Don’t worry, I am crying as I am writing this right now. I am so overwhelmed that I just want to throw the towel and walk away. However I can’t, I won’t. I am a mother of two boys. I am a wife. I am a youth leader in my church. I am the marketing in my business, the owner and the photographer. My life is very much busy but now I will tell you my secret. First, if you were crying, grab a snack and an old soft shirt trust me better than tissue. Crying is my first advice don’t hold it in because it will backfire but after crying. Wipe your face and repeat this ” I AM ENOUGH! I AM ___________ ( state your name ) today was hard but tomorrow it will be better and with GOD BY MY SIDE EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE. ” Sometimes when it’s too much I take a break, and I focus on my self and those around me. Don’t stay overwhelmed because it won’t work and your business will not shine. I am speaking from experience. Trust, it will get better. Don’t give up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://josephinesblessedphotography.pic-time.com/client
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blessed_photography_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Josephine.BlessedPhotography
Image Credits
Studio Location: Bellalinas Studio All images by blessed Photography
