Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fabian Hernandez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Fabian, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic stems directly from the two people who raised me: my parents. Their dedication and selflessness have been a guiding force in my personal growth and professional journey, including my work in my photography business, Fabian’s Focus.
My dad has always been a living example of perseverance. As the sole breadwinner of our family, he shouldered the responsibility of providing for all nine of us with dedication. Even now, I see him get up early for work every single day, no matter how he’s feeling. Sick or well, he’s there, providing for his family and ensuring the bills are paid. Growing up, I noticed his commitment wasn’t just about clocking in—it was about keeping food on the table and clothes on our backs. Watching him work 10-plus hour shifts without complaint instilled in me a deep appreciation for the value of consistency and resilience.
While my mom didn’t work outside the home when I was growing up, her contributions were just as significant. She put her kids first, ensuring my siblings and I were fed, cared for, and supported in our education. Managing a household of this size definitely took an incredible amount of effort and organization, and my mom handled it with grace. Her examples taught me the importance of prioritizing what matters most and staying grounded, even in the toughest times.
Their sacrifices, both at work and at home, left a lasting impression on me. When I face challenges in my photography career or encounter setbacks, I think of how they pushed through their hardships. They’ve shown me that determination and a willingness to adapt can carry you through the toughest moments. If they could overcome their struggles while raising nine children, I can overcome anything that comes my way.
In addition to hard work, my parents instilled in me the values of faith and determination. Those two things have become foundational in how I approach both life and work. Faith gives me a sense of purpose and perspective, while determination fuels my drive to achieve my goals, no matter the obstacles.
This mindset shapes how I approach my work at Fabian’s Focus and in my Communications role at the school district. I aim to bring the same level of commitment and care to my clients and colleagues as my parents brought to our family. Whether it’s capturing the perfect shot, creating a memorable experience, or supporting my community, I’m motivated by the values my parents demonstrated every day of my life. Their resilience, dedication, faith, and love inspire me to keep moving forward and strive for excellence in everything I do.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Fabian Hernandez, and I’m a 24-year-old photographer based in Topeka, Kansas. I was first introduced to photography at the age of 16 back in high school, when I discovered taking photos as a hobby. While I’ve always enjoyed taking photos, it wasn’t until early 2023 that I expanded my services & officially began my journey as a professional photographer.
Though i’m only 24, i’ve had many jobs in different career fields. From working fast food to retail, and education to real estate, I can easily say that nothing matches to being in the shoes as a photographer. I’m still very grateful for every single door I’ve opened throughout the way. Though there were many tough and risky moments, those moments gave me more knowledge to be where I’m at today.
My passion for photography didn’t truly be known until shortly after the pandemic. Before that, photography was just a hobby for me. I usually just took pictures of my cars and family who needed some last minute photos. I would regularly do that and would share them on social media afterwords. After a short while, people in my community began to notice my work and reach out for my services. Their support began to inspire me to continue doing what I enjoyed doing and to take every opportunity that came my way. Just knowing that my clients and community value my work and trust me to capture their special moments, fuels my passion and dedication for photography.
I see my business, Fabian’s Focus, more than just pictures. I see it as a passion-driven platform where I get to capture special moments that tell a lasting story, whether that’s at a wedding, sports game, or at a community event.
What excites me most about my work is being able to connect with new people in my community and also being a part of special moments that i’m able to capture for people.
Recently, I’ve been exploring new creative approaches to photography, including themed shoots and collaborations with local artists and businesses which has brought fresh energy to my brand.
There are quite a few things that are in the works. What people can expect in the new year is an expansion of my services, more partnerships with organizations, new re-designed t-shirts and a brand new website that will make booking and navigating through my portfolio easier.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For me, it’s communication skills, creative problem-solving, and leadership capabilities, as they are essential for building strong relationships, navigating challenges with innovative solutions, and inspiring others to work toward shared goals. Those 3 things have been a big factor for my growth and success in both personal and professional endeavors.
For anyone early in their journey, remember that growth takes time and dedication. Always be open to learn new things, take risks, embrace your challenges, and see your failures (because everyone will have them) as steppingstones to success. That will serve you well in every aspect of your life and career.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who values time as much as I do—not just in being punctual, but in respecting the time and effort that goes into this profession. They understand that photography isn’t just about snapping pictures; but about capturing important moments that will last a lifetime.
An ideal client is someone who trusts the process, sees the value in collaboration, and shares my excitement for the final product. When working with clients who are understanding and bring positive energy, I know that together we’ll create something amazing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fabiansfocus.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: Fabiansfocus
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/fabiansfocus
Image Credits
Personal photo: Dane Banfield
Additional photos: Fabian Hernandez
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