Meet Victoria Mendoza

We recently connected with Victoria Mendoza and have shared our conversation below.

Victoria, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I’ve found that my creativity is deeply shaped by the season of life I’m in. Right now, as a mother of three children under five, I truly feel like I’m living the very best days of my life. My husband and I often smile at each other and say, “These are the days,” a quiet reminder to soak in every moment. That mindset overflows into my photography.

When I photograph newborns, I don’t just see the sweet chaos of those early days—I feel it. I know firsthand how quickly the newborn phase slips by, how magical and fleeting it is. I know that the tiny baby I’m photographing today will be speaking in full sentences before anyone’s ready.

As my own children have grown, my perspective behind the lens has deepened. I don’t just take pictures with an artistic eye—I capture moments with the heart of a mother. I instinctively know what mothers will want to hold onto, what will make them pause years from now and say, “That was everything.”

My creativity is rooted in connection—with my own family, and with the families I photograph. It’s this season of life that has taught me to see the beauty in the small, ordinary moments—and to honor them as extraordinary.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a photographer specializing in newborns, young children, and families. My work is deeply personal—shaped by my own experience as a mother of three little ones, former elementary school teacher and as a military spouse. Both roles have taught me how to adapt quickly, stay present, and find beauty in the chaos—and those qualities show up in every session I photograph.

What excites me most about my work is capturing the mundane and every day moments that often go unnoticed but mean everything in hindsight. A sleepy newborn stretch, the way a toddler clings to their parent’s leg, the joyful mess of real life at home—these are the memories families want to hold on to, and it’s an honor to help them do that.

My approach is a mix of technical skill, patience, and empathy. I photograph with the love of a mother and the mindset of someone who knows how to roll with whatever the day brings. My children have made me an expert at going with the flow, and that—combined with the flexibility I’ve learned as a military spouse—makes it exciting for me to document families just as they are.

At the core of my work is a belief that everyday moments deserve to be celebrated. Through my lens, I aim to help families see that the ordinary days are the extraordinary moments they’ll want to remember forever.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I think learning to be adaptable, empathetic, and always willing to learn have been instrumental .

As a former teacher, I’ve always believed in being a lifelong learner. That mindset has shaped the way I approach both photography and business—there’s always more to explore, refine, and grow into.

Being a military spouse and mom of three young kids has taught me to roll with the unexpected. That adaptability is a huge asset in my work, whether I’m rescheduling around nap schedules or making the best of unpredictable light or moods.

Empathy might be the most important part of what I do. I’m often welcomed into people’s homes during some of their most tender seasons—whether they’ve just brought home a newborn or are trying to wrangle toddlers for a photo. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to stress over the state of the house, or to try and smile through a toddler’s skipped nap meltdown. Because of that, I create a space where families can breathe, be themselves, and feel seen—not judged. That’s when the most meaningful images happen.

For anyone early in their journey: stay curious, stay flexible, and lead with kindness. You can learn everything else!

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

From a very young age, my mom instilled in me the importance of being independent, resilient, and empathetic. She gave me the space to try things on my own, encouraged me to keep going when things got hard, and always reminded me to consider how others might be feeling. Those lessons shaped who I am today—as a mother, a creative, and a small business owner. Her example taught me that strength and compassion can (and should) coexist—and I carry that with me in everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://victoriamendozaphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriamendozaphoto/