We recently had the chance to connect with Victoria Mendoza and have shared our conversation below.
Victoria, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
As a homeschool mom, my day to day may look a little different from the typical full time photographer! My work times are exclusively during quiet/nap time and after bedtime and my days are filled with homeschool activities, crafts, field trips, mornings at the park, and just generally busy with my three kids who are 5 and under. The day feels chock full of activities from morning to evening! It can definitely be a balancing act but I’ve found a way to make it work and I’m so thankful I get the best of both worlds.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a family and newborn photographer based in Central Illinois. I am also an elementary school teacher, a military spouse, and a mom of three—one of whom has special needs. Between the classroom, frequent moves (3 in 3 years most recently), and real-life parenting, I’ve seen just about every personality, stage, and situation you can imagine.
That background means I’m incredibly comfortable working with a wide variety of children and family dynamics. Whether a toddler needs time to warm up, a baby refuses to be put down, or a child needs extra patience and understanding, I meet families where they are. My approach is calm, flexible, and focused on connection over perfection, so families can relax and simply be themselves while I document the moments that matter most. Each season of parenting is so brief, and filled with both magic and chaos. I want my client’s photos to be a tangible treasure of the most important things in their life.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Being a mother to a child with special needs has changed me in ways I never expected. I’m more confident in my decisions, more willing to speak up when something doesn’t feel right, and far less afraid of advocating—for my child and for myself.
That relationship has also made me more resilient and resourceful, and deeply empathetic toward others navigating hard or unseen things. It taught me that strength doesn’t always look loud or polished—sometimes it looks like persistence, patience, and showing up again and again with love.
That perspective carries into my photography, where I approach every family and child with flexibility, sensitivity, and an understanding that no two stories—or sessions—look the same.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that every experience she’s walking through is teaching her something important. That resilience and determination will matter far more than having everything figured out, and being confident in yourself is one of the most important traits.
You won’t always be able to control the situations life puts you in, but you can control how you respond, the choices you make, and the kind of person you become—and that will carry you farther than you realize.
I’d also tell my younger self to not forget to have fun. Life is supposed to be joyful! Take advantage of all the small opportunities to experience joy, even if they’re mundane. You only get one life!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think smart people sometimes overcomplicate things. In a world that constantly offers new tools, apps, programs, and “hacks,” it’s easy to assume that more equals better. But often, the simplest answers and solutions are the ones that already work.
The digital world is loud—there’s always a new productivity system, subscription, or trend being marketed as the missing piece. Just because something is new or shiny doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Discernment is incredibly important, and choosing what truly supports your life is far smarter than chasing every upgrade.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes—because my motivation has never come from praise. Of course-I love a good compliment as much as the next person! I’m not saying that I don’t appreciate kind words or praise. However, I’m not a competitive person in the traditional sense. But I am deeply competitive with myself. I’m always striving to grow, learn, and do better than I did before.
Especially in photography, that drive shows up as a commitment to improvement—not for recognition or comparison, but because I care about the work and the people I create it for. Even if no one ever noticed, I would still want to show up fully and give my best, simply because that’s who I am and I would regret if I didn’t give my best effort as much as possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://victoriamendozaphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriamendozaphoto/
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