Today we’d like to introduce you to Alondra Vega.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started doing professional photography back in April 2017 straight out of high school. I bought a camera in middle school to become “The next Youtube star” needless to say that didn’t work out. I had this nice camera and no more videos to shoot so I started taking pictures.
I would ask my friends to model for me as I learned. I watched endless hours of YouTube videos and attended many workshops. I was lucky enough to find a mentor who brought me into the world of weddings. I started shadowing, which means I was there primarily to observe but had my camera to shoot. Very quickly I turned from a shadow to a second photographer assisting her in all her weddings that year.
I must have attended at least 40 weddings. From there, I was able to build my portfolio and start booking weddings of my own. By the end of 2017, I booked 15 weddings for the new year. I was so excited. 2017-2019 my business was doing great! Weddings, families, seniors, and other types of sessions filled my calendar. Living the dream. Then 2020 happened… 2020 was the worst year for small businesses. All of my weddings dwindled down to 2 in a year and I barely had any one booking. I had savings but they were completely wiped clean as I was out of work for months.
I felt like I had to close my business. I didn’t give my business much love in 2020. I was discouraged and truly just trying to find a way to pay my bills. Now in 2021, I see things picking back up. It almost feels just like it did when I started. building from the ground up again. The biggest difference between my first year to now is that I have found my type of couple. The biggest thing about being a wedding photographer (IMO) is your relationship with your clients. I love all my clients and I am so honored to be their photographer.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a wedding and portrait photographer! Everything from graduates to families I photograph. I love what I do because I get to meet new people every day and build new relationships. I would say my style of photography is timeless, authentic, and vibrant.
I strive to capture moments vs poses. I guide my clients throughout the session by giving them prompts. “Pull her/him in tight and tell her/him what you’re most excited for in married life” “On the count of three-run to your parents and give them a big hug” “Live it up! You’re amazing!”
With this, I am able to help my clients be more comfortable with themselves. I am truly grateful I get to call this my job!
What matters most to you?
What matters most is my family. Without them, I would be NOWHERE! Their tremendous support is what has gotten me through the struggles of life and owning my own business.
Client experience. I want every single person who chooses AVP to feel welcomed and taken care of. A great experience from the initial inquiry to the delivery photos to be smooth and stress-free!
Pricing:
- Weddings $2400-4500
- Couples $180-600
- Families $180-300
- Grads $180-$600
- Boudoir $300-600
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@alondravega.com
- Website: www.alondravega.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/alondravegaphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/alondravegaphotography
