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These past years, I've been featuring inspiring stories of people who have chosen to tread the narrow road to pursue their passion. Some found a higher purpose in their endeavors. Others achieved the fulfillment of leaving a day job for their work vocation. All took a leap of faith.
I open this year's feature blog with the story of a husband-wife tandem, who shared a dream and made their dreamwork come true. Meet Carlos Guiterrez, photoartist of CG Photography and his wife Alejandra, the powerhouse behind his success. Find inspiration in their love and life story. |
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How did you discover your passion?
Great question! I would say the passion was always there. It runs in my blood. My grandfather was a photographer, and so was my dad. Although I didn't want to do the same thing, I couldn't avoid it!
The first time that I picked up a professional camera, it came like second nature to me. At that time, I was at a corporate event in my past job. I volunteered to help set up. One of the photographers from the marketing department wasn't able to attend, and there was one extra camera. The marketing staff came up to me and said, "Would you like to take a few pictures?"
I had no idea how to use a camera. But the moment I started taking pictures, I knew this was the one and only thing I wanted to do forever.
When was the turning point that you decided you'd pursue this? Who inspired you? When did you break into the market?
When it comes to photography, Wedding Photography is my passion. The turning point was the birth of my son, Matthew. It changed my whole life. At first, my original plan was to keep my full- time job for a steady income. I intended for my photography business to remain on the side for extra income. I did that for a few months. But when he was born, I realized that I couldn't do both anymore. It was super time-consuming. I would work from 8 am to 5 pm and come home to eat and start working on pictures from 6pm to midnight sometimes. I couldn't spend time with my newborn son! It got so bad that Alejandra complained about how I didn't have enough time for them. Thankfully, she is just an amazing person, and so positive. Alejandra encouraged me to quit my full-time job and dedicate all my time to photography. It was terrifying at the time because she had stopped working to take care of the baby, and we had just bought our first home! So it wasn't an easy decision. But thanks to God, everything turned out great. Almost a year later, I'm still here working as a full-time photographer.
So I would say that the person that inspired me is my wife, Alejandra. She has always been there for me.
Our first date was a photo session of her. That's how I got better by taking pictures of her. I love her, and I'm so thankful she came into my life. Now we're both business owners.
What setbacks did you encounter, and how did you overcome these?
Probably one of the most significant setbacks I've had was to manage an inconsistent income. As a business owner, it's really up to you how much income you want to make. It's like a roller coaster. Sometimes, you're getting money left and right, then weeks pass by without any income. It's the first time I had to deal with something like this. With my first job, I get paid every 2 weeks. But now it was different. So I worked hard every day and tried to close deals every week. That 's still my mindset and what pushes me to become a better businessman.
Great question! I would say the passion was always there. It runs in my blood. My grandfather was a photographer, and so was my dad. Although I didn't want to do the same thing, I couldn't avoid it!
The first time that I picked up a professional camera, it came like second nature to me. At that time, I was at a corporate event in my past job. I volunteered to help set up. One of the photographers from the marketing department wasn't able to attend, and there was one extra camera. The marketing staff came up to me and said, "Would you like to take a few pictures?"
I had no idea how to use a camera. But the moment I started taking pictures, I knew this was the one and only thing I wanted to do forever.
When was the turning point that you decided you'd pursue this? Who inspired you? When did you break into the market?
When it comes to photography, Wedding Photography is my passion. The turning point was the birth of my son, Matthew. It changed my whole life. At first, my original plan was to keep my full- time job for a steady income. I intended for my photography business to remain on the side for extra income. I did that for a few months. But when he was born, I realized that I couldn't do both anymore. It was super time-consuming. I would work from 8 am to 5 pm and come home to eat and start working on pictures from 6pm to midnight sometimes. I couldn't spend time with my newborn son! It got so bad that Alejandra complained about how I didn't have enough time for them. Thankfully, she is just an amazing person, and so positive. Alejandra encouraged me to quit my full-time job and dedicate all my time to photography. It was terrifying at the time because she had stopped working to take care of the baby, and we had just bought our first home! So it wasn't an easy decision. But thanks to God, everything turned out great. Almost a year later, I'm still here working as a full-time photographer.
So I would say that the person that inspired me is my wife, Alejandra. She has always been there for me.
Our first date was a photo session of her. That's how I got better by taking pictures of her. I love her, and I'm so thankful she came into my life. Now we're both business owners.
What setbacks did you encounter, and how did you overcome these?
Probably one of the most significant setbacks I've had was to manage an inconsistent income. As a business owner, it's really up to you how much income you want to make. It's like a roller coaster. Sometimes, you're getting money left and right, then weeks pass by without any income. It's the first time I had to deal with something like this. With my first job, I get paid every 2 weeks. But now it was different. So I worked hard every day and tried to close deals every week. That 's still my mindset and what pushes me to become a better businessman.
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How does your day look like? Do you have a routine?
My daily routine has changed so much as a full-time photographer. One of the most significant benefits is that I'm my own boss now. I can basically wake up and start working at any time of the day. I love it. I usually wake up around 8 am. The first thing I do is what I call "office work." This means I'll reply to emails, check on current clients, check on inquiries, send over packages, do marketing, post on social media, etc. I'll do all of that in the first part of the day. Then my wife cooks a delicious lunch around 12 pm. It's funny how, when I used to work for a company, I would spend as much time as possible outside the office and enjoy lunchtime. Now it's the opposite. I can't wait to go back to the computer and continue my workday. From 12- 4 pm, I edit the photos and videos. It sounds tedious because it's time-consuming, but don't get me wrong. I love editing and every aspect of my business. Usually, after 4 pm, I do an engagement or family photo session booked for sunset pictures for one of my new clients. Sometimes I drive an hour or so to meet with them because we service the whole DFW area. I come home around 6 pm, and that's when I spend time with my Alejandra and my now 11-month-old son Matthew. We have dinner, watch a movie or do something fun with the baby. The last hours of my day from 10:30- 12 am, I do more "office work," replying to emails from the day, and planning my next day schedule. |
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Love these questions! It makes you want to think and doze off into the future.
I want to be a well-known photographer, not only in the DFW area, but nationwide, or at least in some other states. I want to achieve many goals. One of them is to become a teacher. I think those genes are finally kicking in because my mother was a teacher for many years. I'd love to teach other photographers how to take better pictures. Not only that, I want to share with them my experiences on how they can go full- time and teach them how to grow their businesses!
Alejandra and I have another big goal. In 5 years, we hope to buy land and build a wedding venue from scratch. We go to different kinds of wedding venues weekly. It would be a dream-come-true to shoot the wedding photos on our own site. It would be an excellent investment since Dallas is booming.
What advice can you give the readers who want to pursue their passion and purpose?
I would say, "Just go for it!" I know it sounds really cliche, but it's true. I've talked to many photographers and people that want to go to the next level in their business. And they always put a limit on themselves. Try to take away all excuses and just go for it. Don't worry about the future because nobody can predict what is going to happen. Worry about the present and focus each day to be better than yesterday. That's how you'll be successful and always be positive no matter how hard it can be, ever think positive and believe that everything will turn out fine. Take the leap of faith, and God will provide!
Any parting words for our readers regarding your wedding photography services?
We know it can be daunting and overwhelming once you realize the extent of all the wedding planning and preparations you have to do. That’s why we want to ease the load off your shoulders when it comes to planning your wedding photography. We’re not only here to take your wedding photos, but also make sure you have the best experience.
We’ll give you lots of free expert information on how to look your best, whether you’re planning your engagement and wedding photoshoots, or considering videography. Allow us to walk you through, so you don’t feel rushed or obliged until you’re fully convinced that we’re the team you’re looking for.
One of the reasons why we specialized in wedding photography was because we felt robbed of the chance to have those great wedding photos during our wedding. We wished we could have captured such a beautiful memory with equally beautiful photos. We don’t want you to have that kind of regret.
We believe that as photographers, it’s our mission to capture the best days of your life so that the memories will remain with you forever—images that you can have and hold. And you don’t have to work hard to appear great on photos. Our unique niche is candid photography. And we’ll tell you why it’s the best kind of photography.
Visit https://www.mycgphotography.com and check out our gallery, and you’ll understand why we love to capture those candid moments. You don’t have to do much but be yourself. Be cute. Be silly. Be fun. Be you.
Feel free to express yourself. And allow us to showcase the real you. Our top five posing tips will enhance your natural looks and bring out your best features. Because we love what we do, we’re in this for the long haul. We know you are too, and we’d be greatly honored to immortalize your wedding memories and more.
Looking for a wedding photographer is just as important as buying that wedding or engagement ring. You want the best fit, and we totally understand if, at the end of the photography consultation, you decide to look elsewhere.
We love what we do, and that's why we became full-time photographers. Feel free to reach out if you know of anyone getting married and would like elegant pictures. We love meeting new people. Let's grab a cup of coffee and talk about photos! Trust me, we are super friendly people :) We welcome comments, queries, or any suggestions, and would love to hear more from you!
Love these questions! It makes you want to think and doze off into the future.
I want to be a well-known photographer, not only in the DFW area, but nationwide, or at least in some other states. I want to achieve many goals. One of them is to become a teacher. I think those genes are finally kicking in because my mother was a teacher for many years. I'd love to teach other photographers how to take better pictures. Not only that, I want to share with them my experiences on how they can go full- time and teach them how to grow their businesses!
Alejandra and I have another big goal. In 5 years, we hope to buy land and build a wedding venue from scratch. We go to different kinds of wedding venues weekly. It would be a dream-come-true to shoot the wedding photos on our own site. It would be an excellent investment since Dallas is booming.
What advice can you give the readers who want to pursue their passion and purpose?
I would say, "Just go for it!" I know it sounds really cliche, but it's true. I've talked to many photographers and people that want to go to the next level in their business. And they always put a limit on themselves. Try to take away all excuses and just go for it. Don't worry about the future because nobody can predict what is going to happen. Worry about the present and focus each day to be better than yesterday. That's how you'll be successful and always be positive no matter how hard it can be, ever think positive and believe that everything will turn out fine. Take the leap of faith, and God will provide!
Any parting words for our readers regarding your wedding photography services?
We know it can be daunting and overwhelming once you realize the extent of all the wedding planning and preparations you have to do. That’s why we want to ease the load off your shoulders when it comes to planning your wedding photography. We’re not only here to take your wedding photos, but also make sure you have the best experience.
We’ll give you lots of free expert information on how to look your best, whether you’re planning your engagement and wedding photoshoots, or considering videography. Allow us to walk you through, so you don’t feel rushed or obliged until you’re fully convinced that we’re the team you’re looking for.
One of the reasons why we specialized in wedding photography was because we felt robbed of the chance to have those great wedding photos during our wedding. We wished we could have captured such a beautiful memory with equally beautiful photos. We don’t want you to have that kind of regret.
We believe that as photographers, it’s our mission to capture the best days of your life so that the memories will remain with you forever—images that you can have and hold. And you don’t have to work hard to appear great on photos. Our unique niche is candid photography. And we’ll tell you why it’s the best kind of photography.
Visit https://www.mycgphotography.com and check out our gallery, and you’ll understand why we love to capture those candid moments. You don’t have to do much but be yourself. Be cute. Be silly. Be fun. Be you.
Feel free to express yourself. And allow us to showcase the real you. Our top five posing tips will enhance your natural looks and bring out your best features. Because we love what we do, we’re in this for the long haul. We know you are too, and we’d be greatly honored to immortalize your wedding memories and more.
Looking for a wedding photographer is just as important as buying that wedding or engagement ring. You want the best fit, and we totally understand if, at the end of the photography consultation, you decide to look elsewhere.
We love what we do, and that's why we became full-time photographers. Feel free to reach out if you know of anyone getting married and would like elegant pictures. We love meeting new people. Let's grab a cup of coffee and talk about photos! Trust me, we are super friendly people :) We welcome comments, queries, or any suggestions, and would love to hear more from you!
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Carlos and Alejandra live in a town close to Denton called Providence Village, up north by Aubrey, TX. They serve the DFW area but also able to travel anywhere.
You can find us @: www.mycgphotography.com https://www.facebook.com/cgutierrezphotography/ |