Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Salazar.
Hi Andrea, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My friends call me Drea.
I was born and raise in Lima, Peru. At a very early age, my passion for the arts started when started when I saw my father paint and draw so beautifully, that I wanted to do the same. The first time I picked up a camera was at 13 years old when my best friend borrowed a camera to do a photoshoot of us. I still remember it like It was yesterday. When I was only 16 years old, I decided to move to the states to live the American Dream (not knowing what I was doing). I asked my parents for permission to live with my older sister that lived here, so then they accepted because they knew how much I wanted to start my life here. And for obvious reasons, this has always been the land of endless opportunities. My first year was the most difficult. The culture change got to me and I was homesick for week. I wanted to go back home, to my family and friends. But I told myself this is where I am supposed to be. So, I sucked it up and started from zero.
So then at 17 years old, I bought my first camera, I remember working after school and saving up money to buy one so badly. I started taking pictures of trees, flowers, and landscape in general. My first job as a photographer was at 19, second shooting for a well-known photography and cinematography company in Virginia. They did a lot for Multi-Cultural Weddings. I was with them for almost 3 years. I got more technical using their equipment, especially working with cranes and other video equipment. I been in the industry for more than 5 years, working with multiple photographers in weddings and all types of events.
I started doing more work by myself, doing Family portraits, Children Birthday Parties, Newborn, Baptisms, and more. I was still not fulfilled with what I was doing. I enjoyed working with a camera but I wasn’t doing the type of work my heart desired.
I took a break for a year and I started working in the Sales department for an Event Rental company in Northern VA. Being a small company, I was with them since they started. I learned so much! I had no clue opening your own company had so many details. They moved me up so quickly without being ready, and having to figure things out by yourself wasn’t easy. I took some classes, self-taught how to do contracts, bookkeeping, time management, and how to deal with angry clients. I became a manager without being recognized like one. Time went by and it was time to move on and find my own path. With a better-opened mind, I believed it was time to pursue my own business and so I did it. To this day, I am so grateful for that experience that taught me so much. While I was working with them, I was also working as a wedding coordinator. I worked along an excellent wedding planner in the area that taught me so much! From how to properly handle angry brides to floral designs. We have done so many weddings together. I remain close friends with her and still work her when there is the opportunity.
I have been now a full-time entrepreneur for two years now. Working with what I love doing the most, capturing breathtaking photos for couples and elopements. Helping couples on their wedding day. Planning and executing video productions for a local media company. I love letting my creativity flow and plan editorial inspired sessions for women and couples. I enjoy creating content for brands and small business as well. I love creating content that is fun, different, and artistic.
Each opportunity is a blessing and life is full of surprises.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh no, there was no smooth roads for me haha
I lot of struggles, handling angry clients, being disrespect it for not choosing to work at a low rate, and much more!
I used to be stressed out a lot because I felt that I wasn’t doing enough. I didn’t get what I wanted and I had high expectations. Being on your own is not easy. That’s why patience is a beautiful virtue to have.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
So right now, I am exploring a new industry as a Production Operations Assistant for a small media production business in Northern VA. I only work part-time and I love what I do there. Even though I just started working there on Oct 2021. I have learned so much about how to executive a production.
My skills and work experience gave me the opportunity to do something like this. Being part of an amazing team gave me the opportunity to fell inspired by what they do and their values, that I feel like I want to do the same.
Growing my business is my main focus right now. And what I do outside of my business, is preparing me for a successful future. I am happy to say that I am expanding my business to hire a small team to work with me this year.
I am proud of the business person I have become through the years. I am always looking for ways to gain more experience and growth. I hope my story inspires someone else.
What do you think about happiness?
I am most happy when I am planning for a creative shoot. When I am putting a flat-lay together, designing and shopping for props. I am most happy when I can express my creative ideas into reality.
It makes me happy when I am around strong successful women. When I sit in quiet and give thanks for everything and every each person who helped me shape my life.
I am happy when I can spend time with my nieces 🙂
Pricing:
- Couple Session $450
- Content Branding starting at $500
- Elopements starting at $1,500
- Weddings starting at $3,500
Contact Info:
- Email: info@andreasalazarphotography.com
- Website: www.andreasalazarphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreasalazarphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreasalazarphotography
Image Credits
@abigaillague_photography
