Inspiring Conversations with Doris Ponce of Ponce Photo and Films

Today we’d like to introduce you to Doris Ponce

Hi Doris, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a latina with Salvadoran parents. I married the love of my life 14 years ago and have 2 boy’s!

I’m not sure when it started but as early as I can remember I always had a memory box filled with pictures and items of special life moments. Whenever I came across a baby photo or any family pictures I treasured it. I just loved going through them and reliving the moment or looking into someone else’s life through that picture. Wondering what was going through their mind or what they were feeling. My imagination goes wild whenever I admire a photo. It’s just not a photo to me, it’s a peek into someone’s life, past, soul.

I never pictured myself becoming a photographer, just someone that wanted to document my family’s moments. I always bought disposable cameras but when digital cameras became more accessible I got myself a pocket camera and took it with me everywhere!!!

When I started going to church whenever there were events or weddings I would get asked to be their photographer. The church saw my potential and bought a beginner pro camera for me to use but the thought of going professional seemed unrealistic.

Years later my husband started a worship band and was in need of photos for his album cover and flyers. I hired a photographer and this allowed me to meet a professional photographer who made a living from his art. So, one year I told my husband that I was going to buy myself a semi pro camera. I took that year’s tax refund and asked my sister to ask for her coworkers Costco membership card and drove there. I went in, saw the bundle for a canon rebel and checked out. I had my very first “professional camera”.

Since then I have photographed countless church events and well known artists in the Christian music industry including my wonderful husband Luis Ponce. I have taught teens including my oldest son the art of photography at local churches and some of them have even started their own photography business and are killing in their artistry. Yes, my oldest has developed a love for photography too and he also collects prints and items of special life moments…my legacy lives on through him.

Whenever I’m going through a gallery and reliving the moment and the emotions behind the images I get an overwhelming sense of gratitude knowing that I get to do what I’m passionate about for a living and that my images will be passed down generations and be treasured just as I treasured my family photos.

Being in business for 10 years has allowed me to see families grow from getting engaged, their wedding, pregnancy announcements, maternity sessions, newborn, first year, and expecting their second and so on… I’m waiting for the day I get to photograph their children’s wedding if I’m still able to carry a camera of course… lol.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
From there it was a learning process for a few years. There were a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of moments I wanted to give up. I did a lot of free sessions to gain experience and exposure. I would tag along with other photographers to weddings to see how it was done. Invested in online courses given by photographers that I admire, only wished I would have done that earlier in my career to avoid so many days of frustration.

I do give thanks to God, his word is the foundation of my business and the church community who have been my biggest supporters from the beginning. I truly believe my talent is God given and my business is where it is because he never would let me give up.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My Husband and I specialize in wedding Photography and Videography. We capture a couple love story by understanding their love languages. By provided a complimentary engagement session it allows us to get to know them best and have them get comfortable around us.

I Doris do all types of Photography too except for Newborn.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Our long car rides to Ocean city in the summer. We would always stop by a local farm on the way and buy fresh fruit and just enjoy our family.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://poncephotoandfilms.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ponce_photoandfilms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poncephotoandfilms
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7QDYDvQ4m_WF8uXBubE3zg