Meet Victoria | Elopement & Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Victoria and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
Honestly, one being vulnerable and gaining the motivation to even write this post. My story begins when I opened my photography business in 2019 expecting all this big success and for it to change my life. I expected clients to just find me online and want to hire me. I would be traveling the world with my partner and living my 20s to the fullest! It has now been 2 years with nothing but crickets. My partner and I separated right after the COVID outbreak and it forced me to dig deeper in my self awareness that I was too stubborn to admit before. What was I doing wrong? Am I cut out to be a business owner? A manager of operations? Do I deserve all that I imagine in my head? AM I GOOD ENOUGH? I knew I had to stop my habit of self destruction. It’s normal to think these things once in a while. How could they not be when the first thing you hear in your college business class is “80..maybe even 90 something percent of businesses fail within the first year and never make a come back” bullshit? Do I continue to fight for my success and worth as an artist and who I am as an individual? Or do I give up and choose a different career that just makes me a lot of easy money? Do I continue to work for companies or a worthless boss who is nothing but a selfish jerk? It’s embarrassing because I grew up on the concept of the law of attraction. So my responses to strangers comes out as a current lie but what I desire my life to be like. Stranger: “What is your schedule like?” Me: “I’m very busy as I am constantly booked with photo shoots! I travel all the time and if you’d like to book with me, you’ll have to book far in advance to schedule a consultation with me.” Stranger: “So you have a lot of experience then? You’ve done a lot of weddings?” Me: “Oh yes, tons. I am creating amazing experiences with couples every week!” Stranger: “hmmm… your website doesn’t have many photo albums, why is that?” This is where it gets tricky. Most people do not understand what I’m doing. The rule is – – For you to manifest what you want, you must speak as if it already exists. When I tell strangers about myself and what I am, what I do — it’s awkward when they find out I’m not those things already. Truth is, success is definitely in reach, but how you define it and go after it is up to you. I had to make the difficult decision to give myself a break and pause my work and efforts on my business. As desperate as I was to have those things, I had to gain clarity of who I am and what I really want. I decided it was time to change my thought patterns and unhealthy habits as it was getting me nowhere. I am still mastering this, but it gets a little easier every day. Next is to gain quality education and not be afraid of getting help in areas where I need it. Lastly, is to appreciate the journey. We all have challenges in our life that isn’t in our original plan or expectations. But how we roll with the punches is a true testament of our character and ability to adapt and eventually achieve our goals. To be continued…

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have had some very important people in my life tell me what a terrible choice it was to want to make art for a living. “That’s not a real job/career. You won’t make any money doing that.” I have let their negativity run my adult life and I am attempting to unlearn these limiting beliefs to conquer my goals as a professional artist. It’s not the easiest or quickest thing in the world to do, but it is important if you value those goals. My intention has always been to be unique. With both my personality and my creativity. I am quirky but I think that’s what makes me fun! I am an Elopement & Couple’s Portrait photographer in Arizona. I’m a huge romantic and want to provide a special and comfortable space for my couples to experience each other in their own unique way. This includes private boudoir shoots showing a more personalized and intimate side of the relationship; rather than a cheesy smile and looking back on what you both looked like rather than how you EXPERIENCED each other at this time of your life. I have worked with some amazing people who have given me different outlooks on life. I have witnessed and experienced unconditional love from complete strangers that become friends. And seen just how precious life and our time on earth really is.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If they came to Arizona, I would take them to Sedona. I think Sedona gets a bad rep because most foreigners think the people from there do weird voodoo. I, personally, am very spiritual though and into holistic and alternative medicines, yoga, crystals and things, so I think the town is so neat. Not to mention, it’s obvious beauty and charm! For anyone that is also spiritual and just up for adventure – – I would take them to the beautiful Stuppa in the red rocks for a morning meditation or a walk in a Labyrinth. A fun area to hit includes downtown Sedona where almost all tourists go for shopping and dining. I love their individually owned shops for unique and handmade novelties. But if you want a more cultured experience, I enjoy visiting Tlaquepaque for events and walking through their beautiful shopping square. More activities I would suggest experiencing are the helicopter tours, creeks (hidden ones or public areas such as Slide Rock), rock climbing, horse back riding, and hiking. I would check out the vortexes for more holistic healing at their best known spots in: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon. There are some amazing resorts and hotels great for relaxing at the pool and cocktails/suppers. The only thing I wish would be different is for there to be a nightlife as most businesses close between 5-6pm.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My ex for making me realize all the fears and insecurities that were holding me back. Tony Robbins Comeback Challenge changed my life and motivated me to take responsibility and action for my own life. Books such as “Bulletproof” by Evy Poumpouras, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki, “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne and many others. As well as podcasts/YouTube from Julia Kristina Counselling, Impact Theory, and School of Greatness. And. Myself. For being badass.

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Image Credits
The Reel 35 Studio