Photographer Feature: Q&A with Victoria Mendoza

Photographer Feature: Victoria Mendoza

Hi, I’m Victoria. A Peoria, Illinois based newborn and family photographer. My husband and I have three littles under 5, who are my main source of inspiration when I photograph families. I am a former elementary school teacher and a mother of a child with special needs, and it’s so important to me that all my families feel valued and celebrated. I truly believe that families are the greatest treasure, and I hope my photos reflect that for my clients.

Photographer Feature: Victoria Mendoza

What behind the scenes task do you love the most?

I (weirdly, I know) love absolutely everything that comes with organizing backend systems. It takes me back to my days in the classroom when my favorite task was organizing my closets and supplies! I live by the motto “a cluttered desk is a cluttered mind” and I feel so much relief when things are organized.

What’s your most embarrassing photography moment? (If it’s a fun story!)

I went to my first ever styled shoot (back when I thought I wanted to do weddings). It was hosted by Styled Shoots Across America, and there were a lot of photographers there I greatly admired. I was brand new to photography and had tried changing out my camera strap before the shoot. I pulled out my camera at the shoot (everyone was standing in a circle getting ready), and to my horror, the strap separated from the camera and the camera dropped on the floor. It got dead silent and everyone stared to see if the camera had survived. It did and so did I! As a habit, I now tug the strap every time to make sure it’s snug.

Photographer Feature: Victoria Mendoza

What’s a habit or routine that has changed your life for the better?

It’s not photography related, but making sure that I get my exercise in during my kids’ quiet/nap time has been a game-changer. I just am not the kind of gal that can wake up at 5 am to workout!

What’s your favorite thing to photograph?

Newborn sessions are my absolute favorite. Even though I’m 2 years postpartum (can I still say that?! At what point am I not postpartum anymore?), I still can feel the newness of everything like it was yesterday. When I photograph families with their new babies, I know just how that mom feels in that moment, how she’ll feel in a week, a month, a year, etc. It goes by so fast and the blur that the newborn stage is deserves truthful and beautiful photos.

What is a hidden talent or surprising fact about you?

 I am bilingual! My family is from Argentina, so I read, speak, and write Spanish fluently.

What is a mistake (or mistakes) you’ve learned from?

Not being explicit enough in model calls. I learned the hard way to confirm the details multiple times! I planned a model call one time (bought the dress, ordered special baby details, rented a new lens to try out) and when I got to the newborn session, she said her husband didn’t want his photos shared online. And yes, they had signed a model release. After that, I made sure to confirm three times that for model calls, they must be willing to have me share the photos.

Unpopular opinion about the photo industry?

It’s okay for your business to be a part-time business (as long as it’s profitable). There are a multitude of reasons why someone may not want to have photography as a full-time job, but I think social media makes it seem like that’s the only way to be successful. The whole point of creating your own business is to have it fit in with your life!

What are the top three items on your photography bucket list?

I would love, love, love to photograph a beach session, a session at a historic manor, and a session on a family farm (which I actually have booked and I can’t wait!)

What keeps you inspired?

As my kids continue to grow, I pay attention to how their interactions with each other and with myself change. I think about what is something I’ll miss about that stage. I also enjoy finding photographers to be inspired by, that might have a new perspective in the way they photograph. I love trying out new things during sessions and every once in a while, I’ll plan a model call to fulfill a creative idea.

Photographer Feature: Victoria Mendoza

Untethered Family Photography Publication | Q&A with Victoria Mendoza | Education and encouragement for family and newborn photographers

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