Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Muñoz.
Hi Mary, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
What started as signing up to be part of my high school yearbook staff turned into a lifelong adventure with photography. When I first started photography, I didn’t know that it would bring me the joy it does. As I became familiar with cameras, I quickly loved the challenge of figuring out how to put all the pieces together to make a beautiful image. In the beginning, I started with simple photographs, trying to capture a moment as those made the best memories for a yearbook. I then became interested in capturing events that were high speed, where you moved quickly to capture that one perfect frame. From there I jumped into attending any and all events just so I could keep taking photos. I began entering my photos into competitions and I started to think of myself as a photographer.
Throughout college, photography was a fun hobby that helped me get through art school. I became fairly good at my skill and I wanted to share it with everyone I could. I started to intertwine photography into my projects and looked to showcase photography where I could. My friends, the supportive group they are, asked me to take senior portraits as hiring professional photographers was a bit out of our budget. I had never focused on portraiture so I decided to try it! Through my first portrait sessions, I learned a variety of things – posing/directing people, lighting, choosing environments, and editing. I researched often – reading articles, watching tutorials, and learning new software so I could make my portraits stand out. Though it took some time, I was able to develop my style and establish myself as a photographer. Through all my experiences, I developed a confidence that helped me pursue photography more professionally. I began getting requests for photos and before I knew it I was booked for sports photography, weddings, senior portraits, etc. Each booking was an adventure and I loved that I could share my talent with people.
Today, I continue to do photography and am always open for different opportunities! Being new to Saint Paul, I am still working to establish myself and build a network in MN. I am always interested in capturing photos for events, momentous occasions, or just daily life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Looking back, the journey was not the smoothest. Being an artist, I don’t think I was ever really happy with who I was or the art I was making. Though I was creating “beautiful” images, there was always that inner critic saying, “could be better!” For me, that was the most challenging part. When I started photographing, I never considered myself a “photographer.” I was simply a person using a camera to take pictures. It took a few years for me to really allow myself to be called a photographer. Now, I can say with confidence that I am a very talented photographer.
Photography certainly helped me build my confidence and it helped me understand how creativity was a sort of therapeutic outlet for me. Photography popped into my life when I needed it. As I worked to master my skill, I was able to immerse myself in a hobby that provided me a subtle way to heal. Through the photos I was taking I felt joy in being able to capture memories for people. I felt joy in capturing beautiful environments and getting that perfect frame. I felt joy editing photos, sharing photos, and watching people smile at the memories. As I immersed myself in the world of photography, I found that this hobby was building me up in unexpected ways. I was connecting with people, uplifting myself and talents, sharing my work with the world. Looking back, I now realize that photography allowed me to find my creative voice and be confident in the talents that I have.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Latina photographer that specializes in portraiture and event photography. I have been photographing for about 10 years, each year is a learning experience. At the beginning of my journey, I was known more for taking photos of events/sports. Now, I am known more for my portrait sessions and offer personal portraits, family sessions, engagement/wedding sessions, etc. My work often focuses on people and how they interact with each other or their environments. I strive to capture moments in life as they are and hope to showcase the beauty within my subjects.
I am most proud of how far I have come with my talent. As a beginner photographer to a professional, I am proud of all the things I have learned and done. I started my hobby with some knowledge, and now I can easily call myself an expert! Along with this, I was able to establish a name for myself, a brand. I never imagined that I would have customers or be booked to take photos for people. I am very proud of who I am and how I navigated the journey to get to where I am today.
Something that sets me apart from others is my passion to make photography more accessible financially. As a person who was never able to afford a “professional photographer”, I found that memories always seemed to be expensive. I want to work with people and provide them with memories that they are able to afford. In order to do this, I offer Senior Portrait sessions at varying costs so that graduating seniors are able to take photos highlighting their graduation milestone. As I continue to build my network and business, I hope to expand this to all the photography options I provide.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor and building a network is a long process, but very worthwhile. In my experience, finding a mentor is a great way to build your skillset. When looking for a mentor, my advice would be to find someone you get along with, someone that is passionate, and someone who can provide you with honest critique. Your mentor can be all of those things, or you can have multiple mentors, each having a specific talent. As you look for a mentor, keep in mind that you are not trying to find someone to fix your talent or give you all the answers. For me, mentorship has often been a mutual relationship where I am also able to offer my mentor knowledge, support, critique, etc. Through establishing a mentorship, I would consider how you will find this relationship helpful to you and the work you are trying to accomplish. Mostly, I would recommend finding someone that can understand you, your work, and the progress you want to make.
Networking was once a thing I never wanted to do. My inner introvert never really understood the appeal. However, the current me is glad that I learned how to network. Networking can seem scary, but my advice is to connect with people who align with you, your work, or future vision. Oftentimes, we can view networking as a very professional thing, but it truly can be a casual conversation. I would encourage you to lean into your skills and find a community that you are able to be part of. Find a community where you can share and learn. Additionally, don’t be afraid to talk about yourself and your talents!! You might be in a conversation where someone is looking for the exact thing you are the expert in. Don’t be afraid to share your work and story with the world.
Another piece of advice is to find people who just get you. For me – as a Latina professional, I have found that working with women of color has been the most impactful for me. I have been able to connect with women who share similar identities and understand the challenges that I am navigating. I have been fortunate to have many women in my life that have taught me the importance of mentorship and networking. I think that the most important thing to keep in mind is that mentorships/networking are based on relationships. In order to make these relationships last and be beneficial, I think you must be able to be yourself. Presenting your authentic self and finding people that embrace that authenticity/share their authentic self can help create an environment that allows growth and learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: marymunoz.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/mmunozphoto
- Facebook: facebook.com/mmunozphoto
Image Credits
Mary Muñoz
