Today we’d like to introduce you to Anel Muro.
Hi Anel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I always loved taking pictures when I was younger, but I stopped for years like kids usually do. It wasn’t until I went on a trip to Europe and was volunteered as the photographer for the trip haha. That was when I really started messing around with the different angles and taking pictures of all the architecture, random people on the streets, nature, etc. That was when I found out that I really, really loved taking pictures, but I saw it more as a hobby and not a career. Sometime later, an uncle of mine was going to be moving to Rome, ironically, to study, so he left me a camera kit that he owned; he told me that I could keep it under one condition- that I used it. I had no idea how I could use it without seeming weird. I didn’t know who to take pictures of or what. I had a 9-5 desk job and there wasn’t anything interesting there. So, the only thing I could think of was- Disney, I had my Disney annual pass at the time, so I started taking my camera with me and began exploring the park behind the lens. I started practicing and eventually started getting somewhat good. A couple years later, I decided to go back to school, so I quit my job, moved to Escondido, and started my photography business, and now here I am!
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?
I don’t think any career road is smooth. It’s terrifying to choose to quit a job that gives you money and health insurance to start something else that fully depends on you. It hasn’t been easy, and sometimes it’s still not easy. I think that it doesn’t matter what I career you choose; it’s always going to have its challenges and frustrations, so why not pick what I actually like? I get to go to parties for a living and follow a bride and groom around for a day to capture moments that they sometimes don’t even really notice until they see it in a picture. I get to create memories for a couple who is about to announce their pregnancy or a family who is introducing a new baby. And then seeing/reading their reactions is the best! That’s what makes me job worth it.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in wedding photography, but I also get hired for other types of photoshoots, such as family, maternity, proposals/engagements, and even film sets! I am intimidated when I am put in front of the camera, so I understand how some people might feel, which is why I try to make the whole process fun and less nerve-racking for them. I like to make the connection with the clients, especially for a bride and groom because it’s such a big commitment, and I want them to feel comfortable with me so I try to encourage several Facetime calls or in-person meetings so we can talk about what their expectations for that day are but also to get to know each other and get over the awkward phase. I also don’t really like the whole “you will receive X amount of pictures with this package” like I have seen on other pages because that just adds stress to me in making sure I get the specific amount or if I get too many, and then I can’t choose, and neither can they pick so I just offer unlimited edited pictures!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Being happy with my life. Money comes and goes, jobs come and go, so I enjoy it when I have it, but I try not to get so attached to it, it doesn’t mean I don’t like money, but I’m not always pressed on how much money is coming out of it right off the bat.
Pricing:
- 3 hours – $1,200
- 6 hours – $2,400
- 8 hours – $3,200 (Free engagement shoot)
- 10 hours – $4,000 (Free engagement shoot)
- $350 – 1 hour photoshoot
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anelmurophotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anelm.photographyy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnelM.Photographyy
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/anel-muro-photography-escondido
