Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Aguilar.
Hi Brenda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Since I can remember, I have loved photography, not just taking photos, but I love to make sure each of them conveys emotions and tells a story. I really got into the art of professional photography after the birth of my oldest son, who is now 16 years old. Taking photos of my son reignited my passion for photography, so I decided to start my own photography business taking pictures of families and weddings.
During this time, we were trying to have more children without any success. After a couple of years of trying, we decided to become foster parents with the option of adoption. We got lucky, and we were able to adopt our first foster placement, a two-month-old little boy. The adoption experience has been such a wonderful yet challenging experience not only for me but also for my adoptive child.
Mainly, making sure my child feels like he is my own without having him feel like his birth parents abandon him or minimize the incredible sacrifice that a birth parent has to go through when they give up a child. That is why as part of our healing process, I wrote and published a book to explain the adoption process to children. The idea of this book is to help an adoptive child feel loved and accepted by both the birth and adoptive parents.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road; during this time, we fostered seven kids; I was in love with helping little kids while their parents were working on reunification. Fostering is a lot of work but also a lovely experience. But in between our two kids, foster kids, and dealing with ovarian cancer, it was tough to keep up with my business. However, six years later, I am fully dedicated to my family and back to my photography business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a children’s book author and a professional photographer. You can see a sample of my work on my website www.brendahaydee.com.
What makes me different than other photographers is my love of telling stories with photos. Of course, I prefer not to pose my clients unless they want to have a posed photography. My favorite family photography is present a snapshot of their lives, something that is natural yet beautiful.
I usually spend three hours or more with the family in their home or an area they love, and I tell the story of their life at that moment; I don’t pose them, move things around, or suggest any activities. I just take a snapshot of their love in the form of little smiles, belly laughs, meltdowns, and cuddles, just a typical day in their lives. Because in those real-life moments, you can truly see their love story. My clients enjoy these memories forever in the form of beautiful albums that I provide for them digital or printed.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Telling a story with photos is an up-and-coming trend named “Documentary family photography.” This is happening due to people realizing the value of these natural moments in their lives. Especially if they have kids, this kind of photography will become their most significant treasure and memories. So this is where I plan to continue going with my photography in the next 5 to 10 years. I will also continue writing and publishing children’s books, particularly on the topic of adoption, because thanks to these types of books, there will be more opportunities for adoptive children to understand adoption and feel loved.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@brendahaydee.com
- Website: www.brendahaydee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendahaydeephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brendahaydeephotography
