Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Monroy.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I always enjoyed drawing for fun as a child, and in my adulthood, I began drawing portraits of friends and family. I enjoyed the challenge of capturing a subject as life-like as possible and the sense of pride and accomplishment once the drawing was finished. At the same time, I filled disposable camera after disposable camera with endless photos of people, places, and things that interested me. I still have a box of these undeveloped cameras! Once those prehistoric devices went out of style, I began filling up my phone’s memory with photos until I finally bit the bullet and purchased a camera. I began using my camera more and my charcoal pencils less, and this hobby led to a growing passion for portraiture through the medium of photography. While I never really considered photography as a career at the time, the excitement I felt when picking up a camera never left me and was something that only grew with the emergence of social media. I was in awe of the kind of talent I found in my Instagram feed and felt inspired, but didn’t yet feel confident in my skills to post my own photos.
I was simultaneously working long hours at jobs where I was in a supportive role to a CEO or a designer. The mundanity of the work I was tasked with coupled with my growing frustration with always being an assistant and never a leader led me to realize that I had been stifling my creative side for the sake of others’. I wasn’t drawing anymore and I wasn’t taking photos; I could feel the toll it was taking on me. It wasn’t until 2015 that my now husband, Jesse, reminded me that I should put myself first and cultivate my creative side. A friend of mine took a chance on me and asked me to photograph her maternity session after seeing some of my photography on Instagram, and with this reminder fresh in my mind, I jumped at the opportunity. I have only grown in my skills since then and I am now actively working to grow my photography and design business.
Please tell us about your art.
I founded La Osita Photography in 2015 and continuously strive to improve my skill set ever since. While my photography portfolio ranges from weddings to maternity to travel and landscape photos (which I completely adore), I find that my greatest passion within this field is portrait photography. My photos tend to be more candid and less staged, and this is deliberate. I enjoy capturing the moments that are otherwise lost in the bustle of everyday life; the glances, the giggles, the affection, and all of the sweet moments in between.
Also, I want my photos to be a mirror for my clients but one in which helps them gain some confidence. It is so easy these days to wish you looked like this model or wish your body looked like that, but it is my sincere hope that my clients will look at the photos from their sessions and think, “wow, I look good!” No insecurities, no regrets – just happiness within and without.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Being an artist does come with some level of loneliness as a newcomer, that’s for sure! I felt extremely lost at the beginning because I just didn’t know who I could turn to for advice or guidance. At times, I felt that my work was sub-par and I worried that I would never reach the level of photography greatness that I could be proud of. However, it’s important to remember that everyone in this industry started at the bottom and overcame those same fears and obstacles that beginners are faced with. They grew their businesses through hard work and determination, and by never allowing themselves to become complacent in their skills. Always keep learning, always ask questions, and always strive to do something different from your normal style. It is with this mindset that my own confidence has grown.
Another plus is that the photography community is so helpful and kind to one another. I have found that even the most seasoned photographers are absolutely willing to offer advice, constructive criticism, or knowledge wherever they can. To this day, I send emails or leave comments on photos asking the photographer where that location is, how they achieved that shot, or what preset they used. It’s important to put your fears or pride aside and ask questions, or take a photography course. Identify your limitations and then learn how to do it, whatever “it” might be. I found some great photography groups on Facebook where photographers all ask questions or seek advice for anything and everything. They also post their own photos, and I find inspiration daily in that way.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I spent last year building my website (which I am super proud of!), and anyone interested in a session may contact me there via message or by submitting a Booking Form located at www.laositaco.com. My portfolio highlights can also be viewed on Instagram by searching @ositaphotography or on Facebook by searching La Osita Photography.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laositaco.com
- Email: info@laositaco.com
- Instagram: @ositaphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/laositaphotography
Image Credit:
Karen Calderon, Briana Wintner, Reyn Kamaehu Arakaki-Fukui, Finley Bravo, Marilin Calderon, Jesse Monroy.
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