Today we’d like to introduce you to Yesenia Molar.
Yesenia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hi, I’m Yesenia. My friends and family call me Yessie. I’m a San Diego Based Portrait, Fashion, Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer. Ever since I was a kid, I knew I was meant to create. Growing up in a small town located in the Central Valley, I’ve always gravitated to anything and everything that expressed art.
Although I loved my secluded hometown, I felt that there was more to life. Leaving college, I decided to move to San Diego in 2015, with no plan. Working different jobs, exploring the ins and outs of this beautiful city. Shortly after moving, I bought my first camera. After photographing my friends and family for fun, I knew I had to be interacting with people and capture expression. I wanted to make that the focal point in a photo. Something about being able to look back on a picture and immediately be brought back to that exact feeling at that exact moment brings so much joy to me.
After hours of watching YouTube videos, scrolling through photographers that I look up to and navigating a camera all on my own. I felt ready to start my own business. I’ll admit, it is scary turning a dream into a reality—the unknown, what-ifs. I mean, it wouldn’t be worth doing if it wasn’t a tad uncomfortable right?
Flash forward three years, I’ve now booked weddings, portrait sessions and have shot for fashion companies. This has been one wild ride and I know I am just scratching the surface.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Starting your own business is a-bit nerve-wracking. The thought of it not being successful is terrifying. Being able to get past that fear and move forward is what is important. What I learned throughout this journey is not everyone will like your work and rejection does happen. Seeing those small bumps in the road as learning lessons is what helps you flourish as a business owner. I am truly grateful for the ups and downs. They keep me on my toes and allow me to grow.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
Yessie Molar Photography is about a year old now. I specialize in Portrait and Fashion Photography. I enjoy the one on one time spent with couples and individuals. What is important to me is really getting to know my clients while shooting. I love the idea of hanging out with them vs just there to take photos and go home. Bringing a relaxed vibe to a photoshoot takes away those nervous jitters us humans tend to get. It’s my job as a photographer to make you feel comfortable.
What I’m most proud of is definitely getting my business started. Actually doing it, getting together a portfolio, a website, all the steps it takes to get the ball rolling. I think every photographer has their own style and owns it completely. That is what makes this industry so dang exciting. What can set me apart is my creative style. I like to bring as much emotion to a photo as I can. I almost always will pick a nature shoot over an urban shoot. I absolutely love shooting in nature. If there’s some open land, out in the middle of a desert or in the mountains, I’m all for it.
What were you like growing up?
I was always a pretty happy child. Constantly wanting to be outdoors. I grew up with an older brother and an older sister, so I pretty much had the perfect mix between getting dirty on the playground and playing dolls in the playroom.
Being around my mother as a kid, I was always so interested in what she was doing. Creating was sort of her thing. On her free time, she would make these small figures out of clay, patiently wait for them to dry, paint and sell them. I fell in love with the idea of making art out of anything. Having that creative bug in our family is what motivates me to keep that fire alive.
Pricing:
- Portrait, Couples, Family sessions: $150-$250
- Fashion/Lifestyle: $150-$200
- Wedding: starting at $1200
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yessiemolarphotography.com
- Email: yessiemolarphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: @yessiemolarphotography
Image Credit:
Elizabeth Gomez
Brooke Morris- Hair: Michelle Hansow
Monica Mendez
Brandalyn Atienza- Hair: Michelle Hansow
Kelly Collins
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