Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Rivera.
Hi Samantha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Hello, my name is Samantha Inez R. My passion for photography began when I was only 13 years old. I was always that one friend that tried to take creative pictures with their phone, eventually, I wanted a professional camera. 10 years straight, I would ask my parents for a professional camera for my birthday or Christmas sadly to say I was disappointed every time because I wouldn’t get a camera. I couldn’t blame them; I didn’t grow up in the most wealthiest family. My dad couldn’t work because he was sick and my mom couldn’t work because of her disability. I remember one year my parents got me a camera from the pawn shop. I wish you could see the smile on my face when I opened that gift, unfortunately, that camera worked for a month, then it never turned on. It was definitely a very old camera. When I was 24 years old, I met the love of my life Emanuel. We started attending a church in Brevard County. One random Sunday morning the pastor of that church handed me a Sony camera and said, “Samantha, The Lord told me to give you this camera, and I believe something big is going to come out of this”. Ever since that Sunday, I never stop taking pictures; I developed my skill and watched a lot of YouTube videos on photography. On October 16th, 2020, my husband took me on a date to a photography studio, and that’s when I had my real photography experience. Fast forward to my first Christmas as a wife, my husband got me my own Canon M50. At that very moment, I knew all I wanted to do for the rest of my life is to create long-lasting memories. A couple months went by, and I was able to get a second camera Sony A6600. My passion in photography became even stronger I was able to connect with other creators that has helped me develop my skills. Throughout that process, I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I also learned and achieved a lot of milestones. On December 31, 2021, I gave my resignation letter to become a full-time photographer. When I decided to fully pursue photography, I didn’t have the biggest clientele, and I wasn’t making the same amount of money as I did. I was probably booked once or twice a month. But I knew in my spirit this was my path, so I did it, I gave up my 9-5 Monday through Friday job to pursue my dreams. I trusted that the Lord would open doors, and through Him, my business would grow to where it’s at today. I am proud to say almost every week; I am fully booked. I love and mostly enjoy taking pictures of couples and wedding event. There are days that I wake up and still can’t believe I’m an entrepreneur and get to work with other influencers. My biggest thing is that I want all my clients to feel special and experience the love of Christ.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? To be very honest, this journey has been an interesting ride. There are moments where things may not work out, and you have to understand that it’s okay
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Photography is my passion. That’s all my heart wants to do for the rest of my life. I specialize in couples, engagement, wedding, fashion, and maternity. I will say engagement sessions are my favorite.
As crazy as it sounds, I don’t want to be recognize as the girl with a camera in her hand but for the girl that was crazy enough to leave all she knew to pursue her dreams as a photographer. I want to be recognized for being bold enough to walk this out in faith and impact people’s lives
I’m very proud of the process I went through. Photography is not easy, it’s a wildlife out there, but I honestly can say I’m proud that I’m making it through. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for The creator.
What sets me apart from other photographers is that this is more than just a business; this is a ministry and my story. At least that’s how I view it. People think that photography is just clicking a button, editing, and sending pictures, but there is so much more than just that. I have done photoshoots of beautiful insecure models, mothers that have struggled with their baby’s alone, Broken marriages, and confused fiancés. There are times where people open up in the middle of a session and they simply just need an ear to listen, or after the session we spend hours talking, sometimes it’s strictly business, and sometimes it’s also encouragement for them to keep moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Inezz.photography
- Facebook: Inezz photography
Image Credits
Emanuel Rivera
Chave Garcia
