Graciela's Photography 📸

Tania.G. Barrera

[gracielas-photography]

📸 Reflecting on My Photography Journey This Week ✨

This week was a bit more on the quiet side in terms of bookings, but that’s okay — it’s giving me time to really think about where my photography venture is at and where I want it to go. Here’s a little reflection:

✅ What’s working: My creativity feels like it’s in a great place! I’ve been experimenting with different backdrops, props, and lighting setups to really refine my style. I’m also finding that casually offering my services in conversations — like when I meet new people or friends of friends — is a great way to plant the seed for future work.

⚠️ What’s not working (yet): Finding steady clients is still the biggest challenge. The interest is there, but turning that into actual bookings takes persistence, marketing, and building trust with potential clients.

📈 How the project is coming: It’s growing slowly but steadily. Every week, even without gigs, I’m adding to my portfolio and sharpening my skills. I can feel the foundation getting stronger.

💼 What I’m learning about running a business: It’s not just about the art — it’s about strategy, networking, and consistency. Even little things, like keeping an organized schedule or showing up regularly on social media, make a big difference over time.

💡 What I’m learning about myself: I’m more determined than I thought. Even in slow weeks, I’m not discouraged — I’m actually more motivated to keep going. I’ve learned that I really enjoy the process of growing this venture, not just the end results.

Every week might not bring in new clients, but every week does bring growth — and that’s what keeps me moving forward. 💛📷

[gracielas-photography]

📸 No Gigs, Just New Views 🏙️📷

This week didn’t come with any new gigs, but I still found a way to feed my creative side — and honestly, my business mindset too. I went on a little birthday week trip to Cambridge and London (Ontario!) and it gave me the perfect chance to reset, recharge, and see new scenery through my lens. 🎉📸

Exploring new spaces helped me look at things differently — from beautiful old architecture to small city details I might’ve overlooked in my everyday routine. I spent time photographing textures, buildings, color palettes, and natural lighting in ways that could inspire future shoots or even brand visuals down the road.

Even without client work this week, I was still working — building my eye, expanding my content, and collecting little pieces of inspiration that I can bring into my photography style and business approach. Sometimes these off weeks are still really valuable. They remind me that being a creative entrepreneur doesn’t always mean having constant gigs — it also means staying curious, developing your style, and investing in your vision.

So no clients for now — but I came back from this trip with a full camera roll and even fuller inspiration. That counts for a lot. 💛

[gracielas-photography]

📸 A New Gig & A Bit of Glam 💄✨

This week brought something new — and I’m honestly feeling really grateful and motivated. My aunt, who’s a cosmetologist, offered me a gig to do a shoot of her clients for her Instagram page. She wanted to show off her work and asked if I could take some photos that highlight the hairstyles, makeup, and the overall glow-up her clients leave with. ✨💇‍♀️💋

It was such a great experience. Not only did I get to flex my photography skills, but I also had to adapt to a real working environment — things like tight spaces, different lighting situations, and working with clients who weren’t models. It pushed me to think creatively and quickly while still staying professional and making everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera.

This gig reminded me that photography isn’t always about fancy studios or perfect conditions. Sometimes it's about capturing real people, in real spaces, and showing their confidence and beauty. And it felt good to be a part of someone else’s small business journey while I’m on my own. Helping each other grow like that is honestly one of the most rewarding parts of this whole process. 🙌📷

Even though I’m still early in this journey and client work isn’t steady yet, moments like this remind me why I started. It’s not just about getting booked — it’s about building trust, growing my skills, and staying consistent. Every opportunity, big or small, is a chance to learn and improve. And honestly? I feel more inspired than ever. 💛

I know there’s still a long way to go. But things are shifting. Slowly, yes — but surely. And I’m ready for what’s next. Let’s keep going.

[gracielas-photography]

📸 Quiet Days — But the Creativity’s Flowing

Hey Tumblr ✨ things are still quiet on the client side — no bookings yet — but honestly, I’ve been having so much fun behind the scenes. This slower pace is giving me the space to experiment, and I’m really leaning into it.

Lately, I’ve been enjoying the process of finding new fabrics and textures to use as backgrounds and props. It’s amazing how something as simple as a piece of fabric can completely shift the vibe of a photo. I’ve been checking out local thrift shops for unique finds, and when I’ve got a bit of extra money, I treat myself to something special from Fabricland — they’ve got such a beautiful selection. 🧵✨

Also, whenever I get the chance to hang out with someone new — or meet a friend of a friend — I sometimes offer to do portraits and casually mention they’d make a great model. It’s a fun way to connect, practice, and put my work out there in a chill, friendly way. Sometimes it leads to a shoot, sometimes not — but either way, it keeps me engaged and growing.

I might not have clients yet, but I’m learning, creating, and prepping for when the time comes. Every experiment, every little discovery — it all adds up.

This is the season of growth, not waiting. And I’m loving the process.

[gracielas-photography]

📸 Still No Clients… But Something Kinda Big Happened

Hey everyone, just wanted to share a little update on my photography journey. Still no official clients yet — not gonna lie, it’s been slow. But this week, something happened that gave me a real confidence boost. 💛A coworker approached me and asked if I’d be interested in doing a couples photoshoot this fall 🍂. And the best part? He said if he likes the results, he might want me to do a family portrait session too.

It’s not booked yet, but just being asked means a lot. Someone saw potential in my work and trusted me enough to even consider capturing their memories. That kind of encouragement hits different when you’re in the early stages.

✨ What’s working: Talking about what I do — even casually — is slowly opening doors. People won’t always know what you’re capable of unless you show them or speak up. It's also good that more and more people around me are coming across my media page on instagram so that's a big win in itself.

💭 What’s not working: The bookings aren’t rolling in yet, and I still have moments where I doubt myself. But I’m starting to see that planting seeds matters just as much as landing jobs right away. But I am confident that once i get a good gig like this potential offer I could get them to speak word on my work around which can work.

🌱 How the project feels: It’s slow. But it’s not still. And there’s a difference. I’m learning that progress doesn’t always look like clients and money — sometimes it’s trust, practice, and tiny moments like this week’s opportunity that show you’re on the right track. And honestly starting on any business in like really takes a lot of patience, hard work, time, and hope in oneself.

📚 What I’m learning about running a business: It’s not all about the hustle — it’s about showing up, even when things are quiet. People need to trust you before they hire you, and that trust is built over time. I’m realizing this is a long game, not a quick fix.

🪞 What I’m learning about myself: I can be introverted, awkward, and unsure at times — but I still get along with people, and I care about what I do. I might move slowly, but I’m still moving. And I’m not giving up. They say most businesses take 5 years to grow and most people quit around year 2. I’m not quitting.

Thanks for reading 💫 And until the next update!

[gracielas-photography]

📸 Week 2 Start-Up Update: The Learning Curve Is Real, but So Am I

Hey Tumblr! Back again with an update on my photography start-up. Things are still slow, but I’m learning that just because something’s quiet doesn’t mean it’s not moving forward. Here’s where I’m at:

✨ What is working? Right now, what’s working is staying consistent behind the scenes. Even without new clients, I’ve been updating my portfolio, brainstorming shoot ideas, and continuing to build a visual style I’m proud of. That one shoot I did for my friend? It gave me a boost, and I’m using it as a stepping stone to figure out how I want my future shoots to look and feel. The more I plan and create, the more real this venture feels.

🚫 What is not working? Honestly, getting new clients has been the hardest part. I’ve been trying to get my name out there, but it’s been really quiet. Social media promotion is trickier than I thought — it feels awkward trying to market myself when I’m still building confidence. It’s discouraging sometimes, but I’m reminding myself that this is part of starting something new.

📈 How do I feel the project is coming? Even though I haven’t had much external progress yet, I still feel like the project is coming together. I’m laying the foundation, figuring out what I want my brand to look like, and slowly learning how to approach this as a real business. It’s not moving fast, but it is moving.

📚 What am I learning about running a business? I’m learning that running a business means wearing a lot of hats — photographer, planner, promoter, and sometimes even cheerleader when motivation dips. It’s not just about taking good photos; it’s about creating value, staying organized, and knowing how to talk about what I offer. There’s way more behind the scenes than I expected, but I’m glad I’m learning it all now, early on.

🪞What am I learning about myself? I’ve realized I’m more patient than I thought. I used to want results right away, but now I’m starting to appreciate the slow growth. I’m also learning to trust myself more — to believe in my potential, even when things are quiet. I still have moments of doubt, but I haven’t quit. That says something.

So no new clients this week, but I’m still here, still building, and still believing this will pay off. Thanks for reading — more soon. 💛

[gracielas-photography]

📷 Start-Up Progress: Slow Starts & Small Wins

Hey Tumblr — here’s a little update on how things are going with my photography start-up.

So far, I’ve only had one actual client… and it was a friend who hired me for a shoot. It was a simple session, but honestly? It meant a lot. Even just that one booking gave me a reason to plan, prep, show up, and practice what I’ve been dreaming about. And that feeling — like maybe this is actually possible — made it feel real.

What’s working: Doing that shoot gave me something to work with — I now have a few solid images I can add to my growing portfolio. Plus, I got to test out some of my outdoor setup ideas, and it helped me see what I need to tweak for future shoots. I’m also starting to build a vibe and visual style that feels like me, which is exciting.

What’s not working: Not gonna lie — getting clients is harder than I expected. I haven’t had any real inquiries yet outside of my circle, and I still get nervous putting myself out there. Social media feels kind of overwhelming, and I’m still figuring out how to promote myself without feeling awkward or sales-y.

How I feel about the project so far: It’s slow, but I’m not giving up. It’s easy to feel discouraged when you don’t see fast results, but I keep reminding myself that most people don’t start out with a full calendar of bookings. Everyone starts somewhere, and right now, I’m at the very beginning. And that’s okay.

What I’m learning about running a business: It’s definitely not just about taking pictures. There’s marketing, branding, setting rates, and figuring out how to talk to people about what you offer. It’s a lot. But every small thing I do (even just editing photos or brainstorming ideas) feels like a step forward.

What I’m learning about myself: I’m realizing that I really want this to work. And that I’m more patient than I thought — because even though it’s slow, I haven’t quit. I’m also learning how to stay motivated when no one’s clapping yet. I’ve been giving myself permission to grow at my own pace, and that’s been kind of freeing.

That’s all for now. Here’s to more shoots, more growth, and not giving up just because the beginning is quiet. ✨

[gracielas-photography]

📸 How I’m Funding My Photography Business (Without Going Broke) 💵

So, I finally decided to take the leap and start my own photography business — scary, exciting, and a little confusing when it comes to money. Like, I know how to use a camera, but no one really teaches you how to pay for a business when you’re just starting out. 😅

If you’re in the same boat, here’s what I’ve learned so far about different financial sources that could help you launch your dream without drowning in debt:

1. Personal Savings Let’s be real — I’m starting small. I’ve been putting aside a bit here and there for a while. It’s not a huge amount, but it covers some basics like memory cards, a softbox, and gas money for shoots. Saving ahead gives you more freedom (and less stress) when it’s time to book clients.

2. Family/Friends Support I’m lucky that I have a few supportive people in my life who believe in what I’m doing. Even if it’s not a big amount, a small loan or gift can help with start-up essentials — like editing software or a backup hard drive.

3. Grants for Creatives Depending on where you live, there are sometimes grants for local artists or small businesses. I’m still on the lookout for any that apply to photographers or creative entrepreneurs. It’s free money if you can land it — worth the effort.

4. Crowdfunding (if needed) This one’s a maybe for me, but if I ever plan a special photo project (like a print series or community shoot), I’d consider using platforms like Kickstarter. It’s a way to raise funds while getting people excited and involved.

5. Reinvesting Profits Right now, I’m keeping costs low — mostly outdoor shoots and minimal gear upgrades. That way, when I do book a client, I can reinvest a bit of that money back into the business. It’s not fast growth, but it’s steady and sustainable.

No giant loans or big investors for me at the moment — I’m keeping it simple and scrappy. If you're starting out too, just know that you don’t need to have it all figured out or spend thousands to begin. Start with what you have and build up from there. 📷✨

[gracielas-photography]

Future Funding💸

💡Things I’d Think About for Growing My Business

Starting my photography business with only $50 has been tough, but it’s really helped me get creative and zero in on what’s important. I’ve been taking advantage of natural light, shooting on location, and using free tools to promote my services. It's an easy setup, but it's really helping me create a solid foundation.

Thinking about the future, I realize that expanding the business is going to need some extra cash—like getting better equipment, creating a more polished brand vibe, or maybe even setting up a little studio space. When that time rolls around, I’d totally think about applying for a small business grant.

There are some awesome grant programs available, especially for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners in Ontario. What I really like is that grants don’t have to be paid back, and a lot of them also come with workshops, mentorship, or networking chances. That kind of support could really help out—not just with money, but also for long-term growth.

I'm not just trying to grow quickly for no reason. I'm looking to take it easy and create something that lasts. When I go for funding, I’ll have a solid plan and be all about investing in stuff that really boosts my work.

Right now, I’m just keeping it chill and concentrating on learning and getting better with what I have. When I'm ready to move forward, I'll check out grant options that fit my goals and values.

[gracielas-photography]

🛠️ Behind the Scenes: How I’m Prepping to Launch My Photography Biz 🎬📸

Starting a creative business isn’t just about having a camera and an Instagram page (although those definitely help). It’s also about building the right structure behind the scenes so everything runs smoothly—especially when you're offering a service like photography that relies on you being the product and the process.

So here’s a little peek into what my business operations plan looks like, and how I plan on getting everything together to officially launch my photography brand for small businesses here in the Niagara Region.

🎯 What I’m Offering (and How to Making it Happen)

At its core, my business is all about creating branded visual content for local entrepreneurs, shops, creators, and hospitality spaces. Think product shoots, branding sessions, lifestyle visuals—stuff that helps people show up online looking like they mean business (because they do).

I’m not selling a physical product, but I am creating deliverables—photos, curated image sets, sometimes even moodboards or creative direction—and those take resources. So while I’m not sourcing inventory, I do need to keep my toolkit solid.

🧰 Tools + Gear I Use

Here’s what I already have in place (or am investing in):

Camera gear – I shoot with a mirrorless DSLR that handles both sharp product shots and moody lifestyle work.

Lighting – Mostly natural light for now, but i plan on getting reflectors and invest in portable softbox for indoor setups.

Laptop & editing software – Lightroom and Photoshop are my go-tos, and I’ve got presets I’ve developed to keep my work consistent.

Props & backgrounds – I’m slowly building a small collection of flatlays, textures, and versatile props that work across brands. I also plan to thrift or DIY a lot of this to stay creative and budget-conscious.

Client booking tools – At the moment i only have an email that is specifically used only for my photography but i also have my Instagram. It's not exactly fancy but it works.

⏳ Can I Get Everything in Time?

Totally. Most of the tools I need, I already have or can get easily. Props and creative resources will grow over time, but the basics are here. I also plan to rent studio space as needed, depending on what the shoot calls for. A lot of clients want their photos done in their space anyway (shops, salons, cafés), so being mobile is a win.

📝 Licenses + Permits?

Because I’m a service-based business working independently, I’ll be operating as a sole proprietor. I’ll register my business name and handle any tax stuff that comes with that.

As for licenses, I don’t need anything major unless I’m renting commercial space regularly or doing shoots that involve permits (like certain public areas or drone photography). But I’ll stay on top of that as things grow.

🚀 What I Need to Launch

My launch won’t be a big grand opening—it’s more of a soft rollout. I just want to get in front of people who need the work and start booking. But to really make it official, here’s what I’m putting in place:

A clean, simple portfolio website or landing page (I’m thinking Squarespace)

A few strong sample projects that show what I can do

Clear pricing/packages that are easy to understand and flexible for different needs

Local networking—connecting with business owners, visiting shops, going to markets, talking to people

Consistent Instagram content to show off behind-the-scenes and finished work

💡 The Big Vision

I want to build something real—not just a gig, not just a side hustle. I want this business to feel like a creative partner to the local brands I want to/ will work with. Like, yeah, I’ll take your product photos, but I also want to help you figure out how to use those photos to actually grow your business.

I want to keep it collaborative, community-focused, and flexible. And I want my clients to feel seen, supported, and proud of how their brand shows up in the world.

So that’s where I’m at. Bit by bit, getting the tools in place, building the vibe, and getting ready to hit “go.”

[gracielas-photography]

🔥 Stop the Scroll: Creative Ways to Advertise Your Brand

Making awesome content is just part of the equation but showing it to the right people is the other part. That's where content advertising steps in. Content advertising is different from organic marketing because it relies on paid tools, such as social media ads or promoted posts, to quickly increase visibility and target specific audiences.

💡 How about giving it a try? Give these quick exercises a shot:

Boost a post! Pick your top-performing one and throw a little ad budget at it.

Target Like a Pro – When creating content, focus on a specific group, like local business owners or busy moms.

Ad-Ready Caption Challenge – Create 3 attention-grabbing headlines that will make someone pause their scrolling.

🧭 Where to Promote Your Work: Media That Still Matters

You can advertise your business through digital tools like your website, social media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook), and email. Direct mail—like postcards and flyers—is still effective for reaching local audiences. Print ads in local newspapers or niche magazines work well for targeted exposure. Don’t forget about online directories like Google Business and Yelp. And for hyperlocal reach, community bulletin boards, chalk signs, and storefront displays can still grab attention.

Just a reminder: Being paid doesn’t have to come off as pushy. It's important that the content remains helpful, relevant, and truly valuable for your audience. And these are just some ideas of what you can do it doesn't mean you HAVE to use them all, just what you can or what is available to you that'll help get you recognized!

[gracielas-photography]

The "Ideal" Customer persona/ Empathy map

The ideal customer for my photography business is a small business owner based in the Niagara Region who is looking for help creating high-quality visual content for their brand. This customer likely runs a retail shop, café, or online business and wants to improve their online presence through professional photos. They would value a photographer who understands their brand, communicates clearly, and can work with them to create consistent, eye-catching images. Ideally, this customer is open to collaboration, can provide insight into their style and goals, and is looking for someone local, reliable, and creative to help tell their business story through visuals.

Below is an empathy map that i have created:

and for those of you what would like to use this format you can click on this link below and download the document. i used a drawing app to erase the questions and added my answers to it.

https://futurpreneur.ca/en/resource/customer-empathy-map-understanding-your-customer/

[gracielas-photography]

📸 Local Competition: Navigating Niagara's Photography Scene

The Niagara Region is home to a vibrant photography community, where professionals provide a wide range of services to accommodate the diverse requirements of their clients. I did research of three prominent competitors: NG Studios, Muir Image Photography, and Unger Studios, in order to effectively position my photography business. A comprehensive review of their strengths and areas for improvement is provided below.

1. NG Studios – The All-Inclusive Experience

Website Experience: NG Studios presents a high-energy, full-service photography experience. The website is visually engaging, emphasizing luxury and comprehensive services, from set design to wardrobe styling. ➡️ NG Photography Studios

Market Positioning: Targeting clients seeking a glamorous, magazine-quality aesthetic, NG Studios appeals to those desiring a transformative photoshoot experience.

Reviews: Clients praise the studio's ability to deliver polished, high-end images that exceed expectations. The emphasis on luxury and attention to detail is a recurring theme.

Pricing: While specific pricing isn't listed, the emphasis on luxury suggests a premium pricing model, catering to clients willing to invest in a comprehensive photography experience.

Social Media: Their social media platforms showcase a portfolio filled with vibrant, stylized images, reinforcing their brand identity and attracting clients seeking a similar aesthetic.

Strengths:

Comprehensive, luxury-focused services.

Strong brand identity with a consistent visual style.

Areas for Differentiation:

Clients seeking a more natural or candid photography style may look elsewhere.

Businesses desiring a more collaborative or flexible approach might find the all-inclusive model less accommodating.

2. Muir Image Photography – Heartfelt Storytelling

Website Experience: Muir Image Photography's website exudes warmth and authenticity, highlighting a personal approach to capturing life's moments. ➡️ Muir Image Photography

Market Positioning: Specializing in weddings, engagements, and family sessions, Muir Image appeals to clients seeking genuine, emotion-driven photography.

Reviews: Testimonials emphasize Megan's ability to make clients feel comfortable, resulting in natural and heartfelt images. Clients appreciate her personable approach and storytelling prowess.

Pricing: While exact pricing details aren't provided, the focus on personalized sessions suggests a mid-range pricing strategy, balancing quality with accessibility. ➡️ Afterglow Images

Social Media: Muir Image maintains an active presence, sharing behind-the-scenes content and client stories, fostering a sense of community and connection.

Strengths:

Authentic, emotion-driven photography.

Strong client relationships and personalized service.

Areas for Differentiation:

Businesses seeking product or commercial photography might require a different approach.

Clients desiring a more stylized or editorial look may explore other options.

3. Unger Studios – Professional Branding Focus

Website Experience: Unger Studios offers a sleek, professional website, emphasizing brand photography and headshots tailored for entrepreneurs and businesses. ➡️ Unger Studios+1Bright Sky Studios+1

Market Positioning: Catering to professionals across various industries, Unger Studios positions itself as a partner in enhancing brand identity through high-quality imagery.

Reviews: Clients commend Kevin's ability to capture images that align with their brand vision, noting his professionalism and strategic approach to photography.

Pricing: Specific pricing isn't listed, but the focus on business clientele suggests a pricing model that reflects the value of brand-enhancing photography.

Social Media: Their social media content underscores their expertise in professional branding, showcasing a portfolio that appeals to corporate and entrepreneurial clients.

Strengths:

Expertise in brand-focused photography.

Professional, strategic approach to client needs.

Areas for Differentiation:

Clients seeking a more creative or lifestyle-oriented photography style may look for alternatives.

Businesses desiring a more collaborative creative process might seek a different experience.

🚀 Positioning My Photography Business

In analyzing these competitors, it's evident that while NG Studios offers a luxury, all-inclusive experience, Muir Image Photography provides heartfelt storytelling, and Unger Studios focuses on professional branding.

To carve out a unique space in the Niagara photography market, my business will emphasize:

Collaborative Creativity: Working closely with clients to co-create imagery that authentically represents their brand and vision.

Versatility: Offering a range of services from product photography to lifestyle sessions, catering to diverse client needs.

Authenticity: Capturing genuine moments and stories, providing clients with images that resonate on a personal level.

By focusing on these areas, I aim to provide a photography experience that combines professionalism with a personal touch, filling the gap between high-end luxury services and candid storytelling.

[gracielas-photography]

here is a message map i did for Adobe Software. An app i personally use for my own photography and for assignments.

[gracielas-photography]

Strengths And Weaknesses

Entrepreneurship Skills: My Strengths and Weaknesses

Being an entrepreneur requires a variety of abilities, including problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and time management. Regarding these abilities, my strengths and shortcomings are as follows:

Strengths:

Teamwork: I like exchanging ideas and get along well with others. For instance, I assisted my team in maintaining organization throughout a group project and made sure that everyone finished the assignment on schedule.

Taking Charge: I have no problem taking the initiative and taking the lead when called upon. I've taken the initiative when no one else would in class or group projects, which has kept the group on task.

Patience: I'm not easily irritated. I know how to stay cool under difficult situations, which helps when things don't go as planned.

Weaknesses:

Time management: I have a tendency to procrastinate or underestimate how long activities will take.

Losing Motivation: If I'm not interested in a task or it feels too difficult, I might lose attention.

Financial Planning: I am not particularly knowledgeable in budgeting or handling money, which is essential for running a business.

Improvement Plan:

I intend to utilize a planner or calendar to better manage my time.

I'll make small objectives to keep motivated and measure my progress.

I intend to take a simple finance course or watch videos to improve my money management skills.

By focusing on these areas, I intend to grow as a stronger and more successful business.