Check Out Erin Velasco’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Velasco.

Hi Erin, 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?
When I was about 13 or 14, I became very interested in photography and enjoyed taking nature photos on all of our family trips. When my freshman year of college rolled around, my dad asked me what I wanted to major in and I said “photography”.

My dream was to have my own studio and to better my skills but my dad didn’t want to pay for a degree in photography (understandably so, it’s not necessary) so I chose a different path but continued to keep photography as a hobby. In 2015, I was in my 10th year of teaching piano and I had my first son.

In 2016, I became pregnant with my second son and it was clear to me that it was going to be difficult balancing piano teaching, having two kids, being a stay-at-home-mom, and military wife but I still wanted to contribute to the family and I wanted something of my own. Upon my husband’s return from his first deployment in 2017, he gifted me my first “professional” grade camera, the Canon 80D.

I was absolutely thrilled and started mapping out what I wanted my business to look like. In the Fall of 2017 Wonderstruck Photography was born. I spent time taking sessions whenever I could, researching and watching hundreds of videos about portrait photography, and reading about/researching top photographers and different types of editing.

I have since grown in my skill and confidence. I’ve worked in Central Texas and here in the Phoenix AZ area, continually furthering my knowledge and education in photography. In 2020, I retired my Canon 80D crop sensor and purchased the Canon 5D Mark IV. After participating in a few online retreats and dabbling in different types of portrait photography (wedding, engagement, maternity, fresh 48, military homecoming, newborn, headshots, child portraits, etc.).

I have finally found what I would like my main focus to be for the studio. I am working towards opening up my own newborn studio that is stand-alone from Wonderstruck Photography and I am continuing my education in newborn photography while also building up my prop stash and variety of equipment.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Beginning my own photography business was not easy to begin. I for one, am not a person to really “tell” people what to do. So moving into a realm where I am the one creating the image, scene, and feeling was very intimidating, and pricing my work has always been complicated and scary.

Starting my business while my husband was in the Army and we were away from family was slightly difficult in terms of what sessions I could take or what weddings, due to his travel/training. I spent most of my first year doing mini sessions and this was a good way for me to get practice, learn what I liked and learn the type of portraiture I wanted to do.

My confidence was really the biggest “bump” in my road and it took about 4 and a half years for me to feel like I’d slipped into the flow, that I could see my work as art, and see the quality I offer. I finally stopped doubting my abilities and what my time/skill is worth.

There are still times when I revert back to being concerned about what others think about how I run my business or my pricing but then I remember all the work I’ve put into Wonderstruck Photography and what I want it to be.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a portrait photographer with experience in wedding, engagement, fresh 48, newborn, maternity, family, headshots, and cake smash portrait sessions. A majority of my clients currently are newborns, maternity, and family but I have picked up a few weddings since moving back to Arizona.

I am most proud of the growth I’ve seen in my confidence with photography and the clear vision I have for my business. I believe what sets me apart from others is my unique vision and depiction of each person/couple/family and my ability to work well with small children.

I have had many families respond in awe that I was able to capture their toddler or shy child genuinely smiling. I also do not want my clients to spend more than they have to and do my very best to remain within an “affordable” window for most, if not all families.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am a stay-at-home mom who homeschools and runs a photography business.

My business is very important to me and something I do out of love, not a necessity. I am always looking to grow in my art and knowledge, always looking to give my clients the very best!

Pricing:

• Portraits: approx $75-$270
• Headshots: $75+
• Newborn: $225-$375
• Mini Session: $115+

Contact Info:

• Email: wonderstruckphotoaz@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.wonderstruckphotoaz.com/
• Instagram: @wonderstruckphotoaz
• Facebook: facebook.com/wonderstruckphotoaz