Today we’d like to introduce you to Pilar Andujar.
Pilar, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey as a photographer began as a hobby in 1999. Back then, I used to take pictures of landscapes and nature. I would often go to the countryside in the Dominican Republic, where I am from, but I increasingly wanted to introduce people into my compositions. I think that was my start as a portrait photographer. I eventually moved to New York City in 2004 and still had photography as a hobby. While there, I took photography classes and enjoyed going around the city taking pictures and always included people in them. However, I was still just a girl with a camera and a dream.
In 2008 I got married and moved to Miami and two years later I took a leap of faith as a Portrait Photographer.
I reinforced my knowledge about composition and lighting and created a small studio in our apartment living room.
I love photographing people, but it is still hard for me to decide what genre is my favorite.
Mother and child images I hold dear to my heart. The sweet wait of maternity pictures, the capture of those little expressions of a newborn and the looks of the happy parents, is priceless. The emotion of wedding photography; how in a single day a new family is born and unfolds before your eyes.
Creating alluring images, those that have the power to lift your spirit and create memories for generations to come…That is my passion.
Four years ago I officially opened my studio at home; a whole room with two big windows which allows me to do sessions using natural light, which I love, as well as artificial studio lighting.
I can’t stop learning and searching for new creative ways to keep doing what I love the most: taking pictures!
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?
It’s been a long road between 1999 and today. Trying to keep up with my passion and having to work at a different job at the same time. Starting a business as an unknown artist is costly and time intensive. On the other hand, we are living in a digital era, and anyone with a cellphone is now a “photographer”, but I have been teaching my clients about the importance of having their work printed and displayed at home, not only in social media.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Portrait Photographer. The main focus of my work has always been women. I am the photographer who works with you to create a meaningful image, one you would like to have enlarged and hung on your wall. Because I am a woman as well, I can understand how we feel about ourselves, how vulnerable we can be at times and how we’ve been putting away that “pampering” we’ve always wanted but we never got. I work with other professionals for hair and make-up and have a closet to mix and match your outfits. These elements make the circle complete, so instead of a regular photoshoot, my clients come for an experience.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Creative live, Fashion magazines and blogs for inspiration, 17-19 century art also for inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Email: pa@pilarandujarphotography.com
- Website: www.pilarandujarphotography.com
- Instagram: @pilarandujarphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilarAndujarPhotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzChHTPC01JacAWk068epA
Image Credits
Pilar Andujar Photography
