Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Valdes-Gutierrez
Hi Monique, 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?
Creativity has always been an integral part of my life. My journey into photography began when my oldest son started training with renowned NBA trainer Stan Remy in Miami. For years, I handled video and photography for the kids and the team, capturing moments on and off the court. Eventually, Stan approached me to manage the team’s social media, and I noticed photographers covering the games. Inspired, I purchased a camera to create high-quality content for the team’s page.
Stan gave me the opportunity to cover his NBA summer trainings and runs, working with professional athletes. In a short period, my business has grown significantly, allowing me to venture beyond sports and explore other avenues in photography. It’s been an incredible journey, filled with support from some of the top NBA players, and I’ve enjoyed every step of it. I’m excited to see where this takes me I enjoy every part of it!
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?
My photography journey has been anything but smooth—more like a wild adventure! From the start, I’ve been self-taught, so it’s been a lot of trial and error, countless sleepless nights, and non-stop practicing. I’d spend hours editing, learning techniques, and even reaching out to fellow photographers for tips. Thankfully, I pick things up pretty quickly (thank you, brain!) and I’ve managed to get my sports photography to a level I’m really proud of. Now, I’m pushing myself to step out of the sports zone and explore new areas, which has been exciting. It’s been a fun, challenging ride!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My name is Monique, I’m a wife and a mom of 2 little athletes! I’m a photographer with a strong focus on sports photography, which has become what I’m most known for—capturing those high-intensity action shots that make the game come alive. But for me, it’s not just about the action; it’s about the story behind the game—the raw emotions, the candid moments, whether it’s celebration or defeat. I love playing with color, blur, and black-and-white shots, which have kind of become my signature style.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come in a relatively short time. I’ve worked hard to develop my skills, from teaching myself everything I know to now working alongside top pros. But what really sets me apart is my ability to capture the authenticity of the moment, not just the play-by-play, but the heart of the sport. And as I venture into new areas of photography, I’m excited to see what’s next!
Any big plans?
My plans for the future include expanding my business to cover a wider variety of sports. Basketball has been my main focus and passion, but I’m excited to venture into other sports and see what I can capture in different arenas. I’m also putting it out into the universe—I would love to work with a professional sports league one day!
In addition to photography, I’m looking to grow my skills in videography. It’s an area I want to dive deeper into, learning more and pushing myself creatively. I’m really excited about what the future holds as I continue to grow and challenge myself in both photography and videography.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportsfiendmedia/
