Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Zapata.
Hi Diana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story doesn’t start with a gifted old camera at a young age like many other photographers. I got into photography in my 20’s and although I grew up knowing I wanted to live a creative life, I never imagined I’d own a business. I was in college pursuing a degree in Advertising, and my ultimate goal was to become an Art Director. After I graduated, I almost immediately started my business part-time, it slowly grew (mostly through referrals and word of mouth) and four years later, I went full-time. I’ve had the amazing fortune to photograph couples not only in Florida but around the U.S, the Caribbean, Europe, and Australia. I spend my time between Miami and New York and love my job beyond words.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road and I think you learn to roll with the punches. I’ve made many mistakes along the way, spending money on things for my business that ended up not giving me a return on that investment and I even became what I call “the one-woman show” in many ways: learning how to do SEO, marketing, web design, editing, social media, sales, data entry, bookkeeping, you-name-it. Through the years, I’ve realized that delegating to the right people can make a brand stronger, and that’s what I’m working on now.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a portrait and wedding photographer. I am proud of my job on a daily basis because not only do I love what I do, I see immense value in this offering for my clients. Some time ago, I was going through some baby pictures with my parents and saw a photo of my dad holding me as a newborn baby, and it just clicked – the images I create with my clients, whether on their wedding day or at a casual family portrait session only get more valuable with time. Be it five, ten, or thirty years from now, these images will help them remember all the love and happiness that fills their days, and that to me is extremely valuable, and I hope it is too for my clients.
I think one of the things that set me apart from others is my mindful approach while we are in session. I like to talk to my clients and get them in a comfortable and safe space mentally and emotionally, I’ll have them take a deep breath, hug each other and remember that these are the days that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. I have constantly heard from past clients especially during wedding days that I brought a sense of peace and calm to them, which is not all that surprising since I’m also a certified yoga teacher. Either way, I think there is a method to capturing these images and allowing people to be fully present is certainly the best way to do it in my opinion.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Spending time with my younger sister, we would make up games, dance, sing, have sleepovers in each other’s rooms and laugh so much. We were each other’s best friends.
Pricing:
- Wedding Photography starts at $4,300
- Portrait Photography starts at $520
Contact Info:
- Email: diana@bluesparkphotography.com
- Website: https://bluesparkphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluesparkphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluespark.photography
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/bluesparkphotography/
Image Credits
Photos by Esteban Hernandez, Kieran Garvey, Oliver Fiegel and Kara McCurdy
