Today we’d like to introduce you to Fabiana Solano.
Hi Fabiana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Fabiana Solano. I’m an immigrant from Venezuela who came to the United States at the age of 7 (I’m 26 now). I grew up in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and moved to Fort Myers, FL, to go to college at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU).
I originally went to university to become a nurse. That did not work out and I ended up graduating with my bachelor’s in communications three years later in 2019. During my time at FGCU, I worked for the marketing department as a photographer. My parents gifted me my first DSLR camera after graduating from high school. FGCU taught me everything I know about photography. I only took one photography class.
I started my work in photography at the university but also doing senior portrait sessions on the side. It first started as a hobby where I would do them for free. Slowly, I started building a side hustle. I’ve photographed over 400 FGCU students. They are my bread and butter, but I started dabbling in other things.
Additionally, I became an advocate for sustainability and started a campaign called #DONTgLITTER. I noticed a huge issue with photographers and students using confetti and glitter for their photos outside. Unfortunately, these microplastics harm our natural habitats and waterways. I made it my mission to educate and provide alternatives to students like flower petals, bubbles, or props.
I officially acquired my LLC in March of 2023. I’ve been a photographer for 8 years now and have learned a lot (and I am still learning, especially the business side of things). I’ve photographed two of your featured entrepreneurs!
Along with acquiring my LLC, I also opened my first photography studio (based in Bonita Springs, FL) in March of 2023. I wanted a space for myself where I could be creative. I consider myself a natural light photographer, so I needed a space that had a lot of great light coming through. Through that venture, I’ve been able to offer family, brand, and portrait sessions with a whole new vibe and look. Not long thereafter, I upgraded to a bigger space in November of 2023. This is the space I’m currently in now and it’s available for rent. Photographers, videographers, or creators of any kind are free to rent the space.
Something I don’t share often is that I don’t do photography full-time. This is all a side gig still. Any money I make in photography goes back into the business. I currently work full-time at a Fortune 500 company. It gives me the freedom to grow my business without financial worry. Of course, my goal one day is to do photography full-time and make a profit. But I’m patient and my time will come soon.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. I’ve gone into all of this blindly and have learned everything I know through trial and error.
To this day, I have not made a profit. I’ve been net zero. All of the money I make goes back into my business, or I pay it forward by supporting and showcasing other small businesses. This is a huge passion of mine and I’m okay with struggling now till I make it.
I remind myself that the most successful people known worldwide didn’t give up. They kept trying no matter what because they believed in themselves. I should be no different.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in anything natural-light photography. My two main focuses are weddings and portrait photography. I’ve been trying to break in the wedding scene a bit more so my portfolio isn’t as big there. Portraits, on the other hand, are a different story.
I’ve done brands, families, products, seniors, couples, events, and so much more. I’m predominantly known for my senior portrait sessions. It’s what started my entire photography business. They are my bread and butter and I don’t think I could ever let them go. I know for a FACT that I’m extremely good at senior sessions.
I’m most proud of my creative work where I can have free reigns to create whatever I’m envisioning. Usually, this kind of work occurs with brands, artists (musicians), and products. These clients let me have complete freedom in what is being captured. My goal is to do more work like that with an editorial vibe.
What sets me apart from others is my turn-around time. It’s the one thing I refuse to change about my business because I know that many photographers take weeks or months to deliver photos. But not me. For any portrait session, my turn-around time is 48 hours. For weddings and large events, it’s 72-hours. I’ve also been known to deliver photos same day at no extra charge. I just LOVE doing this so much that I literally can’t wait for days to edit people’s photos.
Another thing that sets me apart is my editing. It’s very natural and colorful. Many of my clients state that that’s one of the main reasons they hire me.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I understand that photography can become extremely competitive. There are so many photographers.
But I’m a huge believer in community and I do not see anyone in the industry as my competition. Why someone would hire someone else is not the same reason why they would hire me. Whoever hired me was meant to work with me because it was a perfect fit from the start. This mindset keeps me confident and in a good mental state as well.
One more thing about my studio – my goal is to make it a hub and place for photographers to come together to learn and create together. I hope to hold events and educational opportunities.
Pricing:
- $400 for a 1-hour portrait session
- $300 for a 1-hour senior session
- $325 for a 1-hour studio session
- $1,500 for a wedding
- $100/hour for studio rental
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fabianamsolano.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byfabianamsolano/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabianamsolano/
Image Credits
Fabiana Solano
