Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Soler.
Monica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico of a Cuban father and Spanish mother, I moved to Florida when I was four years old and have lived in the South Florida area ever since. My love for photography started at a very young age. I’ve always had a camera in my hand to record memories of my friends and family and it was basically natural for me to have it on hand for every holiday, event, or just to snap images of myself with friends and family being silly.
My hobby became more serious when I owned my first SLR professional camera. I captured more nature and architectural images using film and taught myself to learn the technical aspects of using a camera in Manual mode.
I eventually created my first portfolio and found every opportunity to go out and photograph as much as I could including animals at the zoo, architectural structures of buildings in South Beach, flowers and nature at the local parks. I took some courses and became involved in as many groups as I could to become acquainted with other photographers and learn from them. I followed by having a few local gallery exhibitions and won a local artist contest for my nature photography.
My love for photography grew profoundly and I gradually became more interested in capturing images of people through portraits and life events. I was hired to do several different jobs and I eventually landed some freelance work shooting nightlife and local runway shows. I started liking the idea that this was becoming a profitable freelance business.
With my degree in Fashion Design and previous work experience as a Visual and Photo Stylist, I have been able to combine both of my talents into one and have been working mostly with commercial and editorial clients ever since. I enjoy working with models yet still love shooting a simple portrait when the opportunity arises.
Has it been a smooth road?
I am one in a sea of many artists. It is a very competitive world. I am passionate about my work and I express it through the dedication I provide to each of my clients. If you enjoy what you are doing then they will feel comfortable and want to hire you for future work.
I, like most, have had struggles competing in this business. When I feel that maybe the competition is too tough, there always seems to be a sign that comes my way to let me know that this is my true passion. Having a camera in my hand and having the opportunity to create special moments and memories will always keep me going. To see the smiles on my subject’s face and to look at my final work once it’s done, is always what satisfies me in the end.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I started my freelance photography business in 2010 and it has grown over the years with a diverse list of clients. I have also had the opportunity to travel to Europe to do editorial work for a magazine.
I consider my rates to be very reasonable and I always work with my clients to accommodate their budgets. At times, I get involved with the selection of models, makeup artists, and location in order to help out my client.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
South Florida is a great place for fashion and photography and my advice to all beginning photographers is to put yourself out there. Social media is such an easy way to promote your work these days. Create your pages and continue shooting more and more images. The more you get your name out there, the more they will know of you and your work. I have been recommended numerous times to new clients by word of mouth or through my social media pages and website.
Contact Info:
- Website: monicasolerphotography.com
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Katalin Dobos; Raquel Laker; Liam; Milena Narciso; Anya Keefe; Ania H. Jarmolowski; Jade Wimer
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