Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenice Garcia.
Hi Jenice, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I didn’t begin my career in photography. I originally studied architecture in Venezuela, a field that shaped the way I see light, composition, balance, and detail. Life, however, took an unexpected turn, and after immigrating to the United States, I found myself rebuilding from the ground up—both personally and professionally.
Photography started as a quiet, almost accidental passion. When I became a mother, I felt a deep desire to preserve the fleeting moments of my children’s earliest days. What began as a personal project quickly turned into something much bigger when other families started trusting me with their own stories. I fell in love with newborn photography not just for its beauty, but for its meaning—the pause it creates in a fast world, honoring life at its very beginning.
Over the last eight years, that passion has grown into My First Photo, a full-time newborn and baby photography studio in South Florida. I’ve had the privilege of photographing thousands of families, building a recognizable minimalist style, and creating an experience that prioritizes safety, connection, and emotion over trends or excess props.
Today, my work extends beyond the studio. I’m focused on refining the client experience, competing in professional photography competitions, and mentoring other photographers through education and workshops. My journey has been shaped by resilience, reinvention, and faith—and every step has reminded me that sometimes the paths we don’t plan lead us exactly where we’re meant to be.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road—and that’s something I don’t talk about often. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to grow without losing myself in the process. As my business expanded, I faced burnout, creative exhaustion, and the pressure to constantly keep up with algorithms, trends, and expectations that didn’t always align with my values or artistic vision.
Another struggle has been learning to trust others. For a long time, I tried to do everything on my own—from shooting and editing to client communication and marketing. Letting go, building a team, and accepting that I didn’t have to carry everything alone was both necessary and deeply uncomfortable.
There were also moments of doubt that came with visibility. Being recognized in your community brings opportunities, but it also brings comparison, criticism, and the quiet fear of outgrowing what once felt safe. Choosing to evolve meant risking judgment and stepping into new spaces before feeling “ready.”
What ultimately carried me through those seasons was clarity. I learned to make decisions based on purpose rather than fear, to slow down when needed, and to redefine success on my own terms. The struggles didn’t disappear—but they refined me, both as an artist and as a person.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an artist, my work lives at the intersection of simplicity and emotion. I specialize in newborn and baby photography, but at its core, my work is about preserving connection—those quiet, in-between moments that often pass unnoticed yet carry the deepest meaning.
I’m known for a minimalist, fine-art approach that strips away distraction and allows the baby, the family, and the emotion to lead. Rather than relying on elaborate props or heavily styled sets, I focus on light, texture, body language, and trust. This creates images that feel timeless rather than trendy—photographs that still make sense years later.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the imagery, but the experience behind it. Newborn photography requires patience, emotional awareness, and a deep respect for both baby and parents. I’ve built a process that prioritizes safety, calm, and intention, allowing families to feel seen, supported, and truly present during a vulnerable season of life.
What sets me apart is the way I merge technical mastery with intuition. My background in architecture trained my eye, but motherhood shaped my heart. I don’t just document how a baby looks—I interpret how this moment feels. That balance between structure and sensitivity is what defines my work and continues to guide everything I create.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m naturally drawn to resources that focus on personal growth rather than productivity hacks. Over the past few years, I’ve been reading several self-development books that have helped me strengthen my confidence and mindset. Two that have stood out to me are Turn On Your Brain and The Richest Man in Babylon. While very different in style, both reinforced the importance of discipline, clarity, and trusting your own decisions.
For a long time, my approach to work was centered almost entirely on pleasing my clients—sometimes at the expense of my own taste, intuition, or creative judgment. These readings, combined with life experience, helped me understand that confidence isn’t about control or ego, but about balance. I learned that honoring my artistic vision doesn’t take away from the client experience; it actually elevates it.
Today, my greatest resource is self-awareness. I’ve learned to listen more closely to my instincts, to set healthier boundaries, and to create from a place of alignment rather than fear. That internal shift has impacted not only my work, but how I show up in life overall.
Pricing:
- Newborn Sessions begin at approximately $300, with options to customize based on images, products, and session style
- Milestone & Baby Sessions (including sitter and one-year sessions) start around $260
- Maternity Sessions are available as standalone sessions or as part of bundled collections
- Grow With Me packages are offered for families who want to document multiple milestones throughout their baby’s first year
Contact Info:
- Website: https://my1stphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfirstphoto/
Image Credits
Jenice Garcia – My First Photo
