Today we’d like to introduce you to Yessenia Esmeralda Garza.
Hi, Yessenia Esmeralda. Can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi there, I’m originally from Laredo, TX, in 2015 I moved here to study photography at The Art Institute of San Antonio. In 2018, I received my bachelor’s degree in digital photography. San Antonio has now become my 2nd home. I enjoy many arts, such as music, painting, quilting, filming, and photography!
Although I had been freelancing since I got my degree, around 2020, I played around with different names for my business and landed with Vervain Studios. I love flowers, and when researching wildflowers native to south/central Texas, I chose Vervain for its unique name and lovely color. I also went with Studios instead of photography so I will never feel boxed into only providing photography services.
During my studies and soon after, my main focus was concert/music photography as well as studio portraiture. Now my focus has still been on portraits but also on event photography like weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. In addition, I also provide photo booth services now with fun props and quick on site printing.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a bit bumpy, but that won’t stop me from doing what I love. Two struggles come to mind, during COVID lockdowns and when working at another company.
- First, COVID was difficultmentally since we were all bunkered in our home, and in my family, my guelita (grandma) and my tio (uncle) passed away due to COVID-19. During this time, because all major event gatherings like concerts stopped, I started transitioning from music photography to outdoor portraits and family event photography.
- The second bump in the road was when I started working at a company whose main services were providing dj/mc work for parties and photo booth services. It was a fun job, and I only had a few complaints, but unfortunately, amistake I would never make again; I did not fully read and understand the contract I signed when I started working there. When I found out I signed for a 2-year post working non-compete, and they wouldn’t allow this to be changed, I decided it was best for me to leave.
I was told it is standard in the industry to stop people from working in that field for x amount of years after they leave. While you work for a company, a non-compete agreement is understandable, but for you to hold someone from their field, their art, for multiple years after they have stopped working for you does not sit right with me. There are plenty of fish in the sea and plenty of work for everyone to succeed.
Both of these struggles were difficult but part of my journey. I always envisioned photographing musicians only, but switching to working with families, couples, kids, or anyone has been amazing! Working at that company made me want to change how the industry works. We shouldn’t be greedy and stop other artists from doing their work; we should be helping and encouraging others to grow.
As you know, we’re big fans of Vervain Studios. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
Vervain Studios has a lot of services to offer. Primarily, we specialize in portraiture (on-location or in-studio) & event photography (weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays, and corporate events). Other services include photo booth rentals, floral photography preservation, and concert/music photography.
When it comes to party planning, there are so many different services and companies to go through to book every aspect, such as food, drinks, decoration, photography, music, bouquet preservation, desserts, etc. Hopefully, by going through us, booking multiple services in one place will add to smooth sailing in your party planning. Most of these are priced by package, but if you’d like something a little different than what is offered, please reach out with your needs; we will be happy to help! And if you book multiple services, there is an added discount!
Pricing:
- Portrait Photography $750+
- Event Photography $500+
- Wedding / Quinces $1,500+
- Photo Booth $600+
- Floral Preservation $350+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vervainstudios.com/
- Instagram: @VervainStudios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervainStudios/
Image Credits
Yessenia Esmeralda Garza at Vervain Studios
