Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Porras
Hi Mariah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hey y’all! My name is Mariah. I’m a small-town girl living in the big city of San Antonio. Originally, I was born and raised in a town called Chamberino in the state of New Mexico. Chamberino has a population of 687 citizens as of this year. So, when I say small town…I mean it! My upbringing and culture have deeply influenced me as a person. Chamberino is a little town with not much going on, but the people you find there is what make the town full of heart. I am one-third Native American Comanche Indian and proud. The culture of Native Americans has always intrigued me; the colors in their clothing and lifestyle have had an influence on photography editing style.
Growing up, I struggled much in school and with my peers. As a child, I had trouble communicating my feelings and making friends. My mother noticed this about me and quickly enrolled me in speech therapy. It took me several years before I began talking and using my words. Though I don’t remember much from that time, I do remember my teachers allowing me to express myself through artistic projects and in other ways, such as sign language. The therapy I received helped me excel in public speaking, creating and maintaining friendships and connecting with people. I also feel this was the start of my creative journey. I have always loved art of all forms. I consistently found myself drawing, painting, writing stories, and singing. When I was younger, I used to dance at the Helotes festival doing Folklorico. But out of all these hobbies, the one that has prevailed and stayed consistent has been my love for photography! Throughout the years I’ve had photography at the forefront of my mind and would often take photos in my spare time editing them and admiring my shots.
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?
For many years, I put off my goal of being a photographer. I would consistently tell myself I couldn’t do it, I wasn’t good enough, or there are TOO many photographers—what’s going to make me any different? All of these negative thoughts often consumed me and held me back from pursing my passion. But still, I would keep this hobby to myself and take photos on my phone. What helped me overcome my fears was my supportive family and friends. My mother, Amy, and my husband, Diego, always believed in me. This support and encouragement gave me the courage I needed to pull the trigger and pursue my dream of being a professional photographer. I work full-time in the insurance industry but soon I hope to be able to pursue photography full time. One month a short while back, I worked very hard at my job and got a considerable paycheck. I decided to use that extra income to buy myself my first professional camera and that’s where my photography page began, and Mi Cielo Photography was born!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The name of my business is Mi Cielo photography. When deciding on my photography page, I wanted to make sure that I stood out. My way of doing this is by being myself. The type of photos I strive to take are candid. I love when my clients are also being themselves and this comes across in the photos. I also want my clients to enjoy their experience shooting with me and to feel comfortable. As a woman, I know what it feels like to consistently worry about your self-image and wonder if “I don’t look good in that picture” or “I feel self-conscious.” Trust me, I’ve been there! I specialize in portrait photography. Taking photos of couples, families, kids, weddings etc.! This past year 2023 was the year I got married. When planning my wedding and searching for a photographer I never realized how hard it was to find a good photographer that fulfilled all my wants and needs when it came to my wedding photos. This got me thinking about how I could incorporate what I learned from my own personal experience into my own business. I feel this helps me to sympathize with my clients, I’ve been in their position before and I get it! My services are very affordable. When customers are searching for photography services, I want them to know I’m willing to work with them. My business is growing and I’m growing/learning as a photographer and would love the opportunity to photograph their special moments to create these lifelong memories.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
In late 2019, I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. This put a huge strain on my self-image. Half of my face was completely paralyzed, and my self-esteem tanked! Thankfully, I healed from that experience, but it taught me to love myself despite looks and to be confident in who I am as a person and in my individual work, I know how hard I work to put forth my best effort and that my clients recognize that. So, the lesson? Be confident in yourself and don’t compare your work. There are many amazing photographers but not each one fits each’s person’s needs. Though my business is very new, I’m excited to see what’s next and where this adventure will take me. I want to thank my family and friends who have supported me along the way. They truly have been my source of inspiration.
Pricing:
- Couple/Family session 1 hour – 100$
- Couple/Family session 1 1/2 hour- 150$
- Wedding Packages- 4 hours of coverage- 500$
- Wedding Packages- 8 hours of coverage- 1,000$
- Wedding Packages- 10 hours of coverage 1,500$
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mi.cielophotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563797430646&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Mi Cielo Photography
