Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarissa Esparza.
Hi Clarissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Clarissa but my friends and family call me Claire. I’d love to tell you a cool story like I studied photography in college, or something really sweet like I started taking photos of my kid and from there my passion for photography grew but that’d be a lie. The truth is I’ve always loved photography from a young age.
I lost my father at 15 and I remember looking at a box of pictures and thinking “this is all I have left” at that moment all I wanted was more. From that point any chance I could I would take pictures to capture memories. I started with a small point-and-shoot eventually working up to my first Canon Rebel when my son Liam was born in 2007. For the past 15 years, I’ve been photographing anything from my friend’s and family’s portraits, newborns, holidays, graduation, family sessions, and even a few small events. For so long photography has only ever been a creative outlet and hobby, however, after nearly 20 years in corporate America, my husband and I decided it was time that I put my mental health and well-being first and thus Mi Vida Photography was born this past year.
The love for my son is where the name Mi Vida Photography came from. He’s my only child, my everything. We’ve been through so much together Liam and I. My journey to this point would not have been possible without the support of my son and my amazing husband Jay. It’s not uncommon for either one of them to accompany me once in a while to a shoot if their schedules permit.
I’ve recently invested a lot in photography education which has allowed me to capitalize on my love for natural lighting. It’s also helped me hone in on my niche for grads and family portraits. Truth is I’m very much a work in progress still. I’m still prioritizing my mental health, and my family but ultimately I really want Mi Vida to be a place where my clients can be authentic, and comfortable and allow me to capture memories that reflect just that.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road has definitely not always been smooth. The truth is I suffer from PTSD and anxiety. Thankfully, photography has been always there. Through the creative process, I can tune out all the noise in my head and focus on what I see through the lens.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a lifestyle photographer based in San Antonio and my sessions take place in several locations in Bexar County and the surrounding areas. I specialize in natural light and candid photography. I am known for getting the “aww” shots. Those images pull at your heartstrings. The ones my client’s never even realized I took because oftentimes we were amidst a conversation and their emotions were raw. That’s what sets me apart from others. I always strive to establish a good rapport with my clients.
I encourage them to be their authentic selves; regardless of their emotion. I’m proud of how far I’ve come; how hard I’ve pushed myself to professionally develop what used to be just my hobby and outlet to my full-time passion and drive. Personally, I’m most proud of how hard I continue to work on my mental health. It’s paramount for me to set an example for my son and for others who may also be struggling with their own issues to say it’s okay to not be okay.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
My journey to this point would not have been possible without the support of my son Liam and my amazing husband Jay. They are the backbone of my business, they truly are Mi Vida.
My friend, economy columnist Kimberly Kay Scott has always inspired and encouraged me to live life unapologetically. She’s insanely talented, creative, and an old soul who always draws amazing energy.
Gaby Caskey, my wedding photographer has been paramount in my educational growth as a photographer. She encourages me to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone.
My friends, my girl tribe hands down have been my biggest supporters, and hype men! They have been my models, marketing advisors, and mentors. I know I can count on them all to share content, give me honest feedback, and come up with solution-based mindsets.
Lastly my late father. It was photos of him in that old box all those years ago. My father’s love for art and music helped shape my appreciation for the beauty in people, culture, in everything around us. It cultivated a deep desire within me to want to keep tiny pieces of that beauty everywhere I went. Photography allows me to do just that.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mi_vida_photography?igshid=YzA2ZDJiZGQ=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083880410462
Image Credits
Mi Vida Photography
