Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula VM.
Hi Paula, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – To start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles and have always been involved in the arts and entertainment industries. I attended art school as a fashion design major but always had my camera in hand. I met my husband while I was pursuing acting {he is also in the entertainment industry}; he happened to have been trained in photography and was shooting film. He took headshots of me, and I told him I was interested in learning more about photography, and he immediately got me my first digital camera. He taught me what he could, and then I learned by trial and error. After I felt comfortable with my digital camera, I also learned to shoot film. I started taking actors’ headshots {as many were my friends} and then began shooting models, where my fashion design experience came in handy. In 2017, we moved to Texas. My husband was born here. We settled in Boerne, and I started shooting from home, focusing on beautiful portraiture for women and their families until I got a studio space in town. I still create beautiful heirloom portraiture for women and headshots and branding. I was asked to be a preferred wedding vendor for the brand new wedding venue, The Ironwood Barn, at Von Erich Ranch in Boerne. I have had a successful time, and I am grateful for that.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Balancing family and business is not easy, and as my husband travels for work, it made it much harder. Still, I wouldn’t trade the experience as we have been fortunate to travel all over the United States. The biggest struggle is giving equal time to being creative but also being able to run a profitable and sustainable business. I have seen so many creatives not know what it takes to run a business, and I did not want to end up like that, so I have done all I can to make sure I don’t and that I know how to run a business and how to price myself so I can make a living wage.
Thanks – What else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create works of art starring You! I leave my clients with tangible memories that will last for generations. When you book a session with me, it’s “Not just a portrait, it’s an experience,” which is my tagline! I strive to create a relationship with every client where they can trust and depend on me before stepping before my camera. I always meet a client in person before any session date is planned. It is a significant first step! I help with wardrobe, makeup, and styling. I also offer studio wardrobes and often pull garments for my clients. I am known for my creative looks and my subtlety sexy images.
What are your plans for the future?
I look forward to branching out into weddings with an edge and brides who want more of a true editorial style of images. I am also looking forward to hosting more events at my studio, as the ones I have had so far have been a blast! This coming year, I would love to have a gallery showing my still-life work that I have so much fun creating. The sky is the limit!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.paulavmphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/paulavmphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/paulavmphotography
- Other: www.tiktok.com/paulavmphotography
Image Credits
Imagery by Paula VM Styling by Paula VM, Hair and makeup by: Molly Farris and Jessenia Taft
