Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Young
Hi Bonnie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had a strong passion for capturing the moments.
It started when I would I see my mom hold that huge video camera on her shoulders while following my sister and I around. Or when capturing moments with friends and family at gatherings or the zoo.
My dad had a hobby for taking pictures of ordinary objects and making them look so interesting in a way you would’ve never looked at them before. I loved it!
As soon as I was old enough, I bought my first disposable camera. I must’ve been in elementary school. I absolutely loved taking pics of anything and everything! It continued into my teenage years and adulthood.
This passion has never stopped. I still love capturing the moments and taking pictures of beautiful things and people. ✨📸 it’s a way for me to get out of the world we see in front of us, and see it in a different light. See the beauty. See the story behind each person. I love fairytales, and I love that pictures can make you feel like you are in one. It’s definitely a happy place for me.
My husband has continually told me to follow this passion over the years 🤍 To be honest, this was something that was so nerve wracking for me. Sharing something that I love, with the fear of being critiqued. So scary! But now, after 10+ years of being mom and wife, I was ready to add to my journey!
I was eager to start something that was just for me.
Funny thing is, people thank ME all the time for taking their pictures. Capturing their memories. Bringing family together for these photos sessions. But in reality, I’m so thankful to THEM. Every single session that I do, brings me so much joy. I feel like it’s my mother-daughter session, my wedding, my graduation, my anniversary, my family…it’s amazing.
So again, I’m thankful to my husband Michael for encouraging me to start this. For supporting me completely.
Also, my wonderful friend Abi with Cupcake Photography has been an unbelievable mentor from the very beginning. She has guided me every step of the way to help turn this wonderful hobby into a way to help support my little family.
Thankfully, there have been many other avenues of support!
Mili with DeMartini Weddings has also provided a fabulous mentoring session for me. Her work is unbelievable! Along with photographer,
Ruben Reyes, who has honestly been an inspiration to me for the past 20+ years! He is a genius behind the camera!
I’m thankful for everyone who has been there every step of the way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, it was actually pretty smooth for a long time! As soon as I put myself out there as a professional photographer, I had an unbelievable amount of support!
I couldn’t believe how much people were loving my work! It was a dream!
However, life happens and you do get inside your head. There are many amazing photographers in San Antonio! And at times, I can let my insecurity get the best of me. I will think to myself, “No one wants me to take their pictures when there are so many other better photographers.” Or “My work isn’t good enough.”
It’s a constant battle. Thankfully, I’m constantly reminded by other established photographers that I cannot compare myself. And to always remember why I started this. It’s for my love of photography. People who like my style will be drawn to me. And if they don’t like it, that’s totally OK. I just need to remain confident in what I’m doing and the example I’m setting for my kids.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a photographer. Plain and simple. I cannot say that I just do families, weddings, parties, or business branding! I’ve done it all and I love it all! People have come to me for all sorts of reasons for me to take their pictures. If it’s special or important to them, it’s special and important to me. I am proud that in every type of session that I’ve been asked to do, I’ve been able to do it. In every style of editing, I’ve been asked to do, I’ve been able to do it. I really haven’t figured out what my niche is. But I think it’s because I love it all. I love every type of session. I love every type of editing technique. I just love photography. And that possibly might be what sets me apart. If a client asked me to do a certain type of session or edit a certain way, I generally welcome this challenge. It excites me. Makes me nervous! But excites me.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Something that helps me do my best in life? That’s an easy one, the Bible. JW Library app and the Bible definitely help me in every aspect of life. But what’s great is that even in the line of work that I do, photography, it helps me see things in a whole different way. Creation is, for the lack of a better word, extraordinary! And the more I read from scriptures, the more I love creation and people. I feel and hope that this love translates into my work.
Pricing:
- Group Lifestyle Portraits- $255
- Self- Love Portraits- $245
- Mini Sessions- $165
- Portrait Stations- $345
- Weddings- $600+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bonnieblueoceanphotos.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonnie_blue_ocean_photos?igsh=OTNmeTR4Z2Z1cmh5&utm_source=qr
