Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Roberto Valenzuela, a fashion/editorial photographer based in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My customers are fashion designers, models, actors, and people in the entertainment industry. But I'm also an author of seven books and a photography educator sponsored by Canon. As an educator, my customers are all photographers worldwide that wish to improve their photographic skills in composition, posing, lighting, and storytelling.

Tell us about yourself

Sometimes you choose a career, and sometimes a career chooses you. In my case, photography definitely chose me, and I have never looked back. I stumbled upon the photography industry when I was asked to teach a business class at Rincon High School in Tucson, AZ. One of the requirements I had, was to teach business by running an actual student-run business. I asked my students what business they would like to build, and they chose digital photography. That decision they made unknowingly changed the course of the rest of my life. I love what I do because photography requires many skills to do it well. You never get bored as a photographer because you constantly refine your skill and meet wonderful people. Photography is also a passport into people's lives. It has been so interesting to get a very close insight into other cultures, families, and traditions from every corner of the globe.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My favorite and biggest accomplishment was turning my dream of becoming one of the 25 photographers sponsored by Canon USA, called The Canon Explorers of Light, into a reality. This was one of those dreams that seemed quite impossible to accomplish, but somehow, it happened!

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Photography is a tricky business to be in because of the rise of mobile phones and how that type of photography has changed the way people perceive what actual photography is. The need for a professional photographer has been more or less replaced by social media popularity or trends. But where there is a challenge, there are always opportunities. Therefore, I only see these challenges as a way to think differently and continue growing.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Invest heavily in quality education.
  2. No matter how much you love what you do, business comes first. Make money with what you love to do. Do not get trapped into thinking that if you are good, the business will come to you; it won't. You must dedicate part of your day to thinking and executing a marketing strategy.
  3. Diversify your income. Running a business is very unpredictable. It's best to have a few income streams coming in. This way, you can protect yourself when the business is down.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.robertovalenzuela.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roberto_photo/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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