Photographer Spotlight: Monica Reyes
We’re back again with another photographer spotlight. Let us introduce you to Monica Reyes, a talented event, family, and branding photographer known for her clean and true-to-life aesthetic. Recently, Monica chose our natural light studio as the setting for one of her branding sessions. The ample natural light our studio offers allowed Monica to capture bright and beautiful images that perfectly aligned with her signature style. Our studio's unique features, such as the pink seamless backdrop and fun disco ball props provided Monica with the perfect tools to bring her client's vision to life.
What was the vision behind this shoot?
To capture the creative genius of California-based event designer, Lindsi, owner of The Collective Creative. We wanted to showcase her festive and whimsical Christmas tablescapes and products, while also capturing some fun branding images that captured her fun and creative personality.
What is your favorite type of content to shoot?
I love all of the content I get to shoot but my favorite would have to be branding images. There's something special about working with new entrepreneurs who are so excited to tell their story and share their passion, service or product. All of my branding shoots are planned and executed in close collaboration with the client. We work together to develop a theme or style for each shoot and we decide together what location, props and poses will best suit their branding and marketing needs. So, the work really begins way before the session. I provide each client with a custom Session Guide, which includes our schedule, shot lists, wardrobe recommendations, props, makeup and hair stylists, as well as poses they can practice. We truly have so much fun together and my favorite part is weeks later when I see them use their images to share their business with the world. This makes my heart so happy! I want my time with the client to be uplifting, encouraging and memorable. I want them to walk away feeling good about themselves and the direction of their business. I will take your branding photos but more importantly, I'll be there long term to cheer you on and encourage you however I can. The photo shoot is really just the beginning of a wonderful relationship I like to build with my clients.
What are you known for? What makes your style unique?
I'm known for my clean aesthetic and versatility. I can shoot an outdoor event with the brightest daylight and also shoot in a dark and moody room. I'm comfortable with various lighting situations, although I prefer a nice bright studio, like Brightside Studios. My business is unique in the way that I shoot almost everything. The photography industry encourages us to specialize in one area of business; like weddings, family portraits or branding. I tried doing that early on by only shooting High School and College Senior portraits but I wasn't happy doing just one thing, so I went against the industry rules and decided that I would choose the work that I wanted to do and I never turned back. I have photographed everything from the Vice President of the United States to llamas to a new line of skincare products to birth photography to beautiful events and corporate headshots. It's been a fun ride!
Can you share with us one of the best pieces of advice you’ve received as a creative?
One of the best pieces of advice was given to me by my best friend and biggest cheerleader, my mom, Millie. She had such an entrepreneurial spirit and really encouraged me to start my own photography business when I didn't think I was ready. She told me nobody is ever really ready to take the leap and start their own business, THEY JUST DO IT. The worst thing that can happen isn't trying, failing and closing down your business. The worst that can happen is that you never try, you never bet on yourself and you're left with a bunch of what if's in life. She was so right and I'm so grateful that she encouraged me to step out in faith.
What did you like most about the studio?
There are so many things I love about Brightside Studios! First, I love that it has street access and I don't have to haul equipment up stairs or take clients through elevators to get in the studio, it's easily accessible. You can park right in front, unload and walk through the front door. Second, the lighting is wonderful! The white walls help reflect beautiful light and create the perfect canvas for any type of shoot. Next, I love the different sets - the living room, large kitchen and the dining room area - you can truly shoot anything in here. Lastly, the DISCO BALLS! No photographer wants to haul 10 disco balls into a studio and at Brightside, you don't have to! They have a basket filled with different sizes of disco balls and I love it.
How can we connect with you?
I would love the opportunity to chat with you and hear all about your photography needs. I can be reached via email at info@monicareyesphotography.com. You can also see my work and follow me on Instagram and Facebook at @monicareyesphotography and on my new TikTok account at @monicareyesphotog. To see a portfolio of my work, please visit my website at www.MonicaReyesPhotography.com.
Throughout the session, Monica used our studio’s props and features to capture stunning images that not only met but exceeded her client's expectations. It was a joy to see Monica's creativity come alive within our walls, and we’re excited to have her come back again soon! If you want to see what other Dallas branding photographers have created in our natural light studio, check out our previous photographer spotlight on Victoria Saperstein.
If you’re looking to bring your photoshoot to life in our studio, head over to our scheduling page or shoot us an email at info@brightsidestudios.com