We had the good fortune of connecting with Doreen Santos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Doreen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my business was the love for capturing a moment. The one thing that stuck out to me as a kid was looking at all the photos my parents had a box in the closet. I found so much joy looking at photos from the past. Till this day it is something me and my kids love to do. As a photographer, knowing you are going to be apart of families history is such a rewarding experience. In 2020 I became a single mother. Going from a two person income household to one was a scaring thought. My photography business was something I did part time. I really put all into my business for it to grow. I started investing in myself. It was alot of trial and error but this business really gave me the stability of that second income that my household lost. I couldn’t thank my clients enough for referring me and also just checking in on me. My kids. They have been my biggest supporters. From coming to shoots to help me. Telling their friends and families about me. It is truly our family business. They watched me build my business from scratch and I will always want them to be proud of their momma.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a lifestyle photographer. So I will pose you to get some good shots I work best with capturing you in your natural state. I want the emotional. The way you and your partner look at each other. I want to capture your kids running crazy and laughing. I want to capture the rawness of your family. When people look at your photographs I want them to say “they captured you perfectly”. Perfectly imperfect is what I strive for when taking family photos.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a die hard laker fan I am taking them to LA Live. Lol I dont care if they are not a laker fan imma show you the house Kobe Built. Out of state family also loves the beach. My favorite would be laguna.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My kids. Being a single mom, it is not easy to share your only parent. It is funny because whenever they want to plan their weekends they ask ” Mom, Do you have shoots this weekend?” The main reason they ask is to see if I am going to need any of their help. As much as I try not to there are events I have to miss of theirs because I have a shoot. It is never an issue. They are always so understanding. So to my babies. Thank you for being my heart. My reason for pushing through all obstacles and I will always want to make you proud.

Website: https://doreendeephotography.mypixieset.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doreendeephotography

Image Credits
Doreen Dee Photography

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