Meet Iliana Garcia-Flores | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Iliana Garcia-Flores and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Iliana, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing about the photography industry that outsiders are probably not aware of is the importance of community over competition. Meaning, the importance of supporting other female photographers and not seeing them as competition but rather a networking and supportive community.

My business model heavily relies on the basic core value of good karma. You produce good karma, you get good karma back. I recognize that my photography business has flourished not by luck, but by lifting others up and being the best human being I can possibly be. I love networking and mentoring other photographers. As an immigrant from Guadalajara, Mexico, I love to see other Latina photogs out there hustling and accomplishing their goals!

The best example I can give of community > competition happened in 2019. A client who I have photographed for over 7 years asked me to photograph her child’s birthday. I have photographed every previous milestone for this family: their proposal, engagement, wedding, holiday photos, and everything in between. Unfortunately, I was completely booked and could not photograph her child. I referred her over to a photographer friend of mine I knew was available and told her she would be in good hands. My client said, “This is why you are MY photographer. You give others the opportunity and don’t see them as competition all while still providing amazing customer service for your clients”. I will never forget this comment. There have also been so many occasions where my other photog friends are not available and they refer my clients to me. It’s just a super supportive never ending cycle of empowerment and support. We need more of this in the small business world.

Just like anything in life, if everyone works together, success takes care of itself. My best advice to other photographers out there is to stop comparing your work and your success with other photographers. Don’t dwell on the negatives and focus on creating your own path and your own brand. At the end of the day, photography is a very black and white industry. Meaning, if someone likes your work, they will hire you. If they don’t they will continue to scroll to find what they are searching for. The right client will find you as long as you keep actively photographing and getting your name out there. The best part about being your own boss is having endless creative freedom and being able to build your own little empire. Take marketing classes, listen to business podcasts, research photography techniques, and create relationships with other photographers in your community… do whatever it takes to make yourself proud of your work and your overall business growth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have my Masters Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Urban Management and Affairs from the University of La Verne (Go Leopards!). The “career goal” was to someday become a City Manager for a city in the San Gabriel valley. I have worked for different local branches of government like the City of Los Angeles, City of Duarte, and now, Temple City for over 8 years. I love government and I’m passionate about working for the communities I serve. During my years of service, I have been part of many amazing projects like, overseeing transitional housing for the homeless, building community gardens, writing local policies for a better quality of life, and creating programs to keep the youth away from gang activity.

I strongly believe that my purpose was to serve the public BUT, my brain heavily craves the need to be creative, here is where my passion for photography lives. Since high school, I discovered a passion for photography. My parents gifted me my very first camera at age 19 for Christmas and it’s a core memory I will never forget. I began photographing everything. My camera was always with me. At age 22, I got my first “paid session”, where a friend hired me to do her graduation pictures. I was so proud of the work I had produced. I jokingly posted them on my personal instagram with the hashtag, #IlianaGarciaPhotography and I woke up the next morning with 15 inquiries. I couldn’t believe it. People wanted ME to take their pictures? The next day I created an instagram account for my photography, @ilianagarciaphoto and the rest is history.

Most people are shocked when they find out that I’m self-taught when it comes to my photography skills. I always jokingly say that I went to “University of Youtube” for photography. They are even more shocked when they realize I have another full-time job as a government employee and do photography on the weekends.

My journey has not been easy, but I believe every good journey must have a rocky road to appreciate how far you have come. Balancing a full-time job, managing a business, and being a wife can be challenging. I’m still learning to manage and balance my hectic lifestyle but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have an amazing support system and my super extroverted personality gets fueled by all the amazing clients and friendships photography has allowed me to make. Some of my accomplishments include: Being an independent contractor for the Dodgers, photographing Kobe Bryant, purchasing my dream camera, and recently becoming an independent contractor for USC.

At age 32, I am standing at a crossroads, not knowing what my future holds. I always said I wanted to grow in my government career and become a City Manager. However, over the last 2 years my career goal has shifted. I have been blessed with the growth of my photography business and maybe exploring the idea of pursuing photography full-time. I guess we will all have to wait and see what happens. Either way, I’m proud of the many opportunities my photography business has brought me and I look forward to new adventures!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time ever, it would consist of a food adventure and some of my favorite places to photograph at! We would start the day with Breakfast at Butter Cafe and Bakery in San Dimas. They have the most amazing french toast! After breakfast we would head over to do some exploring and find some picture-worthy locations. On the way back home we would stop at Tempo Kitchen in Downey for the most delicious dinner ever. Veggie tacos and sushi are my go-to. We would then come back home to chill and watch a movie.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The most important factor of my success has been the support I have from my husband, Michael. Since we both work full-time government jobs during the week, (and photograph on the weekends), my husband has been my secret weapon when it comes to the success of my business. With his background in Finance, he handles all of the business side of my business. On days when I am glued to my computer editing photos, he handles all the cooking and cleaning so that I’m not stressed.

He drives me to all my photo sessions and even second shoots for me when I do weddings or big events. Michael never complains about helping me, he is my biggest cheerleader, and motivates me to thrive and step out of my comfort zone. We are an amazing team and I’m so grateful to have someone so supportive. I dedicate this shoutout to Michael, my husband and best friend. Lastly, I gotta give a shoutout to my weenie dog, Quest. He is the best companion during long nights of editing. Love my boys forever.

Website: https://ilianagarciaphotography.com

Instagram: @ilianagarciaphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilianagarciaphotography

Image Credits
All images by Iliana Garcia Photography