Meet Kimberly Terasa | Photographer/Videographer & Cybersecurity Student

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

Hi Kimberly, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
The end goal for me is to be able to cultivate a creative, supportive, and thriving community. In the future, I would love to start my own photography studio – possibly even expanding that into a full-on production studio and company. Possibly having audio recording room, props, photo ops, and even a venue to host events and bring the community together.

But the bigger picture is about being a part of the greater world and helping people help themselves, so they can in turn help each other. I want to be able to spread more love and positivity. Along those lines, I’d like to start some non-profits down the line with operating shelters, hotlines, and outreach programs to offer emergency housing, trauma counseling, job training, legal aid, and other services to help people recover and rebuild their lives. Some specific non-profit ideas are to assist domestic abusive victims, trafficked individuals, and teaching the community how to build homes and providing those homes to those in need, providing resources and awareness for different health conditions, such as Herpes Awareness, and creating a community hub for creatives.

It’s also worth mentioning that while I pursue my creative endeavors, I am attending Sam Houston State University majoring in Cybersecurity. This field of study aligns with my interest in protecting digital data and ethically hacking to find missing people with Trace Labs. I believe in using my skills to contribute to important causes to make a difference in people’s lives. Being able to fund my creative photography/videography projects and supporting fellow artists is a goal of mine, as we all strive to pursue our passions and make a living doing what we love. There’s just so much potential there with the right funding and resources to make even greater impact.

In the end, it all really started with my passion for photography and videography. Being able to document people’s talents, passions, and stories has given me the chances to be a part of so many unique experiences that have fueled my goals for greater issues, projects & goals.

That’s the dream! The end goal is not just professional success, but to use my skills & platform to support and uplift my community & beyond!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Houston-based photographer/videographer (@whata.photographer) with a deep-rooted connection to the vibrant culture of this city. Photography and videography are not just jobs for me – they are my creative outlets, my way of connecting with people, and my means of preserving memories.

Through my photography and videography, I provide a range of services that cater to various occasions and clients. I specialize in creating photo/videoshoot projects for individual and family portraits, events, grand openings, maternities, weddings, senior graduations, birthdays, headshots, real estate, music videos, and more. I strive to be a part of the milestones and events that bring people together to document the aspect of them.

In addition to working with individuals, I collaborate with businesses of all sizes to create social media content that resonates with their target audience to aim to showcase the products or services they offer. Helping to communicate their brand message, since having an active media presence can play a role in helping to expand further reach and attract potential clients.

I take great pride in the relationships I try to build with anyone I meet. I am passionate about understanding people. Witnessing the joy on their faces when they see the final product of shooting is rewarding and fuels my drive to continue creative projects to highlight their unique qualities and stories.

One thing I want people to know about me is that I am deeply rooted in the Houston culture. I am inspired by the chopped and screw music, SLAB car culture, and the overall creative spirit that thrives in this city. This connection allows me to infuse a unique flavor into my work, capturing the essence of Houston and its people in a way that resonates with both locals and those who appreciate the city’s culture from afar.

Looking ahead, one of my aspirations is to become known as the “Slab Photographer.” I want to offer themed photoshoots with slab cars into their sessions. By combining my passion for photography with the iconic Houston car culture, I hope to create unforgettable photo/videoshoot experiences that celebrate both personal style and community pride.

The truth is, making it as a creative hasn’t been easy – it’s been one hell of a rollercoaster ride, filled with more than a few bumps and bruises along the way. When I first started out, I was basically scraping by, while trying to stay positive. There were so many moments where I questioned whether I was even on the right path, you know?

But through it all, I just kept pushing to realize that this “art” has the power to transform lives and have people “travel back in time” to remember and relive the memories of the photos/videos I captured. That’s what fueled me, being able to use this art to connect with people. I was in a phase of my life where I felt very disconnected, trapped, and isolated.

I knew that I wanted to connect somehow and share myself with the world.

Having to push myself outside of my comfort zone, I started helping people in turn share themselves to the world on social media through the photos and videos. There have been plenty of dead ends and mistakes along the way. But with each new challenge I take on, I feel like I grow a little bit more as a person and creative.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the value of resilience and not being afraid to take risks. In this game, you can’t let rejection or setbacks get you down. You just gotta dust yourself off, learn from your mistakes, and keep pushing forward. And man, the feeling of having your work resonate with people in a meaningful way – there’s nothing else quite like it. That’s what makes all the struggle and hustle worth it.

So I guess what I want the world to know is that I’m a creative who’s in it to make a difference in people’s lives. Using my photography/videography to spark conversations, to hopefully brighten someone’s day, or to make people see the world a little differently. That’s what gets me truly fired up.

I’m here to keep exploring, experimenting, & putting my whole heart into every new project. This is a lifelong journey, and I’m just getting started.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s usually an event going on at Carlos Castaneria’s place at The Art and Culture Lab.
– Radio Zone 6512 N Main St, Houston, TX has music performances and stand-up comedy nights.
– The End, Houston Music Venue @ 7126 Lawndale St, Houston, TX
FOOD
– Nancy’s Hustle @ 2704 Polk St, which is a New American restaurant. Parmesan and Pancetta Croquettes, Nancy Cakes, and Lamb Tartare are lovely.
HANG OUT
– By walking down Montrose, Heights, or Westheimer near Elridge Park. Take the bus, don’t be afraid to explore by taking the Metro Bus and MetroRAIL.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh wow. I would like to narrow down 8 people. Carlos Castaneira, Andrew Stone, Randy “Rasta” Mendoza, Ali Kayani, Douglas Matheson, ID, Dr. V, and my mom.

Carlos Castaneria (@mono.mango/@5301.18a)

is the founder and curator of The Art and Culture Lab, which is a research center for social architecture design and sustainable collective practices in East Downtown, TX. He has created a space that brings people together through their passion for the arts and culture.

The moment you step foot in The Art and Culture Lab, it exudes creativity, innovation, and a genuine care for connections. Carlos has this ability to make everyone who walks through the door feel welcomed, valued, and inspired.

The space has brought in all around talent from emerging creatives, artists, designers, and thinkers who are doing events/workshops that aligns with art, sustainability, social justice, and preserving culture.

But beyond just offering a platform, Carlos is always generous with his time and wisdom. He takes a genuine interest in everyone who comes into the Lab, listening intently to understand their perspectives and offering thoughtful mentorship and guidance. He empowers the community by giving people a voice to redefining what’s possible.

The Art and Culture Lab has become this hub of collaborative energy – a place where people from all walks of life can come together to learn, experiment, & uplift one another. And that’s all thanks to Carlos’ commitment to.. mangos.

____
Andrew Stone (@andrewstonesound)

is an incredible musician, singer, songwriter, and performer from the music scene in Austin. You can hear the blues, folk, and rock woven together in his original songs that it’s always an element of surprise to hear what he plays every time.

The way he sings and plays that guitar of his, it will blows you away every. single. time. Seriously, the skill and passion he pours into his music is special.

The first time I saw him perform, I was confused by his talent. It was hard for me believe, “how is this guy even real? where did he come from?”

It was like witnessing some kind of musical sorcery.

I remember sitting there, trying to wrap my head around how someone could have that level of talent and creativity. But now, having witnessed him perform more times, I understand that that kind of mastery doesn’t just happen overnight. It was the product of years and years of dedicated, relentless hard work, honing his craft, pushing the boundaries of his abilities to new levels of skill & expression.

I have no doubt that he could probably play his guitar in his sleep at this point.

His music and journey as a musician is what inspires me. Showing me that it isn’t about being born with some special talent. It’s about dedication and willingness to put in the hard work, day in and day out. He embodies that kind of commitment and passion.

He has also created and PIONEERED a technique on the guitar, called PINKY TAPPING. Check out his videos on his Instagram/YT/FB to see how insane this man is.

Thanks for sharing your talents and heart with the world Andrew, it’s a true gift to anyone who has encounter it.

_______
Randy “Rasta” Mendoza (@irie_razta)

is an ex-lover of redheads, hopeful future Portugal resident, soulful reggae icon, skateboard rebel, laundry master, wine connoisseur, that has an open relationship for all things alcohol-related.

He knows how to turn any gathering into an unforgettable celebration. His lyrics speak of love, equality, and freedom, creating a powerful connection between his music and the listeners’ hearts.

Skateboarding injuries are as follows: herniated disk, broken both wrists & both ankles, right forearm, one of his elbows, right shoulder, sternum, ribs on the left side, and a cracked dome.. and he won’t stop here folks until he gets paralyzed.

From his incredible talent to his thoughtful and caring nature, his soul is a treasure for you to have kids with so he can pass down his talent while he’s still alive and kickin’. But it’s not just his incredible music talent that shines through, it’s also the dedication he brings to his craft.

His music has impacted me ever since I heard Ojos Rojos HTX play at Scout Bar, when he first hired me to take his band’s performance photos after us meeting at a Sublime Concert at The Pavilion! Rasta and his bands are the reason why I appreciate reggae music as much as I do, and why it’s my favorite out of the genres. Shoutout to Calvert, Lew, Jeremy, Ray, Clint, Alex “Papi Sancho” & Joel.

Ask him to listen to “In Yer Dreams”!
Check out his bands and performance events on the band’s profiles below:
@ojosrojoshtx
@beachsidevibeshtx
@thehighmile
@rastamtrio
______
Ali Kayani and Douglas Matheson

Kayani was my biology teacher, and the two of us bonded over our shared love of cars. He had this way of making our conversations come alive with how he expressed his passion for his family, life, and cars.

Matheson, my science teacher, would hold these amazing after-school tutorials where we’d take turns teaching each other different concepts. I loved that back-and-forth, collaborative dynamic – it made learning feel so much more engaging and meaningful.

I’m grateful to have had teachers like Kayani and Matheson who saw my potential and went the extra mile to nurture my curiosity and growth. They didn’t just teach the material – they’ve left lasting impressions on me to this day.

Beyond just the academic stuff, they were inspirational figure who always pushed me to pursue my passions, whether it was cars, teaching, or whatever else I was interested in. They had this infectious enthusiasm that made me want to dive deeper and really explore the things that excited me.
_______
Dr. V.
Your dedication to help others & to speak the truth, no matter the cost to never given up – even with your diagnosis. Even if they attempt to destroy your life’s work, you refuse to back down and continue to fight to expose the truth and protect the vulnerable.

It’s the platonic love we share for each other and for the world that we have been searching to receive back. I am inspired by your silliness, positive outlook, and anyone to have met you, is lucky enough to get to know you.
_______
ID
Thank you for being the catalyst to my self-awareness.
________
Mom
To who I owe everything and more to for the endless support, love, and the breath of life.

Website: https://info9189513.wixsite.com/creativeagencynearme

Instagram: @whata.photographer

Image Credits
Fair For Houston (@fairforhouston)
The 5 Love Languages (@myoamusic @itsjelayne @itsdiamondxo @sheleahmonea @klarcnaomi)
Andrew Stone (@andrewstonesound)
Quince (@itsmirandaguerra @destinee_cortez @emmy_mtzz)
Transamerica Grand Opening
V-Day Photoshoot Promo (@yahzmen.jaylynn @itsnataliaj @theelectrifiedhoney @ohthataintbad_/@rollindyamonds_ @aa.lybr @godsfavoritedaughterr @klarcnaomi/@klarcslider @ninarenaii)
Under Zennith’s Cypher EP @ (dekotablu @joshmmi @maddiblaire @jadacolemusic)
Ojos Rojos HTX (@irie_razta @lewhill22 @mike_c182 @ojosrojoshtx)