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

Hi Alicia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always been a photo lover. From a young age I loved my picture taken, & loved to take photos of others. I was that annoying child that would bust out a disposable camera and start taking photos of others. After I bought my first DSLR and the more I thought about it the idea of having a business was something I wanted to pursue. So in 2016 I decided to give it a go for a time without realizing how much truly goes into starting a business. I’m sad to say that after a few months I decided to quit and just kept it as a hobby. I could tell I just wasn’t ready to dive deep into photography how I imagined, so I took a step back. Fast forward to 2018 where I was still shooting for fun and feeling stuck with my day job. I remember contemplating if I should attempt doing photography professionally, but this time truly diving deep how I originally wanted to all those years ago. It was like a light switch came on. Suddenly it was constantly on my mind. ” What if you tried and gave yourself three years to see where it takes you. If nothing happens then at least you spent three years knowing you tried”. Over & over I kept thinking. Knowing if I tried hard enough I could meet others & tell their stories through my images. To document unions between couples regardless of age, race, beliefs, sexual preference and share their love story. To celebrate Love, Life , & Families of all sorts. I started focusing on the positive aspects of what possibilities this future held. The thoughts turned into a strong itch & that itch turned into a burning passion! It was then I knew that in that moment it was going to start one of my make or break moments in life. So January of 2019 I signed all my paperwork, created my site, started to network, & dove in full forced! The process was not easy at all, but sometimes we need time to grow as creatives and that internal voice to tell us to go for it to chase our dreams.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am very client focused with my business & People centered with my work. My goal is to not only be a Photographer, but a friend to all my clients. I want you to enjoy the experience. If you are celebrating graduating with your senior session , or marrying the love of your life it is my goal to showcase you and your story! All the little details matter to me. What you love, what you do, what your plans are for your future, I want to hear it all! When I take on clients I make sure to listen to their story. It not only helps me get to know them but gives them a moment to shine! I take their current season of life they are going through and freeze it so one day they can look back and remember just how they felt at that time. Life has so many ups and downs for us all. I love that I have the ability to help others remember all the great moments life gives us! Five years I’ve been shooting but the past year is what has taught me the most. Being a business owner is by no means easy. You shed so much blood, sweat, & tears into your work its challenging at times. There will be plenty of doubts , discouragement, and even mistakes you make along the way. The hardest part isn’t the fight but the entrepreneur spirit of getting back up when you fall! Be patient but fierce! Pour your heart into your work so you love what you do. Intentionally take time to grow & invest in yourself to be the best version of you! Most importantly NEVER give up. If you have that Itch to try something new like I did, then its a sign of great things to come. Fear can stop us from reaching our full potential. Never let that fear stop you from going down a life changing path!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Houston Texas area has so much to see and do! My favorite park is Elanor Park! You can see the city skyline, walk the trail, and see so many dogs! Even at night its a sight to see. If you are looking for a good bite to eat, flower child is my favorite restaurant! They have vegan & gluten free options. If you have dietary restrictions like I do its worth trying! Their gluten free mac & cheese is by far the best! For a fun night with friends, the first place I mention is prohibition theater. Prohibition is a theater that showcases some of the best men and women of the burlesque community! My favorite show of theirs is the moonlight dolls!

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?
My biggest supporters have been My Family. My two sisters who I constantly ask to look at my edits & even use as models sometimes. They are always there to give me insight, believe in me when I don’t believe in myself. They are so kind, loving , and give me the encouragement I need to keep going. My Father is my biggest fan! He is always telling me how proud he is & how he brags to his friends about “his daughter the photographer”. Every time he gives me a pep talk I end up crying happy tears. My best friend Osiris deals with my creative projects and will travel with no complaints. She Has the biggest heart & even takes my head shots for me! Miriam of MV Photography has in a way been a mentor. She is the woman I turn to when I have any photography related questions. She is so talented, sweet, & professional. She is one local photographer I feel inspired by on a daily basis. There are so many more Houston creatives, Vendors & photographers that I absolutely love and feel supported by! They all are so very special to me because without the support system I have I wouldn’t be able to keep going!

Website: https://aliciaporrasphotography.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliciaporrasphotography/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliciciaporrasphotography

Image Credits
Alicia Porras Photography

Nominate someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.