Meet Iris Reyes | Wedding & Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Iris, how do you think about risk?
I believe that risk taking is part of success in life. You are never guaranteed success when you think of starting a business, so a lot of your first steps are risky. One cannot be stopped by the fear of risking what you have for what you can accomplish if you put all your effort and take the right steps. Every success, big or small, has its’ risks but keeping your eyes set on your goal will help overcome fears and when you do fail, get back up and continue.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Now a days, almost everyone has access to a camera or to someone that knows how to use a camera. There are many new photographers in our area as well, and that is great! I believe if it’s something you’re passionate about, DO IT! Just like no two people are the same, each photographer is unique. Even if the editing style is similar, the interaction with people, the charisma to get them to smile and have a great time is what makes a difference. As parents, our patience with children is highly important for us when photographing families or “1st birthday” sessions. Many parents are surprised to see their galleries with smiling babies when at the photoshoot they had a meltdown for almost the whole time. It only takes a second to capture the perfect moment, and we do whatever we need to do for that second. The same applies for weddings. Having the experience of working with many brides we learn from each one on a personal level: how they may feel and all of the demands they have on what is supposed to be their Dream Day. So on wedding days we are more than photographers, we are friends, we help them get what they need and solve problems that may come up if it’s in our hands. Obviously, without taking away from what we are there for, photographing every moment. Jonathan has played the piano (because he is also a musician!) when the sound would not work at a wedding, and has helped restoring the lighting when the string lights went off in an outdoor wedding, among other things. No, it’s not our job, it’s our pleasure to serve in more than one way. With us, you get more than a photographer, you’ll get all of our other skills and talents as well… whole package included! And we LOVE to do so! I think that’s one of the things I am proud of: Not being afraid of giving more than what’s expected.

It hasn’t been easy. It takes a lot of persistence to get to be here, and we are not even close to where we aim to be. It has taken a lot to learn the balance between work life and family life; to not drop either one, but in some occasions, of course, our family has come first, and through the years we’ve learned that family is not only those who live with us, but also some of those whom we once called clients. We have been on their engagements, weddings, maternity sessions, and birthday sessions. God has blessed us placing the right people at the right time. Our clients have played a great part in our growth because of their recommendations over and over, and for that we are grateful.

I think what is most challenging right now is social media. If you are not careful, you start believing less of your work because of your feed reactions, instead of your real client’s feedback and experience. It’s very easy to compare yourself in many ways, that’s why it’s important to know your worth and remember what you are there for, your passion. I’ve seen the benefits that social media can bring, but also how it affects when taking a day or two off, which we all need every once in a while. So, I enjoy social media, I just don’t let it dictate the value of my work or take up more time than needed.

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?
Jers Ideal Photography is not only about me. In fact, the name of our business comes from my partner and husband, Jonathan “Jers” Reyes, who was the person who introduced me to photography. Together we have photographed Weddings all around Houston and Dallas area. He is responsible for getting me started and who encouraged me to take on Portrait Photography back in 2015. Many times our new clients only see or meet me on Portrait sessions, but the reality is we each support our business in different areas, and we are both just as essential.

Instagram: @jersidealphotography

Image Credits
Jers Ideal Photography