Jessica Montoya shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jessica, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity!
The word integrity leaves my mouth at least once a day. Doing the right thing when no one is watching is what the world needs more of no matter how big or small it is. When you have true integrity, the intelligence and energy happens almost at the same time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jessica!
I am a luxury portrait photographer out of Denver and I specialize in newborns, families, and seniors. My brand name, Your Modern Story, is so special to me. I wanted a business name that spoke to my clients rather than just a standard business name. All of my portrait sessions are a quick snippet, a short little chapter out of their life long story done in a very modern way- digital photography! If I had to pick, I’d photograph newborns all day long. However, all of those sweet babies grow up into toddlers and I can’t imagine not photographing them for family sessions. I am currently gearing up for Fall portrait sessions which is always a great time to see new and old faces.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Easy answer- my parents.
My family doesn’t come from a lot of money, but we do come from a long line of crazy work ethic. We’ve always been surrounded by people that have had more than us. More money, more toys, more everything and that was really hard for me to comprehend growing up and even into adulthood. Now that I am grown and teaching my own kids about work experiences, career choices, and passions, I am so proud and grateful that I’ve learned that money isn’t everything. Doing what you love, having integrity, and creating working relationships are far more important than your salary.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. This year. I still feel like it sometimes.
When bookings are painfully slow, it makes me want to quit and go get a minimum wage job. It makes me second guess what the heck I’m doing, and obsess over what the heck I’m NOT doing. I see other photographer’s that have booked calendars, going on trips, buying new gear and it absolutely makes me question if I should keep doing this job.
But then I always get a booking when I need it most. I am matched with families that become friends and I get to see them year after year.
I’m reminded that I wasn’t given this talent for nothing.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Gosh, this is a hard question but if I’m being honest, no.
First, the real me is an introvert, but a big part of this job requires me to be an extrovert. Super uncomfortable! Second, the way social media has manipulated us into thinking that how someone behaves in stories and posts is real life-that’s crazy to me. I feel like social media forces me to post in certain ways just to maybe hopefully score a booking. I don’t like that feeling and it’s definitely not the real me.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Social media. Period.
I would create just for fun, for pure memories, for creativity. I don’t feel like I can always do that now because social media can gives booking families certain expectations of what their paid sessions should look like instead of what I want them to creatively look like. Sometimes, I will reach out to a family for a free session just so I can experiment with lighting and angles and feel no pressure of social media’s comparison game.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yourmodernstory.com
- Instagram: YourModernStory
- Facebook: Your Modern Story
Image Credits
Jessica Montoya | Your Modern Story | Denver, CO
