Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Faz Deleon
Hi Wendy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve loved photography my entire life. I feel insanely fortune to have experienced film in my childhood and for my coming of age to coincide with the emergence of digital cameras. The joy of taking your roll to get developed is unmatched. Then digital and truly instantly photography took us all by storm, followed by the advent of social media through platforms like MySpace and Tumblr; you can only imagine (or understand, I guess depending on how old you are) how blown all our minds were. Mid-2000s was a party.
I began photographing as a hobby in 2017 while teaching French at Pflugerville High School. I photographed shows at Lost Well, Barracuda, and Mohawk purely for fun, not realizing I was getting in serious reps and field experience that would translate into full career skills. In these venues, I learned how to engage with crowds, capture events, and correspond with artists to deliver galleries. Through this practice, I began discovering my talent for capturing portraits. I love talking to people, hearing their stories, giving them space to shine and be themselves. Coupling that with my absolute passion for music, fashion, and general badassery, I’ve arrived where I am today, making beautiful art with beautiful people and living a dream.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No. Initially, it came from my entire identity being “teacher” and all that entails. The profession will do that to you, especially when you wholeheartedly love what you do and I did, profoundly. Once I came to understand myself outside of teaching, the next round of challenges were overcoming self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the sorts of self-imposed expectations that come with being a first-generation American. There’s a gripping feeling that you’re not really allowed to falter because any misstep is evidence of ineptitude. Harsh.
Then in March of 2023, my husband and I welcomed our son Vincent. Then a week later, we lost our dog of 13yrs Zoey to cancer. Then 9 months later, I lost my dad. Then we closed and moved into our home. Then we lost our second dog of 9yrs Yugi to cancer.
This era was turbulent and riddled with grief and overjoy and utter and complete exhaustion. But photography gave me life and meaning and purpose while my world crumbled and rebuilt itself. So, rather than allow any of those obstacles to truly do me in, I channeled them into fueling my perseverance. It’s what my dad taught me and what he would have urged me to do. I work to ensure I’m continuing to make him proud.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a self-taught photographer native to Houston, TX pursuing an artistic vision fueled by music, fashion & a compulsory need to live in the moment. I have 6 years of professional experience photographing portraits, live music, and events in both Austin & my hometown.
First-gen daughter of Mexican parents, I find a lot of inspiration in my roots, particularly our immeasurable resilience. My work is strongly influenced by natural light, surrealism, vulnerability and often features women, BIPOCs and the LGBTQ+ community. I’m passionate about fostering authentic expression and conjuring bubbles of creative magic with my clients. No two are ever alike.
My approach in all sessions is to listen & observe. Most people fear that when the moment arrives to have their photo taken, they won’t know what to do. In our collaboration, you will find the space to confidently do what you feel.
As I progress in my artistic journey, I’m looking towards sharpening my skills, continuing to invite vulnerability, and grant space for us all to celebrate how talented, sexy and absolutely worthy of our own energy we are. Throw on your dopest fit and lets get to photographing, bb. xoxo
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Embracing my communities, being a student of myself, exercising humility and always staying curious.
Pricing:
- mini sessions $125
- full portrait sessions $250
- event photography $75/hr
- wedding photography, pkgs start at $2000
- film photography add-ons to any session, starting at $30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wildmarsco.wixsite.com/wildmars
- Instagram: @__wildmars
Image Credits
Captured by Wendy Faz of wildmars photography
