Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Mostaffa.
Hi Andrea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Mexico and moved to Dallas, TX when I was 16, and then Austin, TX 2014. I have an amazing Husband Mike who is incredibly supportive. I have my wonderful two daughters Madison (7) and Avery (2) who are my life.
I always had a big interest in photography since I was little.
My uncle worked for film lab/printing studio as a salesperson selling prints and I got to see the large prints before he would be delivered them to the families. I was always fascinated by the science and art behind it.
My family never owned a camera growing up so I did not exist in photos as a child.
That’s probably the reason why I became obsessed with taking pictures later in life.
I always loved taking pictures but I didn’t learn “photography” until I became a mother. Taking hundreds of pictures on my cellphone of my child and running out of space on my phone was a problem so I purchased my first real camera and learning to use it was a goal.
I taught myself photography and soon, I started practicing on everyone I knew family, co-workers ANYONE that would let me.
Making a business out of a hobby was never a plan but I decided to take the chance and take my hobby to the next level and invest in equipment so I started doing portraits from home to build my portfolio.
Fast forward three years later and I have learned so much and I have been capturing so many memories for so many wonderful people, who are not just my clients but have become amazing friends and are part of my life.
I photograph people who desire to capture where they are in life right now, whether that is to document this time for their children to look back upon or to connect with an audience and build a personal brand. I feel lucky to get to reflect them who they truly are.
I revolve heavily around my own family and the love I have for my children. It is evident not only in my business Model but in the way motherhood inspires me so deeply… as well as my very decision to specialize in Children, Family Photography, Weddings, Engagements, Couple portraits, Personal Branding. I want to help families celebrate and honor connections with their kids and document those precious moments over everything.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I came to the US at 16 years old because I was looking to improve my life.
I was 16 no family, friends I didn’t know anyone other than my aunt and her family and I verily knew. I didn’t speak the language.
I had never lived anywhere else in the world and moving was exciting yet scary. I didn’t speak the language. I was sad to leave my friends, family, and the life I knew behind, but I was starting a new adventure. This motivated me to throw myself into completing the entire migration process as quickly as possible.
As a foreigner, minority, and as a woman, many doors are closed.
In moments like that, you have no choice but to get creative.
Despite having my fair share of obstacles, there has been very little hesitation when deciding on my business decisions. It’s easy to say it’s now or never, but the truth is now is the best time of my life and it’s only going to get better! I’ll never let my past dictate my future.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Austin, TX Photographer, Family, Seniors, Children, Lifestyle, Personal Branding, Product Photography, Weddings, Elopements, Couples and Portraits.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I decided to combine my two passions – Beauty and Photography – and try my hand at launching a more “legit” business, I saw a need for photographers that would help the Spanish Community especially for smaller, independent businesses, and I felt confident that I could support them with my skills and talents.
Contact Info:
- Email: andreamostaffa@gmail.com
- Website: www.andreamostaffa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreamostaffaphotography/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/andreamostaffaphotography
