We’re looking forward to introducing you to Alejandro Mendoza. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Alejandro, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
With one of my kids starting pre-K, our morning routine has completely changed for the better. I now have more time for myself. For the last few years, I have put my own health on the side and given priority to my work commitments. But now, I’m in the process of realigning my priorities and using time to take care of my body, and not feeling guilty about investing time in me because the days are short.
But the best part of this change is being able to bike my daughter to school. We get to explore different routes around the neighborhood. When I pick her up, we go down a small hill and into a tunnel where she loves to scream, and I love it! It looks like we have a bright future ahead with bike adventures, especially because I used to bike a whole lot more, so this could be the push I need to get back on the bike.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tico Mendoza, and I’m a photographer in Austin, Texas. My work focuses on event photography, professional headshots, and portraits.
I started out in the visual arts as a graphic designer. In 2018, I transitioned to full-time photography, bringing my design background with me. This allows me to focus on strong composition and visual storytelling in every photo I take.
In event photography, I partner with brands and companies to do more than just document; I create high-quality galleries that are ideal for marketing and promotional use. I’m able to photograph in a documentary style, or if needed, I have no problem crafting scenes and directing people to achieve specific shots that still look natural. Once the shot list is complete, I continue experimenting with more creative approaches to capture unique images.
For headshots, my goal is to help individuals and teams capture their best and most authentic selves for their online presence, whether it’s for LinkedIn profiles or company websites. I also offer high-volume headshot booths for conferences. I have a knack for making people feel comfortable in front of the camera, so each session feels effortless for my clients.
When it comes to portraits, I help my clients tell their personal or professional stories through a variety of styles, from editorial shots to artistic portraits with creative lighting. I truly enjoy these types of shoots since they are more unique.
My energy and warm personality are a big part of what I bring to every shoot. I’m often told I have a kind and friendly demeanor, and I believe that positive energy is key to making people feel comfortable and confident in front of the lens.
I believe the photography process should be as enjoyable as the final photos themselves. I work quickly and efficiently, with a lot of attention to small details. I ensure my clients have a smooth, effortless experience.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
In 2017, my wife and I packed our bags and spent a whole year backpacking through Africa. We traveled slowly through 13 countries, giving us time to truly get to know the communities we were in. Living with only what we could carry and sharing experiences with locals reminded us of the simple joy of a basic lifestyle.
This adventure had a huge impact on me. I was shooting in new places every single day, and that constant creative outlet was the main reason I decided to become a full-time photographer. I’m so glad I did!
Growing up, I learned about photography from my mom. It was her passion, and she was always dedicated to it—capturing our family portraits and covering our sports events. I follow her steps and kept shooting my own adventures. Today, I still use the same tripod she used 25 years ago. It means a lot to me that a hobby I fell in love with as a kid is now my career.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Hey Tico, don’t be so hard on yourself. Just do things to the best of your ability and with a passion. That’s what will make a real impact on you and everyone around you.
To this day, I still doubt myself sometimes, and it holds me back. But if you start with this mindset early on, you’ll be prepared to overcome that feeling and achieve whatever you set your mind to.
And remember, please yourself first, and then please others
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
That’s me, but it’s probably only about 60% of the full picture. When I’m working, I can handle crowds of all sizes and navigate a room with ease. In the work environment, I’m not shy at all, and I sometimes like the attention.
But when the cameras are off, I’m more of an observer. I prefer to listen and watch rather than be the center of attention, finding true connection in smaller groups and one-on-one conversations. I’m the type of person who will ask a million questions because I’m genuinely interested in how other people live their lives.
That’s where you’ll find the most authentic me. My 100% version is mostly visible to the people closest to me—if you’re lucky, you might just get to see it one day.
One interesting thing about this is that I’ve thought about it multiple times before, and I feel like my 100% self can come out more easily if I’m in an environment where I speak my native language (Spanish), even though I’m fluent in English.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
Straight answer: Explode into a million pieces of color and come back together again as a new me!
Let me explain. So many things come to mind with this question, but there’s something in particular that keeps bothering me. I feel like my inner creativity has been hiding and hasn’t fully emerged in my photography career. I squeezed a lot of it out during my graphic design career, but that same effect hasn’t quite happened with photos yet.
I’m a self-taught photographer. I’ve gone to workshops here and there and learned a lot from other photographers. Before starting photography full-time, I was doing it as a hobby, and most of it was learning by trial and error. Now, I’m at the point where I have the skills required to deliver top-quality photos to my clients, but I haven’t dedicated enough time to truly CREATE more.
Yes, I’ve done passion projects that are just about experimenting, but I feel it’s not enough to satisfy my creative needs. So I don’t want to regret not taking that step and exploring that side to its fullest.
I will still be working in the corporate world to pay my bills, but step by step, I want people to also know me as a creative powerhouse.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ticomendozastudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ticomendoza/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tico-mendoza/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tico.mendoza/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TicoMendozaStudios
Image Credits
tico mendoza studios
