Today we’d like to introduce you to Blanca Espinoza.
Hi Blanca, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started as a photo editing intern in 2004 at a creative studio in Los Angeles right after college and over the course of 13 years, I worked my way up to head photographer. I was always interested in photography, but my major was graphic design and I figured that’s what my career would be focused on. In 2017, I left the company and started my own company with my creative partner, Eric Hamm, whom was my colleague at the time. We created White Pig Studio in Los Angeles, a photography and design company that created content for advertising and marketing purposes. In March 2020, due to the pandemic, we closed down our offices to work at home. That shift opened us both up to new creative avenues and ventures, which in hindsight, was a blessing. In December 2021, I moved from Los Angeles to Austin and started Blanca Espinoza Studio, a product photography/video company that specializes in jewelry.
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?
It’s never a smooth road when you run your own company! When the pandemic hit, my creative partner and I were three years into our company, White Pig Studio, and ready to ramp up and grow our business. Life had other plans, and that didn’t happen, but it gave me the clarity to realize that growth is not my main goal in business. Living and working through the 2008 financial crisis, I saw firsthand what can happen to a company when there’s a bump in the road and you’re not situated for it. So many businesses operate as if the good times will never end and I didn’t want to run my business like that. I always want to have a built-in cushion to sustain myself and my company during those bumps in the road (because they WILL happen). With Blanca Espinoza Studio, my focus is to make sure I’m always hands-on with my clients and any work I send out. No company has ever had to shut down because they stayed small and profitable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business is known for providing photos and videos with exceptional detail. Great, high-quality photos and videos of hard-to-photograph products. Think jewelry, handbags, bottles, etc. Anything you can think of with a highly reflective surface and I can photograph it. I specialize within the jewelry industry, so I’m able to guide my clients through the ins and outs of our industry’s standards of practices. After almost 20 years in this business, I’ve gained the essential skill of knowing how to capture certain characteristics of gemstones, which allow my photos to accurately convey the value of the product. These characteristics include facets, color, and dispersion. I’m so inspired by the design and craftsmanship that my clients demonstrate in their work that it motivates me to capture the best photo and video possible of their jewelry pieces. For me, it’s full circle. If my photo helps their sales, then my business does well. That motivates me to always do my best work. Within this industry, trust (because of the high value of product) and hard deadlines (e-commerce, trade shows, etc.) are key. I pride myself on exceeding both of those needs. If I didn’t meet deadlines and if people didn’t trust me, I wouldn’t have a business in this industry.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Of course, because no one gets to where they are without help from others. My first boss put a camera in my hands and gave me the opportunity to build my skills. I work with amazingly talented photo editors who help bring my vision to life. My clients who entrust me with their high-value products. My friends who are so supportive and willing to help in whatever way they can.
Contact Info:
- Email: blanca@blancaespinozastudio.com
- Website: https://www.blancaespinozastudio.com/
- Instagram: @blancaespinozastudio
Image Credits
Carly Baldwin for the headshot and product photos are by Blanca Espinoza Studio
