Image credit: Sarina Love Photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lucero Cervantes Kilgore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lucero, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
My experience has taught me that risks can bring opportunities. I feel that photography is seen as a risky career field, many told me photography wouldn’t open doors, that few had a lot of success. At the time I started pursuing my college degree, it was not common among the Hispanic community, which I belonged to, that one pursued their passion. It was believed, in that community, that a person’s fate was destined, and that destiny wasn’t a creative career that will get you far. This didn’t stop me from obtaining my degree in Photography and Arts, however after I completed my education it took several years for me to take another risk to start my photography business. I had taken a hiatus in photography but I needed a second job to supplement my income. I didn’t really know where to start, but I started out slowly and little by little, my few clients were able to refer others to me, and more and more people started reaching out. Eventually I found myself where I am today where photography is no longer just my “second job” but something I get to pursue as my career. I have much more to learn and grow, but I have been lucky to have the opportunity to do a lot of networking with other wedding and event vendors, as well as many open houses and bridal shows. I am thankful today that I have a bit more courage to not shy away from taking a little risk to continue growing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am thankful that I am bilingual. This allows me to be a better director when I am completing those large family photos at a bilingual wedding. It helps the process go a lot smoother when nothing is lost to translation, especially since those bilingual weddings tend to have very extended family photos. My clients describe my photography as colorful, fun and touching which they say reflects my personality and heart. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe in one’s own work, especially in a market that has so many incredible photographers but when they give me that positive feedback it allows me to have confidence in my style that it is something that people are looking for. I put a lot of myself into my work. I am also proud of the many clients who I have had the opportunity to photograph each of their milestones. I get to document their complete story as they get engaged, married, and have their children. Telling each person’s story is what I cherish and look forward to, so that they can continue to reflect on their joyful moments as they continue through life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love exploring my own city. My husband and I are always looking for fun locations to discover and experience. When my best friend comes to visit, I usually take her to some of our favorite spots which includes: Cris and John, for their amazing Vietnamese food with a Mexican twist; La Banqueta/Puro DF which is our favorite authentic Mexican tacos; Mango Mango and Botolino Gelato Artigianale both have great dessert, one is Asian inspired and the later is delicious Italian style gelato. We are also big coffee drinkers and DFW has many great places, but our favorite local coffee shop is Pearl Cup. If we want to check out a movie, you can very often find us at Alamo Drafthouse. We also like to browse all the board games and comics at Madness Games & Comics. We also enjoy taking classes, so I would take my best friend to The Cookery to learn a new dish or to Yelibelly Chocolates to learn how to craft chocolates into delectable morsels. There are so many incredible locations in our city because it’s rich in culture. We love visiting Trinity Grove, Deep Ellum or the Bishop Arts District. We also love watching performances by the Dallas Symphony. There are many I haven’t specifically mentioned but that is one of the great things about Dallas and DFW, there are many things to do.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my mom and my husband! Growing up, my mom always pushed me to pursue my dreams no matter what I wanted to be. She was my main encouragement to {break the mold}. When I told my mom that I wanted to pursue photography, she never questioned my decision but instead she encouraged me every day to pursue my vision and my art. As I mentioned before, for a while after college graduation, I did not know where to begin. In the midst of my uncertainty, my mom continued to walk with me and believe in me. She continued to remind me daily and even to this day, to never lose sight and hear for what I love doing. I can also thank photography for bringing my husband and I together. Because we were both passionate about it, that even when we got married, in his vows he promised to continue encouraging me in my love for photography among other beautiful promises. Both of them continue believing in me, even when I don’t fully believe in myself! They both show with love and caring that they believe that what I do is important. Today, I am thankful for each of my clients and couples who trust in what I do as well as the vendors that choose to collaborate on projects and events.

Website: https://www.lucerocervantesphotography.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucerocervantesphotography/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuceroCervantesPhotography
Other: Wedding Wire: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/lucero-cervantes-photography-richardson/df725e6e0891a584.html

Image Credits
Lucero Cervantes Photography