Meet Letty Avelar | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Letty Avelar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Letty, how do you think about risk?
Within my career risk taking has had and continues to play a pivotal role. I believe that you will not know unless you try. I was one of those who thought things over and over before making the first move. I would loose opportunities due to hesitation due to fear of that risk. 2020 was a game changer for me, I had a personal conflict that arose and gave me a new perspective. I made many positive changes in my life. One of them being prioritizing my photography business and starting back up in Fort Worth as a single mom of 4, I had stepped back from photography to focus on my family, for several years I was a hobbyist shooting once in a blue moon. I decided that 2020 was going to be the year I took my life and career back. I packed my belongings from CA to TX without looking back. I am glad I took that risk because I am doing what I love while still being able to care for my little family. Networking with other creatives in hopes of building a work relationship are other risks I have taken for my career. I love working with others!

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 the creative behind Hazel Moments. Hard work, dedication, and perseverance have gotten me this far in my career. My love for photography started when I was a teen with a disposable camera shooting anything and everything. I made the decision to start my photography business after my second was born in 2015. I started out shooting on my bed room floor, only taking donations ($30) at the time. It was not easy juggling 2 kids and doing photography, I wanted to be a mom more than anything so I decided to shoot as a hobbyist and dedicate my time to them. Moving forward to 2020 I moved from CA back to my hometown (Fort Worth) as a single mom of 4. I followed through with all requirements that were needed to accurately establish my business. It was at this point, with everything I have experienced in my personal life, the good and bad, I knew my worth and I began to advocate for not only myself but for my work. I began capturing special moments for clients.

Getting to where I am has not been easy there has been so many tears shed of frustration and doubt. My dedication was what pulled me out of that storm. I remember on several occasions I would look at my work and not love it, yes I was doing what I loved but it was just “work”. I have learned to shoot for myself and my own creative mind to get me out of it. My photography has evolved through out the years, there is always something new to learn.

I want the world to know that behind Hazel Moments there is a strong passionate woman. Single mom of 4 who has learned to lift herself up and goes above and beyond for her clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many great places in DFW to visit. We would definitely start with Magnolia street. It has everything in one strip shopping, food, drinks. Downtown Fort Worth is beautiful to walk around and take photos. I think that the stockyards is a must while in Fort Worth. Another great strip is Bishop Arts.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost my family and friends! My parents instilled worth ethic, morals, dedication. They taught me to follow my dreams. My kids are my motivation to keep on going and never give up. Everything I do, I do it for them.

My beautiful nieces Lily, Zuly, Angie and cousin Daisy are my muses they have played a major role in my photography career. They have sat countless of hours in front of my camera, patiently modeling for me as I learned the ins and outs of photography. My friend Natalia is my best cheerleader! She is the friend that we all need in our lives. She takes the time to send me music, reels, audio, etc. for me to create content on my social media platforms on a daily basis. Gracias amiga! My talented photography friends in the Creative Minds group (small group of photographers) who come together to cheer each other on and best supporters. We are all over the US and in Canada. We constantly talk about having a small reunion and meeting each other in person one day. My last shout out goes to all my clients who have been so supportive, I have made many great friendships.

Website: https://hazelmoments37.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazel_moments_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hazelmomentsphoto