For some, the idea of working with children – especially babies – would be a nightmare but for Megan Holly Delgado, it’s a dream come true. She took her passion for photography and turned it into a bonafide business and now she’s serving those in and around the Rancho Cucamonga, CA area when it comes to all their photography needs with Holly D. Photography. Whether it’s the youngest of the family or the older kids, she’s a genius behind the lens and was nice enough to let us inside her world for a bit. Now sit back, and learn what this small-town photographer had to say about her clientele and working alongside her mother has brought to her life.
Kendra: What initially sparked your interest in photography? Was that always the career you had?
Megan Delgado: I began my interest in photography when I began photographing my family members with my mothers’ camera for fun. My mom always took a ton of photos of my siblings and I growing up, so it was something I was naturally inclined to do. I also always loved children. I was originally going to college to become a school teacher and I decided to do photography on the side. But that all changed once I decided to build a studio in my home. My photography business took off and I now couldn’t imagine myself doing anything other than photography.
Kendra: I’ve talked to so many photographers but usually, they’re either in LA or New York City. You’re the first from an area close to where I’m from. How do you feel a photographer from a smaller area compares to one from those larger markets?
Megan Delgado: I believe since I’m from a small area I definitely have a more personal connection with my clients. I even have run into clients while out at the grocery store or mall. I am not a big business, it’s just my mother and I working hard to capture beautiful memories for our clients. There are many late nights of session planning and editing. I don’t outsource editing or have extra hands behind the scenes besides my mother. It may be extra work, but if it means creating a personalized experience for my clients it is worth it.
Kendra: Babies, babies, and more babies. You deal a lot of babies in your work. That takes a special kind of person. Have you always been good with the smallest of humans?
Megan Delgado: I’ve always loved babies! I have photos when I was basically just a baby holding my baby cousins. In a way, I feel like I was born for a role such as this. It definitely takes a lot of patience which, luckily, I naturally have for the little ones, and for me, it is easy to love any baby who comes through the doors for a session. Who couldn’t love such sweet and innocent little humans!
Kendra: What’s your trick when it comes to capturing such great photos of sleeping babies? To me, that seems impossible.
Megan Delgado: The sleeping babies are usually my youngest clients. Come in for a session before baby is two weeks of age and you’d be amazed at how little they stir. Of course, there are a few babies who decide they don’t want to sleep. In that case, there is a lot of rocking, feeding, and hoping that they will fall asleep! It is normal for a session to run two hours for this reason, but sometimes we will have a four-hour session! Luckily I haven’t had any longer than that.
Kendra: Was your mother always your assistant?
Megan Delgado: My mother has always been my assistant. I don’t think I would have gotten far without her. I’m a naturally quiet and reserved person so it would have been hard for me to start a career that requires so much personal interaction with others without her. She is my support and always helped me reach my goals.
Kendra: What advice do you have to aspiring photographers who want to get into the type of photography you do?
Megan Delgado: Never give up and never let the work of others intimidate you. There is a lot of practice you have to put in before even considering charging people for your work. I did countless free sessions, a lot of research, and saved and spent thousands on equipment to get where I am. There are AMAZING photographers out there and when viewing their work it is easy to put yourself down or tell yourself you’ll never be as good as them. I was one of those people. Don’t compare yourself to others, only compare yourself to your past self. Your hard work will pay off quicker than you believe. A great photographer told me that you’ll notice your work change what seems like overnight, and it’s true!
Kendra: Can you tell the people what you have going on in the next few months? I imagine summer is a busy month for you!
Megan Delgado: Summer is definitely busy! Lots of client’s children are on summer break from school, so it’s time for photos! I have summer mini-sessions and a ton of summer newborns. I’m also going to be looking for newborn models soon for outdoor newborn sessions! This is a new thing I’m excited to try, so I’m hoping to find a few willing clients to trust me to capture such unique photos.
