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

Hi Jenice, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
For me, risk is an essential part of growth—both personally and professionally. I believe that without taking risks, there is no real progress. Every major step in my career has involved some level of uncertainty, but I’ve learned that embracing the unknown often leads to the greatest rewards.

One of the biggest risks I took was leaving behind my career path in architecture in Venezuela to start over in the United States. Photography was always a passion, but turning it into a full-time business was a leap of faith. I had no guarantees that it would work, but I was determined to build something meaningful.

Another significant moment was when my first child was diagnosed with autism while my business was still in its early stages. Balancing the emotional and financial challenges of raising a neurodiverse child while growing a business requires resilience and adaptability. There were moments of doubt, but I knew that staying in my comfort zone wouldn’t allow me to provide the best future for my family or my career.

Taking risks has allowed me to push past limitations, connect with incredible families, and create a successful photography business that now serves hundreds of families every year. I’ve learned that risk isn’t about recklessness—it’s about trusting yourself, being adaptable, and believing in your vision even when the outcome is uncertain

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My Art & What Sets Me Apart
My art is deeply rooted in minimalism and emotional storytelling. As a newborn photographer, I focus on capturing the pure essence of each baby—their delicate features, tiny fingers, and peaceful expressions—without distractions. I believe that newborn photography should be timeless, allowing parents to look back decades later and feel the same emotions they experienced in those early days.

What sets me apart is not just my artistic style, but also the experience I create for families. As a mother of three, including a child with autism, I have a deep understanding of patience, adaptability, and creating a stress-free environment. My studio is designed to be calm and welcoming, especially for neurodiverse families who may feel overwhelmed in traditional settings.

Additionally, my holistic approach to life influences how I work with families. I support and celebrate breastfeeding mothers, helping them capture the beauty of their bond in a way that feels intimate and empowering. I know how sacred that connection is, and I strive to make every mother feel understood, supported, and celebrated in my studio.

My Journey & Overcoming Challenges
Getting to where I am today has been a journey of passion, resilience, and faith. Originally, I studied architecture in Venezuela, but when I moved to the U.S., I had to start from scratch. Photography had always been a love of mine, but turning it into a full-time profession was a leap of faith. I had no guarantees of success, just a deep determination to build something meaningful.

One of my biggest challenges came when my first son was diagnosed with autism, and my business was still in its infancy. I remember questioning if continuing my work made me a bad mother. But over time, I realized that being a great mother means taking care of yourself too. I learned that balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship isn’t about choosing between them—it’s about finding harmony in both.

Another challenge was building trust in a competitive industry. Parents need to feel 100% confident in the person handling their newborn. I focused on creating an environment where families feel safe, cared for, and fully supported. Today, I have had the privilege of working with some of my clients for over 10 years, photographing their first baby and then welcoming them back as their families grow.

Lessons Learned & What I Want the World to Know
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about never failing—it’s about never giving up. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, uncertain, or afraid of taking the next step. But I’ve come to understand that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

I’ve also learned the power of authenticity in building a business. My clients don’t just choose me for my photos—they choose me because they trust me with their most precious moments. People don’t just invest in pictures; they invest in the feeling of knowing they are in good hands.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this:
Every baby deserves to be remembered beautifully. Whether it’s a newborn, a premature baby who fought to be here, or a child with special needs, I want every family to know that their story is worth celebrating.

Photography isn’t just my job—it’s my way of preserving love, capturing moments that matter, and serving families in a way that goes beyond images. I am beyond grateful for this journey and excited to continue growing, evolving, and making an impact through my art.

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?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I would definitely want to show them some of my favorite spots in South Florida that truly capture the beauty, history, and charm of the area.

Day 1: A Touch of History at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
I would start the trip with a visit to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, one of my absolute favorite places. The lush gardens, stunning waterfront views, and beautiful historic architecture make it a magical experience. Walking through the estate feels like stepping back in time, and I love how the vegetation blends with the classic European-style design. It’s the perfect mix of history and natural beauty.

Day 2: Relaxing Beach Day at Las Olas Beach
A trip to Florida wouldn’t be complete without a beach day, so we’d head over to Las Olas Beach. The drive can get a little busy, but once you’re there, the view is worth it. The crystal-clear water, soft sand, and lively atmosphere make it a great spot to relax. If we’re lucky, we might even catch a few cruise ships setting sail—which is always a fun sight to see!

Day 3: Shopping & Dining at Pembroke Gardens
For a more laid-back day, we’d explore The Shops at Pembroke Gardens, a beautiful outdoor shopping area with a great mix of boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. We’d stop for a delicious meal at Brimstone Woodfire Grill, one of my favorite spots for a good meal and great ambiance.

Day 4: Exploring Miami’s Art Scene & Food
Miami is full of artistic and cultural gems, so we’d take a stroll through Wynwood Walls, where the vibrant street murals and galleries make for a unique experience. After taking in the art, we could grab a bite at a local Cuban café, because you can’t visit South Florida without having a strong Cuban coffee and some delicious food!

Day 5: A Nature Escape
For a change of pace, we could visit Everglades National Park or take an airboat tour to see Florida’s famous alligators and stunning wetlands. It’s such a unique experience and a great way to connect with nature.

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?
Absolutely! My journey wouldn’t be where it is today without the love, support, and inspiration from several incredible people.

First and foremost, my family has been my greatest source of strength—especially my husband, who has always believed in my vision, encouraged me through every challenge, and supported me unconditionally. My children, particularly my firstborn, who is autistic, have shaped my perspective and given me a deeper sense of purpose in my work. His journey has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space for all families.

I also owe a huge shoutout to my amazing clients—the families who trust me to capture their most precious moments. Their support, word-of-mouth recommendations, and heartfelt reviews have allowed my business to grow and thrive. Seeing them return with their second, third, or even fourth babies is the greatest compliment I could receive.

Additionally, I want to recognize the photography community, especially organizations like Professional Photographers of America (PPA), which has provided education, networking, and inspiration throughout my career. Surrounding myself with fellow creatives and mentors has helped me refine my craft and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Lastly, I’d like to acknowledge all the entrepreneurs and dreamers out there—those who take risks, build something from nothing, and inspire others to pursue their passions. Building a business is not easy, but knowing that we are part of a community that lifts each other up makes the journey even more meaningful.

I am beyond grateful for everyone who has played a role in my story, and I hope to continue paying it forward by sharing knowledge, supporting fellow creatives, and capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

Website: https://my1stphoto.com

Instagram: @myfirstphoto

Image Credits
i did the pictures “my first Photo”

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