THE PHOTOGRAPHER
ABOUT Mónika
(that’s me!)
I have lived in 3 countries, 8 states and 13 homes!
As an Air Force brat turned artist, I moved often and learned to find the beauty in every place and culture. Most importantly, I discovered my love of connecting with people from all walks of life. I enjoy listening to their stories, understanding what matters most, and capturing the essence of who they are in that moment.
As an organ transplant patient who stared death in the eye, I do not take my "bonus time" lightly. And that means leaning into joy, connection, and (trying to) not take myself too seriously.
I believe all humans are inherently creative. Much of my personal and professional work has been exploring this idea for myself and supporting others to cultivate it in themselves.
I AM A
Creative &
Story Catcher
A quote I live by from a Puerto Rican woman I admire…
“I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences.”
-Sonia Sotomayor
A FEW OF
my FAVORITE
THINGS
Cirque du Soleil
(11 shows so far)
NYE Sunset over the Pacific Ocean
with my family
Kayaking calm waters
Many Sides of Me
Health & Organ Donation Advocate
Award-winning Arts Educator
& former high school teacher
Our Latina Lens Founder
A National Community for
Latina Photographers
Staring Death in the eye, my life changing question & why I photograph
In 2017, I receive the gift of life through a life-saving liver transplant made necessary because of a rare autoimmune disease. After two years of recovery, I asked myself,
“What have I been too scared to do but now have a second chance at life and get to go beyond that fear?”
My answer was clear: become a professional photographer, so I can document the emotions, memories and milestones people live and want to remember.
Because of all my moving and almost dying, I know the only things that matters are the memories and experiences with those you love and doing what you love. Photographs are the evidence of our lives well lived.
They are our portals to moments that may otherwise be forgotten. They communicate our stories to others.
As a storyteller who has been in community with so many small business owners and entrepreneurs, Branding Photography was a natural fit. I create visual stories that allow my clients to tell their story with ease with a custom library of authentic photographs that won’t sit unused on their hard drive.
