Today we're talking to Steven Pacho. I admire this guy so much for being who he is: a friend, fearless creative, and straight hustler in the photography business.
Name: Steven Pacho
Title: Photographer
Tell me a little about yourself: I'm 26, a Fresno State Alumni, and graduated with a degree in business marketing. I am actively seeking a career in advertising as that is my passion alongside photography. I used to be a huge gamer and competed in professional Halo tournaments for 10 years. I love coffee and pizza!
When and why did you start your photography business?
I started my photography business in November of 2019 and haven’t looked back since! This is around the same time I had just bought a camera and started learning from other experienced photographers on Youtube. I started my photography business because not only did I love taking pictures and being creative in that world, I also have a knack for engaging in business, studying strategy, and coming up with new advertisements. At that time I really didn’t have any work experience in the marketing realm, so I said to myself, “Ooo I can use this opportunity to grow my business and marketing skill set.”
What do you most enjoy about your photography business?
I enjoy connecting with my clients/models and bringing out the best expressions out of them. Not everyone can just show up like a seasoned actress and display the feelings and expressions we’re trying to capture. When I start to dig in deep and bring out their emotions or fun expressive side, that’s when shoots are the most enjoyable for me.
What is most challenging about being a photographer?
One of the most challenging things about being a photographer is finding different locations to shoot at. Sometimes either the client or I don’t want to shoot at an overused spot locally and try searching for new locations. Majority of the time these decisions are left to me and I have to pick somewhere fast. Editing forsure! It’s a general habit amongst almost all photographers to do all these shoots then have a long gallery of pictures to edit and tend to put it off. This is something I have worked on over time to ensure I get back pictures to clients in a timely manner. Another challenging part is shooting live action or events as there are many moving pieces and you have to be alert to capture awesome highlights.
Title: Photographer
Tell me a little about yourself: I'm 26, a Fresno State Alumni, and graduated with a degree in business marketing. I am actively seeking a career in advertising as that is my passion alongside photography. I used to be a huge gamer and competed in professional Halo tournaments for 10 years. I love coffee and pizza!
When and why did you start your photography business?
I started my photography business in November of 2019 and haven’t looked back since! This is around the same time I had just bought a camera and started learning from other experienced photographers on Youtube. I started my photography business because not only did I love taking pictures and being creative in that world, I also have a knack for engaging in business, studying strategy, and coming up with new advertisements. At that time I really didn’t have any work experience in the marketing realm, so I said to myself, “Ooo I can use this opportunity to grow my business and marketing skill set.”
What do you most enjoy about your photography business?
I enjoy connecting with my clients/models and bringing out the best expressions out of them. Not everyone can just show up like a seasoned actress and display the feelings and expressions we’re trying to capture. When I start to dig in deep and bring out their emotions or fun expressive side, that’s when shoots are the most enjoyable for me.
What is most challenging about being a photographer?
One of the most challenging things about being a photographer is finding different locations to shoot at. Sometimes either the client or I don’t want to shoot at an overused spot locally and try searching for new locations. Majority of the time these decisions are left to me and I have to pick somewhere fast. Editing forsure! It’s a general habit amongst almost all photographers to do all these shoots then have a long gallery of pictures to edit and tend to put it off. This is something I have worked on over time to ensure I get back pictures to clients in a timely manner. Another challenging part is shooting live action or events as there are many moving pieces and you have to be alert to capture awesome highlights.
What projects are you currently working on right now?
I am currently working on my booking site through Square. I want to make as convenient as possible for clients when it comes to booking, availability, invoices, receipts, and more. When it comes to my personal social media, I am currently posting a brown theme of pictures which features things like coffee, my camera, Fresno buildings and art, and me in front of backgrounds I find aesthetically pleasing.
What is on your blog?
My blog is titled, ‘Stevenfinity The Blog’ which features local adventures to food places, coffee shops, events, and photography experiences.
What is your favorite project you’ve ever done/worked on?
Hmmm that’s a good one, I would have to say rebranding my photography business! I love it, it’s now named Primeside Photography, the colors are dark blue and gold, and it has a camera logo above the title. I started changing the designs and names on all my marketing materials such as business cards, fliers, and across all social media platforms.
If there’s one piece of advice you can give for other photographers what would you tell them?
Shoot as much as you can, experience is everything! Be organized, take care of everything such as location, ideas, dates and times, equipment, props, and more. Give your clients peace of mind and let them know you have everything taken care of. Also during your shoots be sure to direct and vocal. More than 90% of the time your client is going to want to be directed on stances, posture, pose ideas, face gestures, and evoking emotions They most likely won’t have a mirror in front of them so you have to be there for them to give them direction. Lastly to tag on that, go back and forth after taking a few shots of them to show them what they look like, this will help them adjust their body or face gestures to how they like.
Thank you so much for featuring me on your blog, I am beyond grateful to have this opportunity.
I am currently working on my booking site through Square. I want to make as convenient as possible for clients when it comes to booking, availability, invoices, receipts, and more. When it comes to my personal social media, I am currently posting a brown theme of pictures which features things like coffee, my camera, Fresno buildings and art, and me in front of backgrounds I find aesthetically pleasing.
What is on your blog?
My blog is titled, ‘Stevenfinity The Blog’ which features local adventures to food places, coffee shops, events, and photography experiences.
What is your favorite project you’ve ever done/worked on?
Hmmm that’s a good one, I would have to say rebranding my photography business! I love it, it’s now named Primeside Photography, the colors are dark blue and gold, and it has a camera logo above the title. I started changing the designs and names on all my marketing materials such as business cards, fliers, and across all social media platforms.
If there’s one piece of advice you can give for other photographers what would you tell them?
Shoot as much as you can, experience is everything! Be organized, take care of everything such as location, ideas, dates and times, equipment, props, and more. Give your clients peace of mind and let them know you have everything taken care of. Also during your shoots be sure to direct and vocal. More than 90% of the time your client is going to want to be directed on stances, posture, pose ideas, face gestures, and evoking emotions They most likely won’t have a mirror in front of them so you have to be there for them to give them direction. Lastly to tag on that, go back and forth after taking a few shots of them to show them what they look like, this will help them adjust their body or face gestures to how they like.
Thank you so much for featuring me on your blog, I am beyond grateful to have this opportunity.
You can follow Steven on his personal account @Stevenfinity or his photography page @Primesidephoto on Instagram.
