Check Out Mabel Vasallo’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mabel Vasallo.

Hi Mabel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Timeless Photography came to life in 2018. It’s crazy to think that before creating it as a business, I had named my photography ‘picture perfect’. However, the word perfect was not fitting. Some people may think a photo should be perfect, but I find imperfections to be timeless. As I searched for this name, I started to draw. I drew and drew until one day, it just came to me: timeless. How beautiful it felt to know my images were captured this way.

If you were to ask me if I have always been a photographer, I would answer yes. I never had much in life, but I have always been artistic. It was a way to escape the cruel world at times. When I was about 15 years old, I was handed down a little old camera my parents used to document times in our lives and soon enough they let me keep it. I took it EVERYWHERE. In these high school days, I would capture my friends and start ‘editing’. Editing back then was very different than it is today, but it was so fun to play around with filters, stickers, different effects, etc.

I remember wanting to do more. Telling my parents I wanted to be a photographer wasn’t the ideal plan they had for me. I will never forget my dad telling me, “You’ll never make money with photography.” Yes, it broke my spirit.. and yes… I just gave up on that dream. Fast forward, I shared this story with my husband in one of our conversations. A few months later, on Valentine’s Day of 2015, he surprised me with my dream, my very first DSLR camera. From there I didn’t stop. I wanted to prove to myself and everyone that I could live my dream AND make a living from it.

Living my dream wasn’t easy. I wasn’t able to afford everything I needed to grow and learn. I watched countless YouTube videos, searched tons of articles to learn how to work my camera, and bought the most affordable things to start something… anything! I remember taking hours of the day to edit just one photo. Getting so frustrated at how slow I was moving and how much knowledge I lacked.

Life was never easy for me, so I didn’t expect learning how to be a successful photographer to come easy. I worked two jobs, had my 2 kids and husband to attend, and still tried to learn as much as I could at just 21 years of age. No, I wasn’t your average 21-year-old as you can see. Through the first years, I was able to save and afford a better system.

In 2017, a random photographer, who I soon called a friend, reached out to me on Instagram and simply asked me if I was interested in being a part of a new group developing in Nashville called the ELLA program (Entrepreneur Latin Leaders of America). It was free and for women who wanted to grow their businesses. What a blessing this was. Not only did I learn so much about business and how to grow where I was but I met some of the most beautiful souls. After a year in the program, I made it official! Instagram page and all, lol.

With a new start and more knowledge, I began to feel like I was finally moving forward. However, you never stop learning. I was able to find resources that helped me complete courses at an affordable cost. I kept improving and became more and more confident in my work. I began to be more precise on what I wanted to capture, which was couples… love in itself. Love is timeless, what more could I ask for?

In 2023 I decided I needed to take a leap of faith and take my business to the next level… full-time photographer. YES, I was scared! At this time I had 3 kids who depended on me and a husband who encouraged me but also needed to be my backbone. It was tough. The first year of my full-time entrepreneurship was like starting all over. Some days I felt like giving up, other days I felt like I was on top of the world. Not to mention my mental issues playing a huge part in this!

The way God worked in my life (and keeps working) is beyond my understanding. I have been beyond blessed with interactions with unforgettable souls, moments, and timeless photos that I get to capture!!

My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. I hope that everyone that comes my way leaves feeling a bit more loved. I want to continue to capture couples and individuals chasing their dreams. I am so honored to be a part of this experience we call life. Time flies, but memories…. are timeless.

Thank you for taking the time to be here with me and read about my journey, stay timeless my friend. 🙂

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
“If you are comfortable, you aren’t growing.” This has stuck since I read it – who knows when. I had to keep reminding myself that obstacles are a way to grow learn and improve.

I remember one of the biggest struggles was simply learning how to use my camera. How frustrating it was to watch countless videos and read several books and still not be able to have the information stick to me. I had no time at all to be able to study. So what did I do? What I had to. During work lunch breaks I would study. After getting home and finishing mom and wife duties, I would sit at my computer from 9pm-1am or 2am to finish editing the few shoots I had just to get back up at 5:30am and get the day started again.

One of the toughest times was when the ‘busy’ session would hit. I was working throughout the week, and on weekends I was gone 90% of the time. I felt like an unfit mother. I wasn’t able to spend the weekends with my kids as parents should. I had to learn to say no to some days that took away from the time I needed to give to them.

I just kept telling myself that God had bigger plans and I had to be patient. There were so many times I felt comfortable where I was at, but that quickly started to feel like I was just stuck where I was.

Struggling with social anxiety was something I had to push through and am still working through if I’m honest.
It’s just one day at a time, challenging myself to grow in unexpected ways.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Love in itself is an art, wouldn’t you say? It is a way that souls connect without having to do much, just existing is enough.

Capturing love in all ways and allowing it to be shared for others to feel it through an image is what drives me. I find myself editing and smiling throughout the whole process.

I specialize in candid timeless moments that tell a story you can feel and want to experience. I would say this is what sets me apart. Oh, and my personality, haha! I am such a happy and silly person – regardless of my life stories. During my photo sessions or events I am always encouraging laughs, smiles, happy tears, meaningful statements, and soulful music. If you know me, you know to expect some LoFi beats to help you connect in the moment. I mean, let’s be real – being in front of the camera is intimidating! That’s why I stay behind it!

Photography isn’t the only thing that drives me – poetry and painting have been my underlying passion. I think this is also something that allows me to see the world in a different light and helps me create the beautiful timeless photos I am able to capture.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
If I could encourage anyone, my advice would be to BELIEVE. Believe in yourself, and most importantly believe that God’s plan is bigger than the struggles and obstacles you face. Go outside, close your eyes for a moment, and breathe… let the wind brush up on your skin and the sun fill you with joy. Let your thoughts vanish for a second and allow yourself to be present. Be humble and life will unravel in the most rewarding ways. Be patient my friend. 🙂

Pricing:

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• 5500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/timelessphotography
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timelessphotography.online/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timelessphotography.online