From Courtrooms to Cameras: How My Mom Inspired My Path

My mom joined me on this special episode to discuss the lessons that influenced my journey into photography and self-employment. We talk about resilience, leading with calm under pressure, discovering creativity later in life, and how her quiet support helped me follow my own path. Along the way, we touch on wedding photography, travel, and why curiosity and passion are essential to any career.

Key takeaways:

• A strong work ethic and calm leadership are learned long before they show up in a career. The way you show up under pressure sets the tone for everyone around you.
• Creativity is not always obvious early on. Sometimes it’s discovered through life, curiosity, or necessity and grows when it’s supported rather than forced.
• In wedding photography personality matters just as much as technical skill. Couples choose photographers who bring confidence, calm, and trust into emotionally charged moments.
• Growth comes from staying curious. Continuing education, observing trends, and expanding your perspective are essential to staying relevant and fulfilled in a creative business.
• Travel deepens both life experience and artistic vision. Exposure to different cultures, environments, and ways of living informs how you see, photograph, and connect with people.

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Transcript

Lisette: Here we are for another episode of The Wedding Frame, and I have the most special guest to me—my mom. Hi Rose. Thank you for being on my podcast.

Rose: Of course. 

Lisette: I just really enjoy having someone here with me, and who else than the person I’m most comfortable with and have always looked up to? You are inspirational to me because, since I was little, I saw you do it all. I’ve always admired this about you. You and my dad have such an amazing work ethic, but you had to take care of three kids and still work. You just made it all look so easy. What was it like?

Rose: Like I tell other people when they say, “My God, you have three kids.” I’m like, it’s not like they threw all three at me at the same time—you just do it over time. But yes, it was enjoyable. And the crazy moments—you get through those, and otherwise, you just enjoy your children., the three different personalities that I had.

Lisette: Oh yeah. I know what you’re talking about. My two kids also have very different personalities. Like my little boy, Nico. I still say I don’t know how to deal with boys, and I’ve had one for 10 years. It’s definitely more of a challenge, although I hear girls become more challenging as they get older.

So, mom, you were a court reporter. That was your lifelong career, and you just retired.

Rose: Yes, I did. 

Lisette: And for those who don’t know exactly what a court reporter is—the old-fashioned term would be stenographer, court stenographer, right? And I followed in your footsteps. 

Rose: That surprised me, but I was also really happy you were going the same route I took, working part-time as your children were growing up.

Lisette: Let me just go back. So, court reporting—stenography—we’re typing what people say in the courtroom or in law firms during depositions, really fast, on a special machine called the steno machine. You could do it freelance, or you could go to court full-time. And I remember you tried to convince me to work full-time, and I said, no, I want a family one day. I liked the flexibility of freelance work, so now with my photography business, I’ve been self-employed since I was 21.

Rose: Right.

Lisette: Photography took over, and court reporting went on the back burner because I enjoyed it so much more, which surprised me because I still think I’m pretty left-brained. I’ve always liked math and busy work, never creative stuff.

Did you ever think I’d become a photographer?

Rose: No, never. I was so happy when you became a court reporter—you did so well. I always said you were a better court reporter than I was. Then, when you started photographing your daughter, Lucia, I saw how people gravitated toward your pictures to sell their products online.

Lisette: Yes, I started photographing my daughter as a baby and toddler for shops selling boutique clothing.

Rose: Yeah, that’s when I thought, “Gosh, this girl has talent.” Who would have discovered that except you?

Lisette: Really the only reason I picked up a professional camera was because Costco started selling them.

Rose: Yeah, who would’ve thought? I would never have imagined any creative career. 

Lisette: Yeah, and you’ve always had a photographer’s eye. Probably without even knowing it. Every time I hand you my phone, I’m like, “Wow, this looks amazing—perfect composition.” Did you realize that about yourself?

Rose: No, I just had the old equipment to work with. But I knew that when I angled you all on the circular stairway, I had to get the last person. Somehow I knew how to line everyone up, and I loved my pictures. And that’s what kept me taking pictures of everyone. 

Plus, when you take pictures, you’re also telling the story behind the person. For example, traveling—after taking a picture somewhere, the memory of where you went and what you did comes flooding back. That’s why I love picture-taking.

Lisette: And you were always good about putting the pictures in albums and keeping those keepsakes.I think that’s part of why I love weddings—you’re freezing memories. People often say, “That was the last picture with my grandpa.” Plus, everyone’s just so happy. It’s one of the most important events in a couple’s life. That’s why I got into weddings. But I’m surprised I did, because with weddings, you’re really in the spotlight—you’re directing, organizing big groups, and everyone’s watching. Mom, do you remember how unbearably shy I was? How did this happen?

Rose: I don’t know. People mature, get exposed to more people, and it all comes together. The maturity and experience just add up. And in your favor it totally worked out. When people choose a photographer among equals, they pick someone like you—someone calm, confident, who sets the mood and makes the day enjoyable. That’s your personality shining through. That’s why they choose you over two or three others if everyone is equally talented. 

Lisette: I appreciate that because I tell newer photographers the same thing: the technical skills matter, but personality is everything, especially when you’re with the couple all day. I love that you noticed that. And you notice it because you actually had me assist you on a wedding. My mom has wanted to second shoot with me.

Rose: I’ve always loved weddings—that’s why I wanted to come with you. I love watching people. As a court reporter, I loved observing everyone’s reactions, facial expressions, and little things others don’t notice. In court and in photography, you capture everything. In your case, you sometimes have to direct people. I just sit back and take it all in.

Lisette: So mom, when you assisted me on that wedding, what was it like? This was basically during getting ready and also a first look. Did you feel it was chaotic, or pretty well organized?

Rose: I mostly remember the way you handled yourself. I didn’t feel it was chaotic—you seemed so in control. That confidence comes with experience. You become more competent over the years, and that’s true in any profession. I was at ease because you were at ease. I knew I had to get out of my mom mode and be the assistant photographer. And I felt like all I had to do was carry out the duties you assigned. Honestly, I thought you’d be harder on me, rushing me here and there, but you were calm, so I stayed calm too.

Lisette: I’ve been told that even under stressful moments at a wedding, my smile tends to get even bigger. I actually heard one photographer say she didn’t hire a second shooter again because you could see the stress on his face.

Rose: That makes sense. I guess it’s like in court—the judge sets the mood. If the judge is harsh, everyone is on edge. If calm, it extends to everyone. Same with weddings—you’re managing a team.

Lisette: As a photographer, you’re leading the way. Videographers follow your direction, and sometimes you coordinate retakes or movements.

Rose: Exactly. I enjoyed it, and I’m ready to do it again. Especially if it’s a destination wedding—I’m retired and ready to go!

Lisette: I think it’s cute you’ve always wanted to help me. You love weddings as much as I do.

Rose: I do.

Lisette: Now that you’re retired, I’ll have time to train you. I think you could do it—you have the photographer’s eye and the energy.

Rose: I do. And yes, it helps that I work out every day. Zumba, weights, bands. 

Lisette: Especially for carrying heavy equipment all day. Cardio gives you the stamina. I often wonder if I can still do this into my fifties. I love this career so much, and I really think I can if I stay strong, eat healthy, and keep moving. To be honest, I don’t even feel fatigue until I sit down for dinner like six hours later. But then the music brings energy again. I love music and I love to dance.

Rose: Me too.

Lisette: You’ve been my number one supporter since day one. You’re the first person, besides my husband, I run to and tell about new projects, who I photographed, what publication I’m in.  Not every kid gets that luxury, and I really appreciate it. Did you have supportive parents growing up?

Rose: Yes.  And with my children I wanted to know everything, especially when it comes to creative pursuits like photography. Being a photographer is definitely your forte, and I’m proud of your progression. You have to love what you do to grow, and you're constantly learning—conferences, trends, new techniques. If you're stagnant, you fall behind. Curiosity and growth are essential, especially in a business like photography.

Lisette: That’s exactly it. I can talk about photography all day—probably why I started this podcast.Passion is key. I’ve noticed a few photographers had to return to corporate jobs because they lacked passion or effort in recent years.

Lisette: Photography is also a business—you have to stay informed about taxes, laws, and marketing. Sometimes people say leaving a 9-to-5 is working 24/7, but it doesn’t feel like work when it’s your passion.

Another way you inspired me is my love of travel. It’s probably my favorite hobby. I’d rather spend money on experiences than a purse. And I get to combine travel with photography. I know you also love to travel.  When did that start?

Rose: That love started early. I took my first trip abroad with a cousin organized by her mother, a travel group to Europe. I loved it so much I planned future trips to South America before turning 25.

Lisette: Europe is my favorite. I still haven’t been to Asia.  I'm jealous because you're about to go to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia. I’m proud of you traveling solo too. 

Rose: A 16-day South America cruise. It opens your  eyes to different scenes, venues, all useful for destination weddings. Destination weddings are fabulous. Experience in travel helps clients feel at ease knowing you can handle the logistics. 

Lisette: I’ve never been on a preferred vendor list for a venue by design—I want variety. Seeing different places sparks my passion. Different cultures and ceremonies make it exciting.

Rose: Southern California gave you exposure to diversity, which shows in your photography—different fashion, ceremony styles, and traditions.

Lisette: Yes. I research weddings ahead, especially cultural ones, to understand traditions. 

Rose: I’m ready to join in—destination weddings, proposals, content creation—our whole family wants to be involved.

Lisette: That’s true,  My daughter, Lucia, is already helping as a content creator.

I appreciate you never pressured me for straight A’s or a rigid career path. You and Dad let us explore our own way.

Rose: Of course. We emphasized higher education, but you chose your own path and pursued a creative career eventually.

Lisette: Right. I appreciated the freedom to explore.

So I remember that you were always worried about me having a boss and how sensitive I always have been and that I probably shouldn't have a boss ever. And I kind of didn't, right? With the court reporting, I was self-employed.  And with my business now, I answer to only me, But what did you observe in me in the way I handle pressure or responsibility before and now? 

Rose: I think you've always handled pressure pretty well,  even from the get go. Because you were the one of my three kids that wasn't just satisfied with doing one job or just studying and then doing nothing more. You would be studying in college and then you would take on one job here and then a little job there. 

As for handling pressure, I guess you put the pressure on yourself, and you handled it inwardly. 

Lisette: And that's so true. I don't know why I've always -- well, first of all, I've always loved working. I'm like my dad a little more, this, this is hardcore work ethic. And sometimes I'm like, gosh, can't I relax? So I remember I did different things while working as a court reporter, freelancing. I did acting for a while. So that was something creative.

Rose: Yeah, it was. your little films that they were actually televised. 

Lisette: Yeah, I remember a commercial. Yeah. I was a little bit embarrassed about it, though. 

Rose: No, they were good. 

Lisette: Yeah, I guess everyone gets a little -- doesn't like watching themselves on the camera, but here I am doing it again. 

Rose: Podcasting. 

Lisette: Podcasting. And this is going to be on YouTube also. 

Rose: Okay. Here we go.

Lisette: Well, mom, thank you so much for sitting down with me. I just wanted to thank not just for being on this podcast, but for always supporting me long before this ever became a business. This conversation felt like a full circle moment for me, and I really hope it reminds anyone listening that sometimes the path makes sense only in hindsight. So thank you for sitting with me in this reflection. Any last words you would like to say? 

Rose: No, except that I'm proud of you and I'm glad you're continuing this profession, and it just totally goes with your lifestyle too. 

Lisette: Yes, I agree and I love it so much. Okay, that's it for today. Thanks again.