I have vivid memories of growing up in a lively and fun large family, but one thing that bothered me was capturing those precious moments. Back in the early twentieth century, hiring a photographer was too expensive and even the best digital cameras were not widely available. In addition, digital camera technology hadn’t evolved much with improvements mainly in LCD screens and megapixels. Fast forward to today, and the quality of photos from our phones surpasses those from digital cameras fifteen years ago.
In 2009, I took matters into my own hands and bought my first analog camera. I wanted to become a photographer to ensure my family had their photos taken and to do the same for my friends and people in my community. It was an exciting but somewhat uncertain journey, and I remember the thrill of waiting for developed photos after two or three weeks – a stark contrast to today’s instant gratification.
In 2014, after leaving Haiti and moving to the Dominican Republic, I had already gained some knowledge of using a camera and enjoyed taking photos. At this point in my life, I was hungry and had a family back home to support, so photography became my career. A good friend connected me with a job in the tourist photography business as a marketer. My role was to talk to clients and book them for free thirty minute photo sessions during their vacations. It was a challenging job but anything that involves photographs, I wanted to be a part of it and gain as much knowledge as I can.
Over the years, I developed my photography skills, thanks in part to “Issan Andres,” who became like a brother and mentor to me. He challenged and supported me, even arranging for others to teach me photography while I worked on commission. A job opportunity came up for me and my life changed in the photographer world. I was finally confident and was working as a professional paid photographer.
In 2019 I moved to Florida, USA and my connections from working in the Dominican Republic assisted me with getting new clients and I started my own business as a photographer.
I have unlimited talent but my personality and charisma comes natural in my everyday life. I have been told by many that I am over energized, exciting and passionate when I am in my zone of creating beautiful memories.
Photography has become a way for me to capture and share the stories and moments that people want to cherish for a lifetime. In the beginning it was for memories, few years later it was for a career, now today I can honestly say, being a photographer has become an essential part of my life.
Hmmm, I believe my mother knew what I was destined to become from birth. My name is Lenes and when I started taking photos everyone would call me Lens because my camera went everywhere with me. I just had to name my company LENS MAGIC – I’m always behind the lens of a camera and I get to create magic.
