We had the good fortune of connecting with Debra Reyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Debra, what do you attribute your success to?
I believe that showing up with kindness and a desire to always be the best at what I do are the most important aspects of my business. Forming personal relationships with people is the first and most important part in my mind, I love creating bonds with people, even if I only get to be in their life for a short period of time. It’s because of these relationships that I’ve built that I am able to do what I love everyday. I’ve gone to shoots where the client is upset, and by the end of the hour or so we’ve spent together, we’re laughing and joking around. I’ve shared both tears and champagne with my clients, and to me, nothing is better. I also have a strong desire to continuously better myself and my skills. I’ve known my calling was photography since I was about 10 years old, and since then my drive to be the best at what I do has only grown stronger with each passing year.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am proud of so many things! One of my favorite aspects of photography is how diverse of an art form it is. I have worked in so many different fields, and I have loved every single one of them. I’ve photographed fine art for galleries and museums, medical patients and surgeries, jewelry, Swiss watches, elopements, music festivals, food… and my current focus, which is real estate! The possibilities are literally endless, and I feel so lucky that I get to be a part of so many different industries all while doing what I love! It feels unreal sometimes, and it definitely has not been an easy journey, but everything has felt like it’s come at the right time. Every day I work to better myself and make connections with people, so when things line up it feels deserved and I am so grateful for each and every person who chooses to allow me into their lives to capture special moments for them. I think the biggest lesson that I’ve learned is to not listen to people to tell you that you can’t succeed, this includes my self sometimes lol, you have to push through the negativity and know without a doubt that you can make it.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I like to plan my trips around food, because who doesn’t? So we would definitely hit up my favorites, Babes, Masons Dumplings, Maine Shack, Denver Biscuit Co, Poullette, Black Box Bakery, King of Wings, D Bar, anywhere at Stanley Marketplace honestly…. when we aren’t eating we’ll be watching movies at Alamo Drafthouse, or running around with my dog at Cherry Creek. I also love paddle boarding, so a drive up to Horsetooth Reservoir or out to Chatfield would be a must. If you’re staying for a week that means you will also be coming plant shopping with me at some point, in which case we will go to Tagawa Gardens and Nick’s Garden Center, if you know me, you know my apartment is a jungle, and the limit of plants I will welcome in does not exist!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people, but the first person that comes to mind is the college recruiter that showed up at my high school on a random day and opened my eyes to the possibility of art school! From that point on, all of my dreams felt like they could become a reality. It’s because of this presentation that I learned about a pre-college program, which ultimately led me to attend the college of my dreams in New York City. My mom also comes to mind, without her none of this would be possible. She is an artist herself, and one of the reasons I felt it was possible to pursue a career in the arts. Thanks mama!
Website: https://www.debrareyes-re.com https://www.debrareyes.com
Instagram: @debrareyes.re.photo @debbiereyes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-reyes-10628789/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debrareyes.photo
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCpItNYazJPXwPd1Iv8bxXw