Carlos Chavez Photography LLC

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Carlos Chavez Photography LLC Tucson headshot photographer & video production studio for driven professionals and teams.

10/28/2026

This mistake cost me thousands of dollars.

Running your own business comes with a pretty steep learning curve, and unfortunately, some of those lessons aren’t cheap.

When I started my photography business, there were things I didn’t know, things I overlooked, and decisions I made that ended up costing me real money.

The frustrating part is that sometimes you don’t realize how much something is costing you until you look back.

But I’ve learned that making mistakes is part of growing a business. What matters is whether you learn from them and make changes moving forward.

I’m still learning, even after all these years.

For my fellow business owners, what’s one mistake you made early on that you wish someone had warned you about?

Day 17 of my 30-Day Yapping Challenge.

10/27/2026

One thing nobody really prepares you for when you start your own business is just how lonely it can be.

Day 16 of my 30-Day Yapping Challenge!

Before becoming a full-time photographer, I spent years working in the nonprofit world. I was constantly surrounded by coworkers, having conversations, collaborating, and working alongside other people.

Now, I spend a lot of my days working alone in my studio.

And while I absolutely love being my own boss and wouldn’t trade the freedom I’ve created, there are definitely days when I miss having coworkers.

Luckily, I have Regina Chavez to bounce ideas off of, and I’ve built some incredible friendships with other photographers who understand exactly what it’s like to run a business.

But I think this is something we don’t talk about enough as entrepreneurs.

You can absolutely love what you do and still miss the social side of having a traditional job.

I’m curious how many other business owners feel this way.

If you’re self-employed, do you ever miss having coworkers?

10/26/2026

Day 15 of my yapping challenge!

Here’s something that surprised me as I built my photography business.

I actually started making more money when I stopped trying to photograph everything.

When I first started, I was doing fitness photography, real estate, headshots, and whatever other opportunities came along.

And while I enjoyed all of it, I eventually realized that people needed to know what to come to me for.

For me, that was headshots.

I really focused on improving my skills and building a reputation as someone who specialized in professional headshots.

Before long, people started thinking of me when they needed headshots, and that led to bigger opportunities with companies, conferences, and events all over the country.

The funny thing is, I still offer many of those other services today!

But there’s a huge difference between everything you’re capable of doing and what people actually know you for.

That’s been one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about growing a business.

So I’m curious, especially for my friends who own businesses: Do you think it’s better to specialize in one thing or offer a little bit of everything?

10/25/2026

Day 14/30: Sometimes the best thing you can do for your career is realize you’re not as good as you think you are.

When I joined Peter Hurley Photography and the Headshot Crew, I was already working as a professional photographer. I thought I was pretty good at what I did.

Then I started putting my work in front of some incredibly talented photographers and realized I had a LOT to learn.

And that was one of the best things that could have happened to me.

Learning to accept criticism, being surrounded by people who genuinely wanted to improve, and constantly pushing myself made me a significantly better photographer.

I eventually earned my spot as a Headshot Crew Associate, something I’m incredibly proud of.

I still want to get more involved with the Crew again. Like anything else, I just need to be intentional about making the time.

For any photographers looking to improve their headshots and build a sustainable business, I can’t recommend the Headshot Crew enough. The investment is small compared to the value you can get from applying what you learn.

Whatever industry you’re in, find people who push you to be better.

The moment you think you know everything is the moment you stop growing.

Have you ever had an experience that completely changed how you approached your career?

10/24/2026

I quit my 9-to-5 for more freedom, but somehow ended up working more than ever!

When I started my photography business full-time, I pictured having all this freedom and flexibility. What I didn’t realize was how hard it would be to turn work off.

Over the years, Regina Chavez and I have found two things that really help us avoid burnout.

First, having our own studio space. We’ve gone from renting shared spaces to a tiny studio, then a bigger one, and now our current studio that we’re already outgrowing! Having somewhere dedicated to work helps us keep work and home separate.

Second, trying to take at least one full day off every week to focus on family.

I’m definitely not perfect at either one, especially when emails and phone calls keep coming in.

But I’ve learned that when you own a business, you have to intentionally make time for yourself and your family. Otherwise, work will take up every minute you give it.

Day 13 of my 30-day yapping challenge!

For those of you who own a business, what do you do to keep yourself from burning out?

10/23/2026

Day 12/30: Why I was terrified to quit my job and become a full-time photographer.

Here’s the funny thing. Before I quit my nonprofit job, I was already making more money doing photography part-time than I was working full-time.

So why was I so scared to leave?

Three big reasons: not knowing when the next paycheck would come, having to cover healthcare and all the other expenses myself, and probably the biggest one… being afraid to fail.

There’s something comforting about having a steady paycheck and benefits, even when you know there’s an opportunity to do something bigger.

Making that decision was one of the scariest but most exciting moments of my life.

And looking back, I’m so grateful I took that leap.

Have you ever been terrified to make a big change, even when you knew it was probably the right decision?

10/22/2026

Day 11 of my yapping challenge, and we’re getting back to photography!

One thing I’ll always be grateful for is how photography allowed me to be home with Landon during his first six months.

I had gone full-time just a few months before he came into our lives. Regina Chavez was still working as a principal and had to return to work, which was really hard on her.

But because I could schedule my photography shoots just two days a week, I was able to be home with Landon the rest of the time while still bringing in enough income for our family.

I got to experience so many little moments with him that I otherwise might have missed.

Of all the things photography has given me, that time with my son will always mean the most.

Day 11 of 30: More Than a Paycheck.

10/21/2026

Day 10/30: From Adopted Son to Adoptive Dad.

I’ve thought a lot about my childhood, being adopted, and everything I experienced growing up.

Sometimes I genuinely believe the universe was preparing me for something I couldn’t have possibly understood back then.

Years later, Gina and I would find ourselves on our own adoption journey, bringing Landon into our lives.

Now he’s five years old, and I look at our family and can’t help but think about how everything has come full circle.

I’m incredibly grateful for the life we have and every experience that brought us here.

Life is pretty amazing sometimes.

10/20/2026

Day 9 of my yapping challenge, and this one is a little more personal.

I was adopted at 18, but Carol and George had been my parents since I was seven.

The crazy part? Carol was actually my babysitter when I was born while she was attending NAU!

Life has a funny way of bringing people together.

Even though the adoption wasn’t official until I was an adult, I always knew they were my parents.

Family is about so much more than paperwork.

Do you have someone in your life who became family even though you weren’t related?

Day 9 of 30: Adoption Has Always Been Part of My Story

10/19/2026

Day 8 of my yapping challenge!

For years, I was working nonstop trying to grow my photography business.

But when Gina and I started talking about building our family, my priorities began to change.

I still wanted to be successful, but I also wanted the freedom to spend time with the people I love.

And I’ve learned that sometimes time is worth a whole lot more than money.

What’s something that’s changed your priorities as you’ve gotten older?

Day 8 of 30: My Priorities Started Changing

Address

181 S Tucson Boulevard, Suite 107
Tucson, AZ
85716

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15206687202

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