About

Monica is an award-winning local photographer. Her portraits have appeared in magazines such as Photo Digest and Inland Empire.  She has photographed for local jazz and film festivals.  Monica has also been privileged to have had several portraits hang in the San Diego County Fair international photography contest.   While she is also a successful Fine Art photographer, her love of people keeps her motivated to also excel as a portrait artist. “I love shooting families, kids and babies.  There is so much variety in that kind of photo shoot.  Every person that I photograph is different and therefore so is the experience of creating those images.”

Monica is very active in the photography community.  She holds a position on the board  of the Professional Photographers of San Diego County.  As the 2nd Vice President she is the Photo Competition chair.  The competitions are judged by photographers outside of San Diego County.  Most judges hold a Master Certification and have years and years of experience, both as working professionals and as judges.  ”I encourage all professional or aspiring photographers in San Diego to join PPSDC and participate in the Photo Competitions.”  ”It’s nerve racking of course, but it’s an amazing opportunity to learn through critique and discussion of your work.”

Monica has been a volunteer photographer with the non-profit organization Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep since 2009.  The goal of this organization is to provide remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby with the free gift of professional portraiture.  Monica dedicated herself to this cause after suffering complications during her pregnancy with her son.  He turned out to be perfectly healthy, but the scare made her realize that she had to give back to those who were not as lucky.

It has been her experience that these images have served as an important step in the family’s healing process by honoring their child’s legacy.  Her son turned out to be a fabulously goofy little boy and together with her daughter are truly the lights of her life.  ”Just about everything I do, I do for them.  They inspire me, challenge me and drive me crazy, all at once.  I adore both of them!”

Please visit NILMDTS  webpage and if you or someone you know requires their services, please contact the area coordinator.   http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org