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E.V. Hernandez Photography - Pflugerville

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By Mandy Hobby Wednesday, 07 February 2007

Hobby becomes profession for local photographer

Elmar Hernandez, owner of E.V. Hernandez Photography in downtown Pflugerville, decided to open his own business in 2002 after taking severance pay from his corporate job of more than 20 years.

“I was sitting at home watching Oprah after taking severance and decided to get up and do something,” Hernandez said. “I decided to try my hand at my own business.”

Hernandez began taking photographs as a yearbook photographer in high school in San Diego, Texas. The summer after his senior year, an old classmate called and requested Hernandez photograph his wedding. It was not long before Hernandez received another call and his career as a photographer began.

He continued this sideline business through college and saved enough money to purchase his first camera. After college and marriage, Hernandez continued purchasing additional equipment with the money he earned taking photographs.

Map showing location of E.V. Hernandez “I recognized the talents I had, and people trusted me with recording images,” Hernandez said. “Every Saturday for three years, I had an event to go to.”

His experience and love of capturing moments in time led to Hernandez’s decision to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning his own business. After settling down with his wife and three daughters in Pflugerville, he chose his space in downtown Pflugerville next to Old Prague Market.

“I didn’t want to be remorseful at 50, but I wanted to say I tried that, whether I succeeded or failed,” Hernandez said. “I had three daughters watching and learning that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. Not only did I learn that by doing this, but my kids did, too.”

According to Hernandez, one reason he has succeeded is because he uses full digital professional photography. He is able to have a monitor in the camera room so he and his clients can view images immediately. He is able to adapt the lighting and also make the process more interactive.

For Hernandez, photography isn’t just about taking a picture, but capturing a moment in time of a family or individual.

“Whether they get it here or somewhere else, record the images because in no time at all, the family will grow and they are headed out,” Hernandez said. “We do it so we can remember who we are, what we are and where we came from.”