Lopez Foto

Cindy and Frank Lopez own and operate Lopez Foto, a business that specializes in photography and videography. Their photographic expertise is not limited when it comes to the kinds of assignments they take. Lopez Foto takes pictures or video for weddings, quinceañeras, studio portraits, passport photos, and other special occasions. They also sell frames, glass, albums, and repair cameras in their store located in Plaza Vigil.

Photography has been in Mr. Lopez’ family for generations, Mr. Lopez is a third generation photographer and he is passing his love of photography onto his children too. Mr. Lopez’ father first started the family business by opening a store in Salinas. Following in his footsteps, Mr. and Mrs. Lopez opened their photography business in King City in 1998. After some difficulty they closed their King City store and when they had the opportunity they moved their business to Watsonville and opened in the Plaza Vigil. “We have gotten to know a lot of businesses and people in Watsonville,” Mrs. Lopez said, “I feel really good about that. It took a while to get used to Watsonville, but now I like it. It has grown on me.”

Mrs. Lopez says that being self employed is good for her family. “It is a change from the home base,” she says, “we have more clients now because we have a known business store. Before we had to search for clients, but now clients come to us. It is also a lot more work.” Mr. and Mrs. Lopez have a large family to take care of with four children attending four different schools. They are constantly serving customers at their store while trying to bring order to their busy life. “I tell my husband that I’m proud,” Mrs. Lopez said, “we sacrifice a lot for our kids, but I’m proud. I’m making it.”

Mrs. Lopez has taken several business workshops from the El Pájaro CDC, including the in-depth NX level training. “I have grown a lot and matured,” she said, “the NX level training has helped me to understand everything about business. I want to take it into consideration and use it in my business practices. It opened my eyes to how to re-assess my business. Someone also helped me get advice on rearranging my shop.” Mrs. Lopez has plans for her business to develop and grow. She is rearranging the displays in her current shop as well as considering expanding beyond the walls of the Plaza Vigil into Watsonville and Santa Cruz where Lopez Foto has a large customer base. “I’m trying to bring in new people and be good to the customers I have already,” Mrs. Lopez said.