Testimonials
Client stories
I worked with Graciela to take new professional/personal branding photos and it was a dream from the start. She listened to what I wanted and asked that I create a Pinterest board, which helped me to crystallize my ideas. On the day of the shoot, she and her make-up/hair stylist made it all a fabulous experience. Graciela put me at ease from the very beginning and created the best photos of me that I've ever had. I recommend her as highly as I can for this type of photographic experience!
You are a true master of what you do, thank you! It was a great experience and awesome results!
Graciela is an insightful and intuitive photographer who brings out your BEST in every shoot. I have worked with Graciela twice as a photographer and multiple times in her role as a community leader. My branding photos are spectacular and I use them in all my marketing. She takes the time to understand your essence and your brand to ensure what she produces captures the authentic YOU. Every interaction with Graciela and her team is warm and professional. She is authentic and strong, always looking for the best in others and giving way more than she receives. Her kindness, professionalism, and expertise shows up in everything she does and in my photos! I highly recommend Graciela as a photographer and a community leader!
When you do a personal branding session with Graciela Valdes, photographer, you don’t have to ask yourself will it be right or does she understand what I’m trying to achieve?
Graciela Valdes is a master of her craft. Therefore, I put myself entirely in her hands. From makeup, outfits, location, and positioning she was in control. I had fun doing the shoot and the end results speak for themselves.
If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, or just wanting a gift for yourself or someone special, then pay Graciela a visit.
I couldn’t write enough to express how grateful I am to have met and been a client of Graciela Valdes. She was extremely professional, talented and genuinely caring. You can tell she truly listens to her clients and creates a very personal experience that makes you feel so special. Her exceptional eye for photography is so evident in her work and the photos that I received. I remember her visually planning out my outfits and “scenes” in our room while I was getting ready (loved the makeup session too). The photo shoot itself was so much fun and I felt very comfortable and pampered. She took my Pinterest board and brought it to life with so much depth! I was so floored with my photos it made me emotional. From the moment you reach out to her, to the day you receive her album, she will be your biggest fan! She wants to make you feel and look your best and I think that’s so important when choosing a photographer. Thank you so much again for everything. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Graciela!!
Trusting a photographer with something so vulnerable and intimate as a boudoir shoot is hard for everyone, but for someone on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, it can be extra intimidating and even frightening.
When I booked the shoot, I was really excited as this would be my first time being photographed for myself. Having a boudoir shoot really made me think about how I feel and how I want to see myself. Graciela was able to go at my pace and make me feel comfortable the whole time. She’s a great help for first-timers.
What I liked the most about my experience was stepping out of my comfort zone. I loved that the portraits were classy with a little bit of sexy at the same time. I even did a little bit of nudity!
I would 100% recommend this experience to anyone! It’s all about having fun and being yourself. You don’t have to look a certain way and it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just be yourself.
I like that Graciela made me feel comfortable. She was very open, affirming and accepting. I felt loved and I never felt judged. I felt very comfortable.
Graciela is obviously comfortable working with large and lovely women and transgender women. She’s also clearly comfortable working with heterosexual straight cis gendered men like my husband. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed shooting together.
Many thanks! You are the consummate professional! I am very happy with the results of this experience!
Graciela is more than a photographer with a gifted eye, she is a passionate human being with a heart of gold. She goes the extra mile to ensure you are not only delighted with your finished products, but are enamored with fulfillment of your vision. There are few gifted photographic artists I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of working with and among these I now count with Graciela. I highly recommend her, if you are seeking to capture a vision and your essence on canvas. She is incredible and I’m blessed to have met her. I look forward to many years of collaboration and friendship.
I commissioned Graciela to photograph one of my lookbooks, “The Nature of Things” a handbags and cuffs collection. She paid attention to what I needed and understood my vision. She also gave her input, and that makes her a great team player. Graciela helped styling our beautiful model on location by selecting the clothes and anything needed to make it a successful shoot. #candywoolley thanks you!
Having professional “headshots” taken by Graciela Valdes is so much more than a photo shoot.
We discussed not only the image that would be portrayed, but also the perceived image of my business and services that potential clients would gather from that picture. It’s Branding at a level above most photography packages.
The Makeup and hair stylist Graciela Valdes uses is top notch, and was so amazing to work with.
The location and fashion choices were well thought out in a collaborative manner for a ridiculously wonderful outcome. To say Graciela Valdes Photography exceeded my expectations would be an understatement!!
Exceptional in knowledge, process and outcome! Graciela spends time to get to know her clients and the core essence of their brand.
The outcome is pure magic! Thank you Graciela for an amazing work of art! You’re the best! You were amazing!
I had such a good time! I never felt like this in a photoshoot! You, my friend, have a great talent and charisma! Ladies, this is not your typical headshot; this is a headshot session on steroids! Think beyond the spa-feeling. Dress pretty and bring lots of options. Everything is full of fun!
This session changed my life! It is, Graciela, as you say, a celebration of femininity - strength, power, beauty, and confidence! I feel it every day! Meeting women like you and those you touch is so inspiring! Makes the indefatigable part of us keep going!
Thank you for caring so much about what you do. When I think about the session and the pics, this slight wave of confidence comes over me. It’s not like I think about it all the time, but when I do I just feel a little different. It’s pretty powerful. Thank you so much.
Amazing professional photographer, made my experience unforgettable. I will definitely use her again for any occasion. Very versatile and ready with her makeup team! Thank you.
5-Star Google Review
Graciela is fabulous! She has a way about her that is relaxing so that the photos end up being natural looking, not stiff and posed. And she is fun to work with!
5-Star Google Review
I would highly recommend Graciela Valdes! She has an amazing, positive energy which is infectious when you're working with her. She makes you feel relaxed when you are nervous and knows all the right things to say so you can be comfortable - therefore she can get that most authentic, that perfect shot of you. I also love the quick turnaround in getting the proofs back and the fact that I can see them all via a mobile app. She is an amazing photographer and if you are looking for someone to shoot your next professional headshots for work, or family gathering and holiday pictures, look no further! You won't regret it. She really is AMAZING!
5-Star Google Review
I recently had my headshots done with Graciela and it was GREAT. She is an amazing photographer, knowing exactly how to bring out the best "you." I love the way the pictures turned out and I would recommend Graciela for any and all photography. On top of her professionalism, Graciela is warm and kind and makes all of her clients feel comfortable. Thank you Graciela!!
5-Star Google Review
WOW.... thank you Graciela for capturing on your camera and bringing the essence of Who I Am to light on camera. You are such a beautiful, creative, and talented women living your Dharma (purpose in life) Anyone hiring you to utilizing your Fine Art Photography services would be so blessed and fortunate! Namaste.
5-Star Google Review
I met Graciela at her booth at the Women’s’ Empowerment Conference 2017. I would call it the most inviting hang out booth at the entire conference. She was not only inviting, but she was warm & friendly and I was curious. Her energy resonated with me. I have ALWAYS wanted a portrait session over the decades but like so many others, I never got around to it. I looked at her sexy portraits and imagined myself into the pages.
She followed up with me and I bolted….the reflex fear was “I am not sure”. Not really true. It was more like, I want to do this but I am not confident about this.
Her follow up was very professional. More like “let me take me you by the hand and walk you thru the process”. She explored with me themes by sending me questions about myself, what was I comfortable/uncomfortable with. What themes did I envisage for myself? What was my timeline? Did I have any ideas on venues etc..It was really cathartic. There was a process. You don’t just show up and she shoots. She walks you thru.
The entire process was really enjoyable. I had to trust the process. Her make-up team was exceptional and the day was better than I had anticipated. I was extremely comfortable throughout the entire shoot.
Graciela takes the time to know her subjects. She walks around inside your skin and knows how far to push -she knew my comfort zones. I was excited to try something new. I was excited by the outcome. It really exceeded my expectations. I plan to do this again soon.
I would highly recommend her to anyone who wants to have their photographs done. She captured my essence perfectly. The final package that I chose is outstanding.
If you would like to see my shoot with her feel free to ask me. I am so proud of the final results. I actually feel like a real centerfold model (lol)!!
Be careful, she grows on you, so much so, that you will want to do it again!!
5-Star Google Review
I've had several professional shoots in my career as a speaker trainer and coach but I can honestly say that this was my favorite. The entire process start to finish you feel like a VIP and the final product, well they came out amazing. Whether you are looking to do personal branding, boudoir or family portraits, Graciela will most likely exceed your expectations ten times over.
5-Star Google Review
Graciela did a very good job for my professional portrait! I will be back for sure.
5-Star Google Review
Graciela was able to capture me as a person and as a professional. As a real estate agent is very complicated to change pictures because all the marketing we have out there. I feel very good and pleased with her pictures. I believe she was able to reflect the message of HOPE I want to transmit to other Cancer Survivors.
5-Star Google Review
I chose to do a Boudoir Session with Graciela to get vulnerable learn a lot about myself. We all think we are not enough, at least that’s what I thought – that my body was not good enough – I was listening to those little voices in my head. I chose Graciela because even though there are a lot of great photographers in the world and in Fort Lauderdale, Graciela brings that extra energy that makes you feel comfortable. She creates not just good pictures but an awesome experience. You can look back and feel the love and feel the energy from the experiences. So, it’s not just about the experiences, it’s about discovering yourself. I highly encourage everybody to shoot with Graciela because you deserve that.