I am Raquel, a documentary-style photographer.
Welcome & thank you for visiting my portfolio.
My name is Raquel Quijano, and I’m a photographer specializing in documentary and documentary-style photography. I was born in Queens, New York, and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where my love for family, culture, and storytelling first took root.
For the past 20 years, I’ve proudly called Florida home. I currently live in Land O’ Lakes and enjoy exploring new locations and discovering beautiful settings for photo sessions throughout Wesley Chapel, Tampa Bay, and the surrounding areas.
YEARS FROM NOW...
I believe photography is about so much more than beautiful images, it's about preserving the feelings, moments, and memories that make each story unique. Whether it's a wedding, portrait session, or special event, my goal is for my clients to remember not only how their day looked, but how it felt. I want you to be fully present, enjoy the experience, and have fun while I capture the genuine connections and meaningful moments that unfold naturally.
Years from now, I hope your photographs bring you right back to those emotions and remind you of the joy, love, and laughter that made your special day or session truly unforgettable.
More about me...
I am a mother of two unique and creative special needs children who have taught me more than I could ever put into words. Through them, I’ve learned that communication is so much more than language. It’s emotion, connection, and presence. I’ve come to realize that my truest form of communication is through my lens. It may sound cliché, but it’s honestly how I feel, and I’ve never felt more in tune with myself than when I’m behind the camera.
Photography is a passion I held close for over 15 years before finally giving myself permission to pursue it fully. Over time, it has taken on even deeper meaning, especially after the passing of my mother in May of 2024. That loss reinforced just how precious memories are and how powerful it is to preserve moments that can never be recreated.
After working in digital advertising for approximately 15 years, I took a leap of faith in 2023 to follow my long-time aspiration of becoming a photographer. My passion for photography truly ignited after returning from a mission trip to Central America to El Salvador & Guatemala in 2022 with my church, where storytelling, humanity, and raw emotion took on a deeper meaning for me.
I am deeply drawn to capturing raw, emotional, and sincere stories. Documentary and documentary-style photography has become my profound focus. I love the authenticity of storytelling and the opportunity it gives people, and myself, to share their true stories and testimonies through images. When the opportunity arises, I also enjoy creating thoughtful portraits, especially family portraits that reflect genuine connection.
I am a graduate of F.I.R.S.T. Institute, where I earned a Certificate of Digital Photography in 2023. I’ve gained experience across a wide range of work, including events, weddings, business headshots, newborn, maternity, and fashion photography. I currently serve as the photographer at my church, Taller de Reconciliación, documenting meaningful moments and serving the community through photography.
I’m incredibly excited about this new chapter in my life and grateful for every opportunity to capture new stories. To me, the memory of a photograph is more than what’s seen in the frame. It’s the experience, emotion, and connection behind the captured image that truly matters.
I invite you to explore my work and view my perspective on storytelling through my lens.
"The memory of capturing a shot is more than just the scene in the photo, the experience of the captured image is what I love."
