Hidden Gems: Meet Isabel Lopez Slattery of Isabel Media Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabel Lopez Slattery.

Hi Isabel , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Isabel Media Studios with a heart full of passion, a love for deep storytelling—and a borrowed camera.

After graduating from college with a degree in Media Communications, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in this field. But I didn’t own any gear. That might be surprising to some, but growing up, my mom was a single mother of three, and investing in a professional camera just wasn’t an option.

So, I used what I had. As a kid, I captured life with disposable cameras—documenting everything that caught my eye. In college, I relied on equipment from local community media centers to complete my projects. But the real turning point came at 19, when I landed a job as a wedding photographer. That role gave me hands-on experience and taught me what it meant to work with a full professional setup.

After college, still without equipment of my own, I asked one of my mentors if I could borrow his camera on weekends. I started photographing weddings for about $200 a day—not to launch a business, but simply to save money while searching for a “real job” and hoping to buy my own gear.

But then something beautiful happened.

People noticed the care and quality I brought to each shoot, and word started to spread. Before I knew it, I was fully booked—11 months out of the year. What started as something temporary quickly grew into a full-time business.

About six years ago, I made the decision to shift from personal photography to focus on what truly aligned with both my passion and my background: visual media communications. That’s when I rebranded and officially launched Isabel Media Studios.

Today, Isabel Media Studios is a creative company focused on intentional, strategic storytelling through photography, video production, and visual branding.

For me, it’s never just about producing beautiful images. It’s about honoring your journey, reflecting your purpose, and helping your audience feel something real. I used to dream of becoming a creative director when I was in college—and now, I get to live that dream every day, leading a team that brings meaningful stories to life from behind the lens.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth.

One of the first major challenges I faced was simply saving enough money to buy a basic full-frame camera, a flash, and a high-speed SD card. That alone was a big hurdle. While many photographers struggle to find bookings or define their style, my biggest challenge in the beginning was having access to capital. I had the talent and the vision—but not the tools. Coming from a household where money was always tight, I didn’t have access to professional gear, and that limited what I could offer when I first started the business.

Another major challenge came during COVID. I had just hired a full-time administrative assistant because the business was thriving. But once the pandemic hit and in-person events came to a halt, my revenue dropped to zero for nearly a year. I had recently signed a long-term commercial lease for my studio, so that year was an intense struggle—figuring out how to cover bills, adapt the business, and simply stay afloat. It was one of the most difficult seasons, but also one that forced me to reinvent myself and rethink how I show up in the world of visual media communications. I’m grateful we survived it—because not every business did.

Beyond those moments, I’d say one ongoing challenge has been learning how to be a business owner. I studied photography. I know how to create, direct, and deliver a powerful visual story—but I didn’t go to school for business. Running a company requires a completely different set of skills. Every day, I’m learning what it means to lead, to grow, and to keep developing myself professionally so I can take Isabel Media Studios to the next level.

As you know, we’re big fans of Isabel Media Studios. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Who we are:
Isabel Media Studios

Helping stories live beyond words.

Isabel Media Studios is a visual storytelling company dedicated to helping stories live beyond words. We specialize in strategic photography and video production that helps businesses and organizations elevate their message, strengthen their brand identity, and connect with their audience in meaningful ways.

Our work goes beyond beautiful visuals—we focus on visual branding and identity, crafting intentional images that honor your journey, reflect your purpose, and inspire your audience. From mass media reproduction—such as news articles, blogs, and magazines—to social media and business-focused visual marketing, our imagery is designed with purpose to communicate, captivate, and convert.

We serve a full range of visual needs, from corporate events and professional headshots to brand-focused campaigns and visual storytelling for business and organizational marketing initiatives. Every frame is guided by strategy and crafted to reflect the essence of your brand.

Led by founder Isabel López-Lattery, a media communications expert with 20 years of experience, Isabel Media Studios is built on a foundation of excellence in visual messaging, trusted client relationships, and exceptional customer service.

what are you known for? We’re known for our attention to detail, our charisma, and the way we pour heart and soul into every project—as if it were our own. That level of care creates a deep emotional connection, allowing us to produce authentic, purpose-driven storytelling with a cinematic, professional finish. It’s not just about visuals—it’s about meaning, connection, and bringing each client’s vision to life with intention.

.What should we know?
Over the years, Isabel Media Studios has had the privilege of seeing our work featured on the covers of several magazines, including both regional and statewide publications—an exciting milestone for any photographer. Some of the images we’ve created for editorial features have also been published nationally.

We’ve also been honored to work on campaign photography and video for individuals breaking barriers as the first women to hold positions in Congress, as city commissioners, and as mayors. Capturing their journeys and creating the visual content that helped communicate their message was deeply meaningful. Regardless of political affiliation, the opportunity to help tell the stories of women making history resonates personally with me—as a first-generation college graduate, I know what it means to be the first. And I know how powerful it is when your story is seen and celebrated.

In 2023, my journey as a photographer and entrepreneur—alongside the evolution of Isabel Media Studios—was featured in Women in Business: Michigan Edition, a book publication that celebrates stories of leadership, resilience, and impact across the state.

But beyond the accomplishments of Isabel Media Studios, I’ve also celebrated meaningful personal artistic milestones. A few years ago, two of my fine art photographs were purchased by Varnum law firm, and are now part of their permanent décor—one displayed in their main conference room and the other in their remodeled lobby. It was an incredible honor to have my work chosen not just as content, but as art.

I also had the privilege of being invited to participate in my first gallery exhibit through Art Exchange Gallery. My featured piece, Faces of the Moon, was part of a curated collection—a deeply rewarding experience that allowed my work to be seen in a completely new light, among other talented visual artists.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
One meaningful way people can support us is by simply getting to know us.
Every business has its own voice, its own story—and we believe Isabel Media Studios brings something truly special to our city. We’re rooted in creativity, culture, and community, and we welcome opportunities for people to understand who we are and why we do what we do.

Whether you’re curating a panel, podcast, blog, or article, I’m always honored to share my journey—as a first-generation college graduate, and an entrepreneur who built a company from the ground up with no financial backing, just vision and determination.

For me, sharing my story isn’t just about reflecting on my past—it’s about using it to uplift others. I believe it’s important to show that your circumstances don’t define your future. Obstacles are real, but so is resilience. Dreams don’t just happen—they take action, faith, and dedication. If my story can spark belief in someone else’s journey, then that makes every part of it worth sharing.

Pricing:

• One meaningful way people can support us is by simply getting to know us. Every business has its own voice, its own story—and we believe Isabel Media Studios brings something truly special to our city. We’re rooted in creativity, culture, and community, and we welcome opportunities for people to understand who we are and why we do what we do. Whether you’re curating a panel, podcast, blog, or article, I’m always honored to share my journey—as a Latina creative, a first-generation college graduate, and an entrepreneur who built a company from the ground up with no financial backing, just vision and determination. For me, sharing my story isn’t just about reflecting on my past—it’s about using it to uplift others. I believe it’s important to show that your circumstances don’t define your future. Obstacles are real, but so is resilience. Dreams don’t just happen—they take action, faith, and dedication. If my story can spark belief in someone else’s journey, then that makes every part of it worth sharing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://isabelmediastudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelmediastudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isabelmediastudios
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/isabelmediastudios
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IsabelMediaStudios