The Push I Didn'T Know I Needed
Photography has always been something I loved, but actually taking the leap to pursue it? That took a little push. Bernie (wearing a white shirt) and Matthew (wearing a black shirt) are the two people who inspired me to go for it. Without them, I’d probably still be stuck wondering if I should follow my passion.
Bernie’s always been the one to push me, like telling me, 'Go buy your camera already, let’s go shoot together.' Matthew, on the other hand, just has this way of making his passion for photography contagious. Seeing his work and hearing his stories got me wanting to do the same.
Thanks to both of them, I finally stopped second-guessing and started doing what I love. Every photo I take now reminds me of their belief in me, and I’m so grateful for that."
PHOTO BY:
BERNIE ROMERO
location:
DALLAS, TX
Get to
Know Me
Hey, I’m John, a Texas-based photographer and Wix web designer who loves capturing moments and bringing ideas to life online.
Photography lets me freeze the little things, capturing the emotions, stories, and connections. And when it comes to web design, I get to turn those stories into digital spaces that feel just as personal and engaging.
I’m all about collaborating, bouncing around ideas, and seeing where creativity takes us. Every project teaches me something new, and I’m always striving to grow and make work that resonates.
Whether I’m behind the camera or building a website, I’m here to create something that leaves a lasting impression.
​
Best regards,
John Fernando
PHOTO BY:
TESS VILLAREY
location:
FUJIKAWAGUCHIKO, JAPAN
How It All Started
While working on my degree as a full-time college student, I also had a full-time job on weekends to help cover my educational expenses. I knew I needed to save more money for college. I did not want to take on another traditional job. I often found myself scrolling through LinkedIn and Indeed for opportunities.
At some point, I realized that instead of searching for another job, I could make money doing what I love. With skills in photography, blogging, graphic design, and building Wix websites, I saw that I did not have to choose just one. I could pursue all of them and turn my passions into something profitable.
I started taking on photography projects. I shared my experiences through blogging. I created graphics and developed websites. Each project gave me a sense of purpose and excitement. I was not just working to earn a paycheck. I was building something of my own, doing what I enjoyed.
Balancing school, my weekend job, and my side projects was not always easy. The satisfaction I got from following my interests made it worth it. It taught me that with dedication and creativity, it is possible to create opportunities and find success on your own terms.
PHOTO BY:
KRISTINE VAZQUETELLES
location:
DESTIN, FLORIDA
BUILDING
MY WEBSITE
I started building this website as soon as I had a clear goal for my side hustle. Once the idea clicked, I jumped into planning, designing, and making it happen. Each day has been a learning experience, pushing me to improve along the way.
I have spent a lot of time researching market trends, figuring out what works, and focusing on making the user experience better. I also put a lot of effort into refining the content to make sure everything fits my vision of a successful online platform. There have been challenges, but they have helped me grow and refine my approach.
Every decision, from design choices to content updates, has been part of the journey to make this platform feel authentic and effective. It has been a mix of trial and error, but each step brings me closer to creating something meaningful and lasting.
WEB DESIGN:
Made using WIX Studio
PREVIEW:
As of March 2025
HOW IT WAS MADE
Building my website with the Wix Editor and Wix Studio was a real journey. The Wix Editor is super easy to use, making it simple to drag and drop elements. But the real challenge came in figuring out how the final site would look and making sure it was user-friendly for my future clients. I wanted the site to be simple but interactive, and that balance took a lot more time and effort than I thought. Still, seeing the finished product that really captured my vision made it all worth it.
Even though I was happy with the original design, I knew I could make it better. I wanted to make the site more engaging and interactive for visitors. That’s when I decided to redesign it using Wix Studio, a more advanced design platform that offers greater customization and flexibility. With Wix Studio, I was able to refine the layout, add new interactive features, and make sure the navigation was smooth and easy to use.The redesign took time and effort, but it paid off. Now, the website not only looks better but also offers a more enjoyable experience for my clients.
I’m also getting used to Squarespace and Webflow to expand my skills in website design. I’m excited to see how these platforms compare and how I can incorporate their features into future projects.
Gear & Services I Rely On
TRUSTED gear
PHOTO BY:
JOHN FERNANDO
location:
ARLINGTON, TX
INTRODUCING
daisy🌼
This is my ride-or-die, Daisy, who completely stole my heart. I adopted her on July 29, 2023, when she was just 4 months old. At the shelter, she went by the name Azula, but the moment I met her, I knew she needed a name that felt more like home. That is when Daisy became her name, and she has been filling my days with joy ever since.
Daisy is a beautiful mix of Retriever, Labrador, and Great Pyrenees, and she carries the best traits of all three. She was born on March 18, 2023, and has this gentle, loving spirit with a playful side that always keeps me on my toes.
Her personality is so sweet, but she demands a lot of attention, which is just how I like it. Whether she is running around the yard or curled up next to me, Daisy is the best companion anyone could ask for. I am beyond grateful that she chose me that day at the shelter. She is truly a gift.
