Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Saenz.
Tanya, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a passion for taking pictures of my kids. I was always setting up photo shoots for my own kids and close family friends. I would just take my camera, shoot in manual mode and have fun. I started to get asked to take pictures of families and realized I needed to formally teach myself how to use a camera. I spent six months learning everything I could about photography; manual mode, editing, posing and composition. I took classes and read and watched everything I possibly could. I remember staying up all hours of the night trying to learn as much as possible. I would take my girls and their friends on photoshoots so I could practice all the time. Here I am now coming up on my 7th year with Tanya Saenz Photography and still love every minute of it. My hobby turned into my passion and subsequently my job.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting a business is not easy, I’ve learned there are always ups and downs to any business. I definitely had a learning curve, not only with photography but running a business. At Texas A&M, I got a degree in Political Science. Looking back now, I wish I had pursued a business degree. I don’t think I thought about my passion as a photographer as a business. My husband often reminds me that I also run a business. I have also learned how to say no and balance work and home life. It’s easy to never leave work when your office is in your home.
Tanya Saenz Photography – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a high school senior and family photographer in the Northwest side of town. I shoot all over Houston and the surrounding areas. I love the relationships I have been able to cultivate through my business. Some of my clients have now become some of my closest friends and I love that!! I have been awarded several awards for my high school photography and have been featured in high school photographers magazines and social media sites. I think what makes me most proud is that I’m not just here to take your pictures. I love building relationships and making my clients feel special about themselves. I especially try to work hard with senior girls so they can see how beautiful and exceptional they are. I think in today’s world of Instagram, filters, and photoshop, girls often do not feel pretty. They fail to realize those photos are not actual representations of the person. My biggest compliments have been when girls have said, “Wow, is that me?”, “I really am pretty” or “I never felt pretty until I saw these pictures.” I want girls to walk away with confidence and realize their true beauty.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define my success through my clients. I love hearing about how they love their pictures. I love making memories and seeing the laughter and joy in my clients. I’m not here just to take pictures, I’m here to preserve your memories. If you walk into my home, I have pictures up of my family everywhere!! These pictures bring joy to my life. I want to do the same for my clients. My success is defined by the happiness I bring my clients when they look at their pictures and memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,tanyasaenzphotography.com
- Phone: 832-452-8465
- Email: tanyasaenzphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: tanyasaenzphotography
- Facebook: tanyasaenzphotography
Image Credit:
Tanya Saenz Photography
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