Today we’d like to introduce you to Taryn Melgoza
Hi Taryn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into photography began in 2009 when my husband gifted me a DSLR camera for our first wedding anniversary. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion, as I spent countless hours photographing friends and their children, taking multiple photography classes, and contemplating the idea of turning this beloved pastime into a career.
In 2012, everything changed with the arrival of my first child. I fell head over heels in love with my baby boy and became obsessed with capturing every milestone, tiny detail, and precious moment of his first year. The overwhelming joy he brought into our lives made me realize that I wanted to help other families preserve their own beautiful moments.
During that year, I made some life-changing decisions: I left my teaching job and launched my portrait photography business. Fast forward to 2024, and I’m proud to say that I’ve been successfully running my photography studio for over 12 years!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Over the past 12 years, I’ve faced numerous challenges in my business, from my husband’s layoff in 2015, which made me the sole provider for our family, to the COVID-mandated shutdown in 2020, and now the impact of a major economic downturn. Each of these experiences brought its share of fear and uncertainty, but I believe that these obstacles were placed in my path to help me learn and grow.
Of all the significant events I’ve encountered, the most impactful happened in late 2014. I was pregnant with our second child—a baby girl—while running a thriving portrait business from my home studio (which was actually my dining room). At around 25 weeks into my pregnancy, my water unexpectedly broke, and I was rushed to the emergency room. The doctors informed me that I wouldn’t be leaving the hospital until my daughter was born, which could happen within hours or possibly weeks. The uncertainty was overwhelming—questions swirled about my baby’s health, who would care for my two-year-old son, how long I’d be in the hospital, and how I’d manage my photography clients. It was a surreal and frightening time.
I spent five weeks on hospital bed rest, giving my daughter the time she needed to grow and gain strength. She was born just before 31 weeks and spent the next six weeks in the NICU. Thankfully, this story has a happy ending, but I vividly remember the stress and fear during that unprecedented time. My photography clients were incredibly kind and understanding, with many checking in on me regularly. I had to cancel and refund numerous sessions, and I spent countless hours in the hospital editing and delivering galleries, updating my website, and managing the backend of my business. All of these photography business tasks were a blessing to me during my hospital stay—they kept my mind occupied during those long and lonely weeks of bed rest and provided a much-needed distraction from the worry and fear that often threatened to overwhelm me. I ended up taking over three months off from photographing clients during this season of life. Though I wasn’t photographing clients, I spent hours capturing precious moments of my baby girl in the NICU, anxiously awaiting the day I could finally bring her home and photograph her newborn portraits. I cherish those photos and memories that tell the story of her first days.
Today, my daughter is a beautiful and healthy 10-year-old, and she often appears on my social channels!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in maternity, newborn, and family portraits, with a particular passion for newborn photography. I’m best known for capturing the tiny details and beautiful moments of a brand-new baby. Lately, lifestyle newborn photography has become my favorite style of session. These lifestyle sessions are typically held in the comfort of a client’s home within the first 2-3 weeks after the baby’s birth. I love visiting clients in their beautiful homes, witnessing their interactions, meeting their beloved pets, and capturing these intimate moments.
What sets me apart is my dedication to making each session a comfortable, personalized experience, ensuring that every client feels seen and valued. With over 12 years of experience, I’ve developed a keen eye for detail, a talent for capturing beautiful light, and an ability to bring out the unique essence of each person I photograph.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients over the years, many of whom return again and again to document new milestones in their lives. During a session with me, I aim to create a relaxed environment where my clients feel free to laugh and be themselves—because that’s where the magic truly happens! The ability to create lasting memories for families and provide them with images that bring joy and nostalgia for years to come drives me to keep learning and growing my business.
What makes you happy?
I find the most joy when I’m spending quality time with my family and children. For us, quality time might involve preparing and sharing delicious meals, playing card games together, relaxing on our boat as we watch the sunset over the water, or snuggling and playing with our two puppies.
Lately, I’ve come to realize that happiness can also be found in the simple, everyday tasks. Incorporating a gratitude journal into my morning routine has been transformative. It’s eye-opening to see how this practice can reset my mindset and help me view things with greater clarity. It’s a wonderful reminder of the many blessings in my life and the importance of being grateful for each and every day.
Pricing:
- Starts at $950
- On average clients spend between $2000-$2500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tarynmelgoza.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarynmelgozaphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TarynMelgozaPhotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-xxxZeASMkOMsiajFxykZA
Image Credits
Headshot photo credit goes to Mornings with Em Photography by Ashlee Jones
