Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Barnes.
Tara, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Hi there, I’m Tara! I’m a Texas girl that loves game nights, tiramisu, painting, traveling, and of course, photography!
Ever since I can remember, I have loved creating things. When I was a kid, I had an “art center” that my parents set up in our garage stocked with art supplies and a big desk. It was a great workspace for me to create and imagine in, and I am very thankful that my parents always encouraged my passion for art.
I was very fortunate to attend a high school that offered many different creative electives from painting, to jewelry-making, to floral design, and I took almost every single creative elective that I had room in my schedule for! Because of my love for creativity, I knew I wanted to have a career in something art-related, I just wasn’t sure in what specifically.
Growing up, I loved taking photos – there’s something so special about freezing a moment in time to last forever. Even though I was always the “kid with the camera” and spent many hours scrapbooking my childhood memories, I didn’t even consider photography as a career until I had graduated college. Photography was always just my “fun-hobby.” I went through multiple DSLR cameras before even considering photography as a career.
After graduating from Texas A&M University (Whoop!) with a bachelors in Visualization and a minor in business, I worked for a couple of years as a graphic designer. A few of my friends were still in college and they knew I loved taking photos so they asked me if I would take a few senior portraits for them in exchange for dinner. I of course said yes, and the rest is history!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’m not sure that building a business is ever an entirely smooth process. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to build a brand from the ground up. That being said, every hurdle has also provided a tremendous opportunity for learning and growth. Not just for my business, but for me as a person. My business has pushed me to overcome personal shortcomings in ways I never thought a business could push me to grow.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned from being a small business owner is that “DONE,” is better than “PERFECT.” Nike knows what they’re talking about when they say “Just Do It.” This has has been a huge mindset shift for accomplishing my long term goals! Instead of viewing tasks as things I could, should, would, eventually do, I’ve learned to break my goals into smaller, achievable tasks and when the time comes to just do it!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Tara Barnes Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
As a wedding photographer, I am passionate about capturing couples in a natural, authentic way, so they can look back and remember the joy and excitement of this special season of life! Life is full of ups and downs and my goal is to ultimately provide my couples with everyday reminders of their love.
Through my business, I strive to glorify God by how I serve my clients and I believe the best way for me to serve my clients is by getting to know them. There’s nothing like arriving on a wedding day to photograph a client-turned-friend’s wedding! I am here for my couples throughout the wedding planning process for any questions they may have. Trying to decide where to order invitations from or which florist to go with? I am happy to help! My goal is to make the wedding planning process as smooth as possible!
In addition to wedding photography, I also offer graduation portrait sessions. Seniors are so much fun and full of energy, I love being able to capture them during such an exciting time in their lives!
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I feel empowered as a woman and a small business owner, especially working in the wedding industry. Because I was a bride before I was a wedding photographer, I can relate to my brides in a more personal way. I remember exactly what it was like to be in their shoes which helps me to support and encourage them in a special way!
Throughout the course of my business, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with many other women who run successful small businesses. Having a network of fellow business owners that’s there to encourage and motivate one another, has been invaluable!
As a woman especially, it’s important to be confident in yourself and your business! Everyone makes mistakes, it’s what you do afterward. Each day is a new opportunity for growth!
Pricing:
- Portrait Sessions Begin at $400
- Wedding Coverage Begins at $2500
- The Average Client invests $3500 in their Wedding Photography
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tarabarnesphoto.com
- Email: hello@tarabarnesphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarabarnesphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarabarnesphoto/
Image Credit:
Tara Barnes Photography
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