Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Maz.
Tamara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I got into photography early, when I was around 11 years old; I was always taking portraits of friends just for fun. I was always “that girl with the camera,” all the way through to my college years. A friend asked me to photograph their wedding about 10 years ago, and I instantly fell in love! I knew I had found my calling as a profession.
Last year in late September, like most people in Puerto Rico, I was severely set back by the destruction wrought by Hurricane Maria. I lost my apartment to flooding. In the humanitarian crisis that followed, I sought refuge in Texas, where some of my family lives. A client whose engagement announcement I photographed in Puerto Rico also lives there, and she’d actually already booked me for her November wedding in Houston. My mother decided to relocate to DFW permanently, and with a steady flow of new local clients coming in, it quickly became my second home.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been an amazing journey, but not without its obstacles. Photography equipment is expensive, so acquiring all I needed at first — back when I was a student with only a part-time job for income — was difficult. I didn’t have a marketing budget then; as someone from a small, rural town in Puerto Rico, I mainly relied on word of mouth and referrals to grow my network. I also had zero knowledge about running a business then and had to learn along the way.
My advice for anyone starting out: Go online, open books, listen to webinars and shoot, shoot, shoot! Practicing with the camera in real life will teach you more than anyone else can, and through reading, you can learn what it takes to succeed in business. For women, all of the aforementioned is important — but it’s also to be prepared for situations where you might be questioned. Stand up for yourself and make your voice heard. It’s not always easy to stand firm against any degree of discrimination, but don’t allow anyone to keep you from doing what you love.
What should we know about Tamara Maz Photography? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in wedding photography and portraiture. My style is documentary; I love telling real stories through images. I pride myself on building long-lasting relationships with my clients, becoming their “family historian” during the most important moments of their lives.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
I was fortunate to grow up in a home where art was valued and creative expression was encouraged. Both of my parents were business owners, so I also saw firsthand the work it takes to shape your own success.
I also learned that you have to be prepared for risks, hardship, and failure. When I was a teenager, my family struggled because of health issues and other problems. I had no choice but to enter adulthood a bit early and start supporting myself. It wasn’t easy, but I I realize now how enduring struggle was key in developing personal strength and has served me well as a business owner.
Pricing:
- Portrait sessions begin at 500
- Wedding coverage begins at $2000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tamaramaz.com
- Phone: 254-423-0731
- Email: photos@tamaramaz.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/tamaramaz/
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/tamaramaz
Image Credit:
Photographer’s portrait by Jen Lozano
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