Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Bustamante.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Hi there!! I’m Tara Bustamante with 7 Twenty-Nine Photography! I started 7 Twenty-Nine with my dear friend Lisa Garrison in 2017. Lisa and I have known each other for years, as our girls grew up playing soccer together. Lisa has an interior design degree from the University of North Texas and I studied Journalism and art at Texas Tech University. While we both have other jobs, (I am an art teacher and Lisa is a buyer) our photography business is a labor of love.
I have had a camera in my hands since I was a kid. I was initially inspired by my grandmother’s perfectly curated and meticulously compiled collection of photo albums. I would spend hours soaking up every bit of our family history, as seen through the lens of her camera. Studying art and journalism in college, photography has always been one of my favorite mediums to work with. As an artist, I use my art- (photography in particular) to communicate, to tell a story or at least inspire the viewer to ask questions about what is happening in that moment. As an introverted artist, I am married to my polar opposite, an extroverted engineer! We have kind of a yin and yang thing going, and balance each other out pretty well. My husband Sergio and I have three kids, ages 19, 10 and 7. They are growing up way too fast for our liking, and we gratefully spend every available second with them. I have a pretty eclectic taste in music, but Miles Davis and Frank Sinatra are usually my go to. I eat probably more dark chocolate than I should, and I can’t survive without coffee! I have a deep love of architecture and old airplanes. The beach is my happy place- the sound of the waves and the smell of the ocean soothes my restless soul. When I’m not behind the camera or editing photos, I’m teaching art! I also spend a good deal of time either shivering at the ice rink with my youngest or cheering at the soccer field for my other two kids
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?
I would say over all it’s been pretty smooth. I personally struggle with a couple of issues. As an artist, I use my work to communicate- to tell a story, all the while sharing part of my self. As an introvert opening up and sharing my work can be a scary thing- so consequently I struggle with the social media marketing aspect of running a business. Finding a work/life balance is also tough. I love what I do, and can easily find myself sucked in for hours on end working on photos. As a wife, mom and teacher on top of being a photographer life is a constant juggling act. It’s a crazy, sometimes whirlwind life, but we are making it work!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about 7 Twenty-Nine Photography – what should we know?
I have been photographing friends and family for years, however 7 Twenty-Nine Photography was officially born in 2017. We specialize in portrait sessions for families, couples, expecting parents, babies, kids, and teens. We are working hard to grow this business, but it’s a slow process and we are totally okay with that! As artists, our style tends to be more creative and at times dramatic. We love unexpected and candid shots. We strive to give our clients a relaxed and laid-back experience, exceptional images and a quick turnaround time. We truly want to serve each client like we would our very best friends or family. We want them to feel amazing about themselves and their photos.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being a people/client focused photographer. Giving each client the very best work and helping them to feel amazing about themselves!
Pricing:
- Full Portrait Session- $250.00. 1- 1,5 hour session. 1-2 outfit changes. Edited digital images in a password protected gallery. Flash drive with all images
- Mini Session- $120.00. 30 Minute session. 1 location. All edited digital images uploaded to a password protected gallery. flash drive with all images
Contact Info:
- Website: www.7twentyninephotography.com
- Phone: 972-653-0550
- Email: 7twentyninephotography@gmail.com
Image Credit:
BustaBbelong to 7 Twenty-Nine Photography
Tara Bustamante
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