Today we’d like to introduce you to Tawny.

Hi Tawny, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

My photography journey began in 2018 when my son was born. A coworker recommended newborn photos, and after experiencing that session, I started seeing seasonal photo recommendations. I didn’t want to miss a single moment. At the time, my son’s dad was in school, and while I was working as a nurse, we had to be mindful of spending. So, I picked up a camera and taught myself everything I could through YouTube.

Over the next few years, photography became more than just a way to document my own children—it became something I truly loved. I wanted to perfect the art I was creating, so I invested in online courses on lighting, editing, and posing.

I had dreamed of being a newborn photographer since 2018, but in 2024, I decided to stop making excuses and go for it. I transformed the spare room in my house into a studio, trained hands-on with an experienced newborn photographer, built a website, and immersed myself in SEO and the business side of photography. While balancing a full-time nursing job and being a sole parent to my two kids (now 5 and 7), I’ve poured my heart into building this business. It’s been challenging, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything—I’m finally doing what I love, creating timeless images for families to cherish.

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?

It has not been a smooth road in the slightest. My life has changed drastically over the past five years. I went through a very difficult divorce, which left me as the sole parent and provider for my kids. I moved across the country for a job, leaving behind any built-in support system. Balancing everything has been incredibly challenging, but I’ve worked hard to create a community of friends who have been a tremendous help. I also rely heavily on school and daycare since I still work full-time as a nurse.

Finding a work-life balance between nursing, parenting, breaking generational cycles, and running a business has been an ongoing struggle. On top of that, I’m not naturally tech-savvy, so learning the business side—ranking on Google, pricing myself sustainably, and keeping up with trends while staying true to my artistic vision—has been overwhelming at times. There have been moments when I wanted to give up, but now that I’m more settled into it, I feel much more confident in my path and excited for what’s ahead.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I’m a photographer specializing in newborns, but I also love capturing babies, families, and maternity sessions. One thing that sets me apart is my commitment to newborn safety. Many photographers offer newborn sessions without proper training, but I’ve taken the time to invest in hands-on mentoring, as well as certifications in CPR, first aid, and safe posing techniques. Safety is always my first priority.

For newborn sessions, I gravitate toward natural light, soft neutral tones, pastels, and timeless, scrunched-up poses. My goal is to create images that parents will look back on in 10, 20, even 30 years and still love just as much as the day they were taken.

When the weather warms up, I love photographing families during golden hour. My approach blends natural, candid moments—kids running, parents snuggling, laughter, and playful interactions—with the classic, posed “grandma mantle picture” that’s perfect for display. Life moves fast, and between work, school, and activities, it can be hard to pause and take it all in. I want my photos to be that pause—a way for families to relive the love and connection they share, even amidst the chaos of everyday life.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?

I believe that everything in life comes with some level of risk. Before having kids, I was definitely more of a risk-taker, but now I’m much more cautious because I have two little ones depending on me. I can’t afford to take risks the way I might have before—especially financially—because stability for them comes first.

That said, starting my own business was a huge risk in every way. It required an investment of time—time away from my kids—as well as financial resources to redo my studio, take courses, learn SEO, build my brand, and manage the day-to-day demands of running a business. The photography industry is incredibly saturated, and the reality is that many photographers only sustain their business for three to four years. With so many new photographers offering sessions at very low prices, it can be difficult to stand out. But I knew that if I wanted to do this, I had to fully commit.

Despite the risks, I believe in what I’m building. I’ve put in the work to ensure I offer a professional, high-quality experience, and I’m committed to longevity in this field. Taking this leap has been scary at times, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding.

Pricing:

• Newborn Sessions range from $400- $800
• Family Sessions- $325-$400
• Maternity Sessions- $325 (booked with a newborn)
• Cake Smash- $400 including portraits, cake smash, and a fun bath for clean up

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tawnyrochellephotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyrochellephoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555733232478
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawny-nalley-807513330/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TawnyRochellePhotography
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tawny-rochelle-photography-kennewick