Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Taryn Ziesmer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Taryn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

I think it’s fantastic to ask friends and family to support your business — after all, they’re usually the people who love you the most and genuinely want to see you succeed. When you’re starting or growing something you’re passionate about, having a support system makes a huge difference. And support doesn’t have to mean spending money — sometimes the most helpful thing they can do is like and share your posts, refer you to someone, or simply hand out a few of your business cards.

In my experience, my friends and family have been incredibly supportive. What’s been even more rewarding is that through supporting me, many of them have learned a lot about the photography industry and the world of digital marketing. They started to understand the artistry, the strategy, and the time that goes into both. Watching that awareness grow has been amazing — and it’s a great reminder that one of the best things we can do as business owners is educate those around us. By educating those around us, we’re growing the value of our craft.

I think it’s appropriate to be honest and direct when asking for support — just don’t guilt anyone. If someone isn’t interested or can’t help, that’s okay. You have to respect that boundary. But most people are more than happy to lend a hand if they know how, and sometimes all it takes is a simple ask.

Ultimately, drawing the line means not expecting more than someone can reasonably give, but never being afraid to advocate for your business. Your inner circle can be a powerful launchpad — and if they learn something new along the way, that’s a win for everyone.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who may not know me yet — hi, I’m Taryn, the photographer of TAZ Photography. I’m a wedding and portrait photographer based in central Minnesota, and I specialize in capturing honest, emotional, storytelling imagery that helps people see the beauty in their own moments. My business ‘tag line’ is ‘For those wanting more than just pretty photos. It’s not just about pretty photos, it’s about remembering how it felt.’

Photography wasn’t always in the plan. I originally set out to become a sonographer and was fully focused on a career in the health field. But everything changed when I had my senior portraits taken. My photographer made me feel confident and beautiful — something I didn’t always see in myself especially as a 17-year-old girl in high school. That experience left a huge impression on me. I realized I wanted to give that same empowering, confidence-boosting experience to others through photography.

I began my photography journey at Ridgewater getting my associates in Professional Photography Technology thinking I’d focus on senior portraits and family sessions. After graduation, I tried second shooting for some wedding photographers — and I was hooked. The emotion, the connections, the energy, the storytelling of a wedding day felt like the perfect fit for my heart and my creative style. Now I specialize in weddings, and fill the rest of my calendar with senior portraits, family sessions, and other meaningful moments. In college, we also got the opportunity to learn videography so I do some wedding videography throughout each season in addition to my photography.

What sets me apart is my approach: I prioritize creating a relaxed and comfortable environment where people can be fully themselves. I believe that when people feel seen, supported, and safe in front of the camera, their true story shines through — and that’s where the magic happens.

Outside of photography, I also have a passion for learning and growth. I just graduated with my degree in Marketing and Sales Management, and I’m excited to start incorporating what I’ve learned into my own business. I’m also exploring opportunities to take on marketing clients or projects. Blending my creative work with strategy and business is something I’m really excited about — and I love helping others bring their vision to life in meaningful ways.

What I’m most proud of is the connection I build with my clients. Many of them turn into friends, and that means the world to me. I want people to know that I’m not just here to take pretty pictures — I’m here to tell your story in a way that’s genuine, emotional, and timeless.

Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, a graduation, or simply the beauty of everyday life, I’d be honored to be part of your story.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the connection I get to build with people and the trust they place in me to visually tell their story. Photography is so much more than just taking pictures — it’s about capturing memories, emotions, and moments that people will treasure for years to come. I love knowing that the images I create will become part of someone’s legacy — something they can look back on and feel all over again.

There’s something incredibly special about seeing my work printed or shared by a client. It’s a sign that they not only love the final product, but that I did my job well — I got to know them, made them feel comfortable, and captured their true selves. That’s the ultimate reward. Being able to create meaningful memorabilia that freezes a moment in time for someone… that’s what fuels me and keeps me inspired every day.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

When it comes to managing a team and maintaining high morale, I truly believe it starts with who you surround yourself with. I often work with second shooters, and many of them are actually my best friends. That dynamic makes such a difference — we bring a natural sense of trust, support, and fun into every wedding day. Because we know each other so well, we communicate easily, lift each other up, and keep the energy high throughout the day.

I’m also a naturally positive person, and when I’m doing what I love, that enthusiasm is easy to maintain and share. I’ve found that positivity is contagious — when you show up with joy, your team feels it too. I make it a priority to make sure everyone feels appreciated and knows their role is important. A team that feels seen and supported will always go above and beyond, and I’ve been lucky to experience that firsthand.

At the end of the day, working with people you genuinely enjoy — and creating an environment where everyone is excited to be there and trusts each other — is the best recipe for high morale and great results.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tazphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taz_photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tazphotos
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TAZ_Photos
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5S2VOfLRgDwbRjpojS6Mew
• Other: Pinterest: https://twitter.com/TAZ_Photos

Image Credits

TAZ Photography