We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Barbara Baez Robinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Barbara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

I actually started my business very slowly and very organically. At the time, I was working full-time as a senior medical billing supervisor (a role I had been in for over a decade) and I also had my business degree. Photography was something I did on the side, mostly on weekends, simply because I loved it. For years, I balanced both worlds: the stability of my office job and the creative rush of photographing clients who kept coming back again and again.
Around 2019, things started shifting. I realized that my photography was not only bringing me more joy, but it was also starting to bring in more income than my full-time position. At the same time, my husband’s metal band was getting more opportunities to tour, and the guys would joke that I was their “Sharon,” like Sharon Osbourne. They wanted me out on the road with them and honestly, I’ve always had a deep love for travel. Any chance I got, I was hopping on a plane.
All of that made me stop and think: Why not turn this into my full-time career? I had clients returning year after year, referrals constantly coming in, and I could see a clear path where I could do what I loved and actually make it sustainable.
Then, of course, Covid hit. So, I stayed in my office job for one more year while I used that time to plan strategically. I trademarked my name, “BabarazziPhotos” handled all the logistics, built the business structure, and set everything up so that when the world opened back up, I’d be ready.
By July 2021, after 16 years at my job, I finally took the leap. And I’ve never been happier. Since launching BabarazziPhotos full-time, photography has taken me to seven new countries and more than 25 states across the U.S. It’s been the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made… turning something I love into a life I truly enjoy living.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve loved taking pictures since I was a child! My mom gave me my first camera when I was just two! I took my first photography class in middle school, and over the years I captured candid shots of friends and family. That’s how I got the nickname “Babarazzi”, a mix of my name and Paparazzi, which I eventually trademarked as my business name.
I started photographing my husband’s band and realized I had a talent for capturing real energy and emotion. Today, BabarazziPhotos® offers everything from portraits and family sessions to concerts, events, and commercial projects. I’ve been featured in magazines, advertising campaigns, and even exhibited at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.
What sets me apart is my approach: honesty, attention to detail, and fun. I focus on creating authentic, memorable moments and giving clients images they’ll treasure forever. My motto is “There’s a picture around every corner,” and I love capturing life’s adventures, milestones, and joy! Whether it’s musicians on stage, kids at play, or families celebrating together.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has hands-down been word of mouth, with social media (especially Facebook) coming in as a close second. What makes me happiest is when clients love my work so much that they take the time to tell their family and friends about me. I absolutely love it when I get tagged on social media or see a client publicly thanking me. it’s free advertising, but even better, because it comes from genuine appreciation!
My goal with every session is to make people laugh, feel comfortable, and truly enjoy their time with me. When clients share that experience with others, I know I’ve done my job and it’s honestly the most rewarding part of what I do.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely! Beyond capturing people for business, I have a deep love for landscape photography, both urban and natural. I draw inspiration from legendary photographers like Ansel Adams and Bruce Davidson, and my dream is to one day create a coffee table book or a gallery exhibition showcasing my work, ideally for my city to enjoy, even if it doesn’t reach the whole world. I have an extensive collection of images from all over the globe, many of which I haven’t even shared on social media yet, and I hope to display them someday. To make this dream a reality, I’m continuing to grow my craft and knowledge by pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Digital Photography at Arizona State University online. Every shoot, every landscape, and every project brings me one step closer to achieving this goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://babarazziphotos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babarazziphotos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BabarazziPhotos
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BabarazziPhotos
• Other: Google Business Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AF3Dfs4PbxJh5JAp8