We were lucky to catch up with Marwa Taha recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marwa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I started my photography business in October 2022, encouraged by my best friend who is in the Clothing brand industry and was the one who recognized my talent and passion for photography. At that time, I was in my last year of college, balancing academics with a part-time job at a physical therapy clinic.

If I had started my photography business sooner, perhaps during my earlier college years or even before, I might have experienced:

Creative Exploration: More time to explore and refine my photography style and skills, allowing me to develop a unique artistic identity earlier on.

Building Brand Presence: Establishing my brand and online presence earlier could have helped in gaining a larger audience and client base over time.

Learning Curve: Early challenges and mistakes would have provided valuable learning opportunities, shaping me into a more resilient and knowledgeable photographer.

However, if I started sooner It might have also meant:

Fear and Uncertainty: Overcoming initial fears and doubts about my abilities and potential success as a photographer.
Financial Challenges: Balancing the financial demands of starting a business with college expenses and part-time job earnings.

Throughout my journey, having a supportive team, especially my best friend and Family who encouraged me to start the business, has been invaluable. Their belief in my talent and passion provided the confidence and motivation I needed to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Their encouragement continues to bolster my resolve during challenging times and celebrate successes along the way.

Looking back, I am grateful for the encouragement and support that pushed me to start my photography business when I did. While starting sooner might have had its challenges, especially concerning fear and financial stability, it would have allowed me to harness my creativity earlier and build a stronger foundation for my business. Emphasizing the potential and creativity that I initially hesitated to share underscores the importance of taking risks and believing in oneself sooner rather than later.

Starting my business in October 2022 has been an amazing journey, and I now appreciate the growth and opportunities that have come my way since then. Each step, whether sooner or later, contributes uniquely to an entrepreneur’s development and success in the competitive world of photography and business.

Marwa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello everyone! I’m Marwa Taha, and I’m passionate about photography. My journey into this creative field began with a deep-seated love for capturing moments and telling stories through imagery. What started as a hobby evolved into a thriving business when I launched my photography venture in October 2022.

Background and Expertise:

During my final year of college, while balancing academics and a part-time job at a physical therapy clinic, my best friend encouraged me to pursue my passion professionally. Giving me the opportunity to bring her work of art to life through photos. By working together side by side to not only have her Clothing Brand shine but to also bring my photo skills to life to capture and grab clients attention. This pivotal moment sparked my entrepreneurial spirit, and since then, I’ve dedicated myself to honing my craft and delivering exceptional photography services.

Products/Services/Creative Works:

I specialize in Portrait Photography but I am branching out to new photography such as Event, Wedding and Sports Photography. My goal is to capture authentic moments and emotions, whether it’s documenting weddings, creating compelling portraits, or enhancing brand storytelling through commercial photography.

Solving Client Problems:

Through my photography, I solve the problem of preserving memories and capturing the essence of special occasions. I help clients cherish their milestones forever with high-quality images that reflect their unique stories and personalities.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

What sets me apart is my commitment to creativity, professionalism, and personalized service. I believe in building genuine connections with my clients to understand their vision and exceed their expectations. I combine technical expertise with an artistic eye to deliver photographs that resonate deeply with my clients and their audiences.

Pride and Key Messages:

I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the meaningful moments I’ve been privileged to capture. Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate event, or a personal portrait session, I approach each project with passion and dedication.

Key Messages for Clients/Followers/Fans:

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that I am committed to delivering not just photographs, but memorable experiences. I invite you to explore my portfolio and discover how my photography can bring your vision to life. Whether you’re looking for timeless portraits, vibrant event coverage, or compelling commercial imagery, I’m here to collaborate and create something exceptional together.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

As a photographer, I’ve found several key resources that have significantly enhanced my craft and workflow. Online platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer excellent courses on photography and editing, while Adobe Lightroom is my go-to tool for post-processing. Sharing and discovering inspiring work on Instagram, 500px, and Behance has been incredibly motivating. I also rely on Unsplash, Pexels, and Pinterest for high-quality, royalty-free images and visual inspiration. TikTok has surprisingly become a great resource for quick photography tips and creative ideas. To keep my projects organized, I use Trello for project management and Google Drive for cloud storage. YouTube tutorials have been invaluable for learning new techniques, and forums like Reddit’s r/photography provide great community support and advice. For staying updated on gear and industry news, I regularly check DPReview and PetaPixel.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely, my creative journey is driven by a passion for capturing and sharing the beauty of the world through photography. My goal is to continually refine my skills and techniques to tell compelling visual stories that evoke emotion and inspire others. By staying engaged with the latest tools and trends, like Adobe Lightroom for editing and TikTok for creative tips, I aim to push the boundaries of my craft. Ultimately, I want to create a body of work that not only reflects my unique perspective but also resonates with a broad audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of photography.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: MarwaFlashes
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marwa-taha-741b2b1aa/

Image Credits

All Photos are captured and edited by MarwaFlashes. (Me)