We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nathaly Tabares a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nathaly , thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I’ve always been a risk taker, and that mindset has shaped my entire journey. Ten years ago, I moved to Georgia with dreams of becoming an aesthetician. But when the board of aesthetics didn’t accept my credentials, my plans came crashing down. Instead of giving up, I saw an opportunity to pivot. I decided to start my own business, not out of luxury, but out of necessity.

For three years, I worked tirelessly to build my business, facing the harsh reality of not making any money at first. There were moments when I questioned my decision, but I knew success doesn’t come without risks. I kept going, believing that if I stayed persistent, things would eventually pay off.

Today, I’m proud to say that I’ve opened my own studio in Downtown Duluth—one of the most vibrant and versatile towns in Georgia. The risk I took all those years ago has led me to a place of growth and success that I couldn’t have imagined when I started.

Taking risks is how you succeed, whether the road is easy or hard. It’s the only way to grow, to find your purpose, and to build something meaningful. My story is proof that when you believe in yourself, embrace uncertainty, and keep going, great things can happen. And I’m just getting started.

Nathaly , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi! I’m Nathaly Tabares, a personal and commercial branding photographer based in the heart of Duluth, GA. I’m a wife, mom, lover of chocolate, and a Moscow Mule enthusiast—and I’m passionate about capturing the essence of people and brands through powerful imagery.

My journey into photography is a story of following my heart. Originally from Colombia, I studied two careers before realizing that I wasn’t doing what truly made me happy. When I moved to the U.S., I decided to pursue my childhood hobby of photography—something that had always sparked joy for me. In 2017, I took the plunge and launched Nathaly Tabares Photography with the simple goal of helping people preserve their most precious memories. I began by focusing on family and lifestyle photography, creating timeless images for families to cherish for generations.

But here’s where it gets interesting: brand and commercial photography wasn’t something I planned for—it kind of found me! A friend asked me to take some photos for her real estate business, and even though I had no idea what I was doing, I threw myself into it. I designed the shoot, planned wardrobe changes, hair & makeup, props, and had so much fun in the process. To my surprise, the session was a huge hit! I loved the energy of it—the laughter, the connection, and how confident my friend felt in front of the camera.

That was my “aha” moment, and it set me on a path I never saw coming. Today, I specialize in brand and commercial photography, helping creative entrepreneurs and bold business owners elevate their brands with magnetic visuals that showcase their unique essence. My clients aren’t just looking for photos—they’re looking for content that speaks to their ideal clients and communicates their brand story with authenticity.

What sets me apart is the experience I offer. I’m more than just a photographer—I’m your creative partner, fashion advisor, cheerleader, and friend. I go above and beyond to create photos that not only align with your brand’s vision but also inspire confidence in you as the face of your business. My goal is to make sure that every image I capture reflects the passion and energy you put into your work.

I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m especially proud of the impact I’ve been able to have on my clients’ businesses. My unique approach to styling, directing, and planning brand photoshoots ensures that each client feels empowered, seen, and truly understood. With my experience in marketing, branding, design, and social media, I create cohesive visual strategies that help businesses grow, connect with their audience, and leave a lasting impression.

If you’re ready to elevate your brand and transform the way you show up visually, I’m here for it. Let’s make your brand shine. Don’t be afraid to show the world what makes you you—because that’s what’s going to make you unforgettable.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my social media audience has been a journey of consistency, authenticity, and connection. When I first started, I didn’t have a big following, and honestly, I didn’t know exactly what I was doing. But I knew one thing for sure: I wanted to show up as me—real, relatable, and passionate about what I do.

I made a commitment to post every day. At first, it felt like a huge challenge, but it became part of my routine. I shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of my photoshoots, tips on personal branding, and even snippets of my life as a wife, mom, and business owner. The key was to let my audience see the real me—not just the polished, professional side, but the human side too. I wanted people to connect with me—not just my work.

Client referrals played a huge role in growing my audience. Word of mouth, both online and offline, has been invaluable. I’ve always made it a priority to nurture relationships with my clients and encourage them to share their experiences. A happy client will share your name, and that’s the best kind of marketing you can get. Trust me, when you focus on creating a great experience for your clients, they’ll want to shout it from the rooftops—and that kind of organic growth is priceless.

My advice for anyone starting out is simple: Be present. Post consistently. Engage with your audience. It’s not about perfection; it’s about building relationships. And don’t forget to ask for referrals—your clients are your best advocates.

Building an audience takes time, but when you show up as yourself and offer value, your tribe will find you. Stay authentic, and they’ll stick with you. Keep it real, and the right people will resonate with what you do!

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Building strong relationships with my clients and fostering brand loyalty is at the core of what I do. It’s not just about the photos—I want my clients to feel seen, appreciated, and supported long after the photoshoot is over.

One of the key ways I stay connected with my clients is by reaching out to them twice a year—whether it’s to check in, share a positive message, or simply remind them that I’m thinking of them. I genuinely care about their journeys, and I like to stay in touch beyond just business. I also make it a point to congratulate them on their birthdays, sending a personal note or a quick message to celebrate them. These small gestures go a long way in showing that I value them as individuals, not just clients.

Another way I stay connected is by keeping them in the loop about what’s happening in my business. Whether I’m launching a new service, announcing an upcoming event, or offering a special promotion, I always reach out with updates. It’s a way to keep the conversation going and show them that I’m evolving alongside them.

I truly believe in building authentic relationships, and I don’t just want clients for a one-time shoot—I want them to feel like they’re part of my community. It’s about creating a space where they feel valued, heard, and excited to work with me again. When clients feel personally connected to your brand, they not only return—they also become your biggest advocates. That’s the foundation of brand loyalty for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nathalytabaresphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalytabares.photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathalytabares.photography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaly-tabares-photography/
• Other: Pinterest:
  https://pin.it/29y1kRIvD