We recently connected with Tamara Gruner and have shared our conversation below.

Tamara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I started my business 10 years ago with an investment of $3000 – a camera and a lens. Of course, I did not have a portfolio so I chose to provide free services – to friends and family. I primarily focused on engagements and family sessions – because no one, rightfully, would risk their wedding to someone who has a minimal portfolio. Using those opportunities I built up my portfolio enough to advertise in The Knot – a bridal wedding magazine.

After 8 months I got my first wedding and I was beyond ecstatic. I offered my services for less than $1000 and took up 30+ weddings that year. My entire summer was spent photographing weddings which enabled me to build a portfolio over time.

In my books, it takes a lot of effort, time, and perseverance to succeed in my industry. Every year motivates me to do better. Every wedding is a stepping stone to a new beginning and a learning experience that I use for my next event. After 10 years I have achieved a certain level of credibility and respect in the industry.

Having said that, I don’t take anything for granted. I have the same level of commitment I had 10 years.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was originally born in Munich (Bavaria), but my husband and I split our time between Chicago & Denver. Whether I am photographing a wedding in America or anywhere in the world, I marry my decidedly European style with diverse love stories.

I did not start off as a photographer – but spent nearly 10 years in the field of cancer research. But, I have always held a soft corner for a camera.

To me, both science and art play a role in the composition of refined wedding portraiture. Luckily, I have a background in both worlds along with a deeply rooted appreciation for travel, beauty, and fashion. I hold a Ph.D. in Cancer Research from the University of Cambridge, UK — but I made the transition from being a scientist to love a story preservationist about ten years ago.

Details have always mattered to me — fascination with the framework of cells simply shape-shifted into a passion for capturing people, moments, and emotions in all of their intricacies. I have always been a fashion lover, and it goes without saying that the years I spent working in a sterile laboratory environment only heightened my awareness of aesthetics and beauty.

I pay a lot of attention to detail, and I pour my heart and soul into what I do. I always make sure I am there for my clients – presenting myself early for a wedding, responding to client requests promptly, and delivering images with quality and ahead of time.

Anyone who has hired me would tell you my overarching tenet is “clients first.”

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During the early years of my career, I went to extreme lengths to photograph weddings – my only way to create a portfolio that would help me establish myself in the industry. Over a given 48-hour period I flew from Denver to Chicago for an 8-hour wedding, flew back to Denver late at night, and then flew to Missoula, MT the following morning to cover another wedding, and flew back to Denver the following morning to cover an engagement session that afternoon. Thankfully the flights were on time!

I have built my career from nothing through sheer resilience and perseverance – and I have bent over backward to further my brand and reputation in the industry.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My entire professional life has been a pivot of dramatic proportions. I spent nearly 10 years of my life in the field of cancer research leading to a Ph.D. and post-doctoral studies at Cambridge University. Having done all of that I decided to drop it all and pursue my passion – photography. Initially, I wasn’t sure how I would monetize my passion – nature, weddings, wildlife, etc. But eventually, I found my calling and decided to jump into the world of weddings – and I have never regretted my choice. And, it has been 10 years and counting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tamaragruner.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaragrunerphotography/

Image Credits
Tamara Gruner Photography