We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tamara. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tamara below.

Hi Tamara, thanks for joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

I started many years ago when I got my first DSLR camera. At the beginning, it was very organic. I would take photos, people would see them, and occasionally someone would ask me to take theirs. It was sporadic and unstructured, but it planted the seed.

Everything shifted for me in mid-2018. I made a very clear decision that I was going to stop waiting to be hired for the kind of work I wanted to do, and instead start creating it myself. Fashion photography was, and still is, a big passion of mine, so I focused there first. I partnered with a friend who was into styling and modeling, and we started shooting almost every week. We did this consistently for months. That period was a turning point. I grew quickly, both technically and creatively, and more importantly, I realized I didn’t need permission to create the work I envisioned.

After that, I became more intentional about building a business that could support me financially. I shifted part of my focus to family photography, knowing it would be more sustainable as a source of income. I invested in backdrops and props, and I offered complimentary sessions to build a strong portfolio. At the same time, I created an Instagram account and began sharing my work consistently.

Little by little, inquiries started coming in. Each one gave me more confidence to keep going. I worked on my website, refined my packages, and adjusted my pricing as I learned more about what worked. A few years later, in 2021, I organized my first round of Christmas mini sessions. They were a success and connected me with many new families, which helped establish a steady stream of clients.

It was never one big moment. It was a series of small, intentional steps taken consistently over time. That steady effort is what turned an idea into a business.

Tamara, 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?

I’m a Miami-based photographer specializing in portraits, families, and fashion. My work is rooted in storytelling, beauty, and connection. I’m drawn to images that feel alive and honest, whether I’m photographing a family, creating a portrait, or working on a more editorial or fashion-inspired shoot.

What I offer is more than a finished set of images. I create a space where people can feel comfortable, guided, and truly seen. A lot of my clients come to me feeling nervous about being in front of the camera, or worried that they won’t look natural. One of the things I care about most is helping them relax and creating an experience that feels collaborative instead of stiff or formulaic. That’s usually when the most meaningful images happen.

I think what sets me apart is the combination of artistry and sensitivity. I have a strong visual point of view, but I’m also paying close attention to the person in front of me. I’m always looking for that moment when something real comes through. I don’t just want a photo to look beautiful. I want it to feel true.

My work ranges from family photography to creative portraiture and fashion, and I love being able to move between those worlds. Family sessions allow me to capture warmth, connection, and memory. Portrait and fashion work give me room to explore mood, styling, and visual storytelling in a different way. Both sides of my work matter to me, and both reflect different parts of who I am creatively.

What I’m most proud of is building a body of work that feels personal and sincere. I care deeply about creating images that people will not only enjoy now, but treasure later. I want potential clients to know that I bring intention, care, and heart to every session. I don’t take lightly the fact that I’m often being trusted with moments, relationships, and memories that matter deeply.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

For me, YouTube has been one of the most valuable resources by far. I use it constantly. I love that, for almost any question you may have, someone out there has taken the time to share their experience, their solution, or the lesson they learned the hard way. As a business owner, that has been incredibly helpful.

A lot of my entrepreneurial thinking has been shaped by learning from photographers and creatives who are openly sharing what works for them. Jessica Kobeissi helped me understand the importance of having a strong contract, and mine was influenced by what I learned from her. Hearing Jessica Whitaker talk about displaying prices on her website also made an impact on me, and it pushed me to be more transparent and intentional in how I present my services. Rebecca Rice helped me improve the way I offer and sell mini sessions, which became an important part of my business.

What I’ve taken from all of this is that building a business does not have to happen in isolation. You can learn so much by paying attention to how others solve problems, communicate their value, and structure their work. I’m always learning, and I think that openness has been one of the most valuable parts of my growth.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes, Pixieset. It has been a game changer for my business. It allows me to manage client galleries, deliver images, handle contracts, and present everything in a professional and organized way. Before using it, I was piecing things together across different platforms, which made the process more time-consuming and less polished. Having everything in one place has streamlined my workflow and improved the overall experience for my clients. I only wish I had discovered it sooner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tamarabenavente.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamara.benavente/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamarabenaventephoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-benavente-013094203/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tamara-benavente-photography-biscayne-park
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/tamarabenaventephoto/

Image Credits

© Tamara Benavente – Miami Portrait Photographer