Meet Tania Molina | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tania Molina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tania, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
TLB Snapshots actually started with a little push from one of my biggest cheer leaders, my husband Rene it was back in 2015. I remember it like it was yesterday he came home and said, “My coworker is selling a Nikon D90 with a lens for $600 do you want it?” I said, “For what?” He goes off to say, “What about if you start offering $50 hour sessions?!” Of course me being the over thinker that I am I said let’s just think about it. A few days passed & Rene surprises me with the camera without telling me. Till this day it was of the best decisions he ever did for me. My thought process behind starting my own business was probably like most people, scared. How am I going to get people in this big big to pay a self taught photographer $50? But thankfully god had big plans for TLB Snapshots, it took off and hasn’t stopped growing ever since. Building my business from the ground up has been one of my biggest achievements, fueled by a genuine passion for photography, it has given me each day a foundation of gratitude. As a photographer, I find passion in blending my creativity with emotion, creating meaningful connections, and contributing to the creation of lifelong memories for all my clients. This profession not only makes me the happiest but it drives my creativeness but also provides both personal and professional joy, and I am thankful for it every day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There are so many photographers out there, and yet my clients choose me to capture their special moments. My favorite thing about this art is that we all take different perspectives of our clients and that is the beauty of this business.
I am most proud of being able to STOP TIME for my clients. I get to create memories that will last a life time for them, I get that privilege and that for me is one of the things I am most proud of.

I don’t personally think I am the best our there but I do know that I give this business and my clients, my all, 24/7. I think what sets me apart from others is my positive attitude, my kindness, my friendliness, how I make them feel during their session. No matter how long of a session you have from minis to full regular sessions you will always feel like family with me. & yes I am a hugger so be ready for a hug lol. Every client is different, I always try my best to provide the most comfortable experience for my clients to allow a more natural connection between us no matter what.

I am where I am today as a result of trial and error, and accepting to capture all types of sessions which has been a challenge but so many learning experiences. All aspects of this career are hard, but with so much dedication I have been able get where I am today. I’m far away from where I want to be professionally, there is so much growth for TLB Snapshots & myself. It’s a complicated business; 75% of it is being a businessperson, and the 25% left is your creativity. I been able to practice, teach myself and explore my creativity. All that led me to where my photos are today but they will probably be somewhere else tomorrow. As long as they speak to me and my clients, thats more than enough for me!

The downs are many. No need to dwell on those, as they are merely speed bumps on the path. But, they range from rejections to phone calls, less than stellar portfolio reviews, ghosting from inquiries, time away from loved ones and lots of closed doors. But without challenges where is the fun in that, right?

I have learned so many lessons throughout the years but I think of the biggest ones has been to not compare your business/work to others. There is room for all of us in this field I am the biggest believer that the sun shines for all. With that said, knowing your worth and respecting your work is key to success in my opinion.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m beyond thankful for the prayers, encouragement and advice from all my loved ones. For all the advice that I took or decided on my own, I’m blessed to have them to seek. Their words & actions have power! This journey has been an interesting one and a little easier with the support from so many who truly love me. Forever blessed.

My success could not be possible without my village. To my loving husband Rene for giving me the push to start this business, for always helping me with anything I need help with, from taking care of our big boy, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and so much more, your help doesn’t go unnoticed, we make the best team. To my precious baby boy Ayden for giving me the drive for success, this business has allowed me to witness every single one of your milestones & provide you the best life possible. To parents Javier and Lucy, because without them I would not be the woman, I am today for teaching that being hardworking always has its perks, for teaching me all my morals and values, for loving me unconditionally life wouldn’t be the same without them. To my siblings Jenny & Francisco, for always being there for me no matter what life throws at us, god couldn’t have chosen better siblings for me. & last but not least to all my clients who have believed in me since day, for all the referrals, likes, comments, etc. My business would be NOTHING with out all of you. I love every single one of you.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlbsnapshots?igsh=Zjh6OXhqN2Rod3cz&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tlbsnapshots?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Headshot – Macie Eliza
Portfolio – TLB Snapshots