Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatiana Castrillon.
Hi Tatiana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I have always had a passion for photography, but it wasn’t until the global pandemic that I actually picked up a camera and thought to myself, “wow I really love this.” My background is in ultrasound as a sonographer, so knowing the physics principles of sound, helped me a lot when learning about the principles of light. At first, I did it as a hobby. I took pictures of my family, my friends, and tried to learn as much as I could. I watched a ton of videos online, which helped me learn about posing, and how to use my camera in manual mode. But what helped me the most was just picking up my camera and taking the picture. You really have to try and then try again until you get it right and find your own groove. Photography to me has been an outlet for my creativity. I never knew that I had so much inside that I needed to let out. Being in my 40’s sometimes gets in the way of thinking it’s too late to start something new, but that is not the case at all! You can start something new at any time, and if that doesn’t work, start something else! Finding your passion does not have an age limit! Since becoming a professional photographer, I have upgraded my camera, set up my own professional studio, worked with different models, and I have even had my work published in several magazines. I love creating and telling someone’s story through my lens. It is rewarding when I get to work with people and they feel better about themselves by the end of the shoot. It is confirmation that I have completed my goal.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Learning anything new has it struggles. I think that main thing for me has been trying to find my own style and not comparing myself to the next person. With social media and so much information at your fingertips, it’s hard to do that. You constantly see somewhere you want to be, but since you aren’t there yet, you think you are doing something wrong, or not enough. You also only seen the end result, so that makes it confusing when you are in the thick of it. What helps me get back down to reality is that I once lived in a time before social media, so I remind myself that it is only displaying the highlights, and just like myself, they too started where I am and it is not a race. I currently also have a full-time job, so trying to balance my career and my photography business all at once was, and still is overwhelming at times. It isn’t impossible, it just requires you to stick with a schedule and do what works for you, that way neither gets lost in the shuffle. I have to make sure that I am focusing on both without being burnt out. This required time management. I travel a lot for work, almost on a weekly basis, so I had to learn a way to make it work. I use my time on my flights and sitting in airports during layovers to do my editing. It works out well because I have uninterrupted time and can focus. No one can call you or text you when you are on airplane mode! I know enough through life experiences that if you really want something to work out, you have to be willing to sacrifice.
We’ve been impressed with B Monroe Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our mission at B Monroe Photography is to empower entrepreneurs on a global level by showcasing the uniqueness of their brand, strategic partnerships, and bringing their visions from thought to life, through a next-level photography experience. I specialize in branding photography and the business that is already established. I am passionate in helping models build their portfolio and access their dreams. I enjoy capturing moments in time that will live with my client forever. I love encouraging others and making them feel beautiful and powerful during their experience with me. One of the proudest moments I have had thus far, was seeing my name and the photograph I took of a model, on the cover of a magazine! That was amazing!
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is how many clients feel during and after their shoot. I want them to feel empowered, I want them to feel happy and loved. I want them to feel safe and important. I believe that it comes out through the photo when people are at their best, and the results are even better when that is accomplished. I treat my clients as if they are already family or one of my closest friends, I try to set the environment in such a way that they feel safe enough to be themselves. It makes the experience better for all of us. I know how intimidating it can be to have a lens in your face, and not knowing what to do. I still feel uncomfortable myself when it’s my turn to get in front of the lens! I try and remember that when I’m taking the photos and take pride in making sure that my clients feel the most comfortable, they have even felt in front of a camera.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bmonroephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.monroe_photography
Image Credits
Austin Barriga
Alessandra Licursi
Jillian Carpenter
Brianna Altidor
Jade D’Mar Nieves
