Meet Tawny Nalley

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tawny Nalley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Tawny , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome is definitely a journey for me, one that I am still currently on and I think I will be on throughout my career. When I first started my photography business, especially in a competitive field like photography, and then advancing that into newborn photography. I often felt like I wasn’t good enough. I’d compare myself to more established photographers, and that comparison would lead to self-doubt.

The turning point came when I realized that everyone, even the most successful photographers, have to start somewhere. I began focusing on my unique strengths, my background, my passion, and style, and understanding that my perspective and approach are just as valid as anyone else’s. It also helped to remind myself that my clients were booking me because they trusted me and my vision, not because I was perfect or flawless.

A huge factor in overcoming imposter syndrome was the positive feedback and encouragement I received from friends, family, and clients. Their faith in me and kind words really helped me see my own value and abilities. It made a world of difference to know that people appreciated my work and were excited about what I was creating. I would not be where I am today without them,

As I have gained more experience and received positive feedback from clients, I started to build more confidence in my skills. Now, I view imposter syndrome as something that comes and goes, but I don’t let it hold me back. Instead, I use it as a reminder that I’m pushing myself to grow and evolve. The more I focus on my growth and the joy my work brings to families, the less space imposter syndrome takes up in my mind.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a newborn, baby, & family photographer based in the Tri-Cities, WA, and what I do is more than just taking pictures—it’s about capturing the purest moments of life. I recently started to specialize in newborn photography because I believe there’s something incredibly special about those early days of a baby’s life, and it’s an honor to be trusted with documenting those memories for families. Every session is unique, and I love working with parents to create images that truly reflect the beauty, innocence, and love that surrounds their little one.

What excites me the most about my work is the opportunity to connect with families and create quality portraits that will be cherished for generations. I’m constantly amazed by how powerful a photograph can be, not only as a visual memory but as an emotional connection that families can hold onto forever. The joy I see in my clients when they view their photos is something that never gets old and continues to inspire me every day. Newborn photos of my own children are priceless to me, and I love that my children can pull out their albums and be in awe of their beauty.

My brand is all about creating a calm, welcoming environment for both parents and babies. I take great care in ensuring safety, comfort, and a personalized approach to each session. It’s important to me that every family feels seen and valued throughout the entire experience, from booking to final delivery of their images. I want them to leave not only with beautiful photos but with a feeling of trust and satisfaction with the entire process.

Recently, I’ve been really excited to introduce this prep guide as part of my process. It allows for a deeper level of personalization and ensures that the experience is not only memorable but also exactly what the parents are looking for. It’s a way for families to feel even more involved in the creative process while giving me a clearer understanding of their vision. My goal is always to create images that are meaningful and reflective of their family’s story.

Ultimately, my mission is to create timeless images that hold deep sentimental value for families. Whether it’s a first-time parent or a growing family, I want to capture the emotions of the moment and give them a piece of art they can treasure forever.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

As a relatively new newborn photographer in Tri-Cities, WA, I’ve found that three key factors have been most impactful in my journey so far: patience, safety knowledge, and hands-on mentorship.

Patience: Working with newborns requires a calm and patient demeanor. Babies are unpredictable, and sessions can take time. Patience not only helps create a relaxed environment for the baby and parents but also allows me to wait for those perfect, natural moments to capture. For those starting out, I’d recommend practicing patience by shadowing experienced photographers or even volunteering to assist with newborn sessions. It’s a great way to learn how to navigate the unexpected.

Safety Knowledge: My background as an ER nurse has been invaluable here. Understanding how to handle newborns safely, from positioning to managing the environment, is critical. Safety should always come before creativity in newborn photography. I encourage new photographers to research newborn handling and posing safety, take courses, and never attempt poses they aren’t 100% confident in.

Hands-On Mentorship: Training with experienced newborn photographers has been a game-changer for me. It not only helped me refine my technical skills but also gave me confidence in my abilities. I’d highly recommend finding a mentor who aligns with your style and values. Watching and learning from someone seasoned provides insights you can’t always gain from books or online tutorials.

For anyone starting out, my advice is to approach your journey as a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on building your foundation—safety, skill, and style—and don’t be afraid to invest in learning opportunities. Growth takes time, but each session teaches you something new.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

My biggest area of growth in the last 12 months has been taking the leap to officially open my newborn photography business in March 2024—a dream I’ve had since 2019. For years, I kept saying, ‘I’ll wait until XYZ happens,’ but I finally realized there would never be a ‘perfect’ time and decided to dive in.

Since then, I’ve grown in so many ways. On the creative side, I’ve honed my skills in newborn safety, posing, lighting, and creating timeless setups that reflect my style. But beyond photography, the biggest growth has been navigating the business side of things. From understanding client communication and scheduling to learning about marketing and building a brand, it’s been a steep but rewarding learning curve.

Starting a business has challenged me in ways I never imagined, but it’s also been an incredible opportunity for growth. I’ve gained confidence not just as an artist but also as a business owner, and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come in such a short time.

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