We recently connected with Renata Lutz and have shared our conversation below.
Renata, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
As a mom and a business owner, self-care hasn’t always come easy for me. In fact, there was a time when I almost completely neglected it. There’s this guilt—this nagging voice that says you should always be doing something productive, whether it’s for your kids or your business. For moms especially, self-care can feel like a luxury we’re not “allowed” to have. Add to that the societal pressure to be everything to everyone, and it’s easy to see why so many of us put ourselves last.
But over time, I realized that neglecting self-care was doing more harm than good. I was running on empty, and it showed—in my patience as a mom, in my creativity as a photographer, and even in my ability to connect with clients. Something had to give.
Now, I’ve started reframing self-care as not just something I “deserve,” but something I need and that makes me a better mom, business owner, and person. For me, self-care is not always luxurious as a spa day, it’s often simple things, like quiet time while enjoying my coffee or taking 20 minutes for a beach walk before heading to my studio. These little rituals recharge me, clear my mind, and help me be more present in everything I do.
The biggest impact has been in my mindset. When I take time for myself, I feel more balanced, focused, in control, and less likely to spiral into the guilt trap. I remind myself—and other moms I talk to—that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a necessity. It’s how we show up as our best selves for our families and our work. It’s not perfect, still not a daily ritual for me as I’m still learning to embrace it fully, but the difference it’s made in my effectiveness and happiness is undeniable.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My journey as a business owner is deeply rooted in my own personal story. I’m a mom of two and the owner of a luxury photography studio in La Jolla, California, where I specialize in capturing timeless maternity, newborn, and motherhood portraits. My work is more than just photography; it’s about celebrating the beauty and strength of motherhood, preserving those precious moments, and creating heirlooms that families can cherish for generations.
What’s exciting and special about what I do is the ability to blend artistry with connection. My clients trust me to tell their story authentically, and that trust fuels my passion to deliver something extraordinary every time. I provide a full-service experience, from guiding clients through every detail—outfits, props, and styling—to creating final products like albums and wall art that truly transform their house into a home. My images are bold yet timeless, with a focus on making my clients feel empowered and confident in front of the camera.
This work is personal for me because my purpose in photography became very clear during one of the most vulnerable times of my life—when I became a mom. It wasn’t just about picking up a camera; it was about finding beauty and strength in myself and helping other women do the same. I’ve carried those values into every session, making sure my clients feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
Right now, I’m focusing on expanding what I offer to include not only photography but also community and education. I’m hosting free workshops at my studio for moms – caleld The mama Series, partering with motherhood experts and covering topics like parenting, mental health, and childhood education. On the professional side, I mentor other photographers, teaching them how to elevate their work and develop their own unique style.
One of the newest and most exciting projects I’m working on is a collaboration called the Maternity Shoot Redefined. It’s a partnership between my studio and a 3D artist – Sanne Hamers from Atelier Preserve, where we combine fine art maternity photography with a custom 3D sculpture of the client’s baby bump. It’s a completely unique way to celebrate and memorialize this beautiful chapter of life.
Ultimately, my work is about connection—connecting with my clients, helping them connect with their families through the images we create, and building a community where moms feel supported and celebrated. I’m grateful every day to do work that not only fulfills me but also has a lasting impact on the families I serve.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been absolutely essential: resilience, empathy, and the constant desire to evolve. These have shaped not only my business but also the way I connect with my clients and navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
1. Resilience
Resilience has been the key to my entrepreneurial path, especially in moments of doubt or struggle. As a mom and business owner, there were plenty of times when things felt overwhelming—whether it was balancing family life, dealing with setbacks, or simply finding the energy to keep going. I learned to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to fear. My advice to those starting out is this: don’t shy away from failure. Failure is an unavoidable part of the process. Instead, view it as a teacher. Build habits that help you bounce back, like reflecting on lessons learned and surrounding yourself with people who encourage and uplift you. Be self-critical yet non-judgmental of your actions—the truth is, we are all learning as we go.
2. Empathy
Empathy has been the heart of my business. It’s about truly understanding my clients’ needs, fears, and aspirations. As a photographer, I work with moms who often feel insecure about being in front of the camera, and I know that vulnerability firsthand. Being empathetic has allowed me to create a safe and supportive environment where they can feel confident and celebrated. To cultivate empathy, I encourage listening deeply and asking open-ended questions. Whether you’re working directly with clients or collaborating with others, take time to understand their perspectives—it will set you apart in any industry.
3. Adaptability and Evolution
The ability to evolve has been a game-changer for me. Trends shift, client needs change, and what works one year might not work the next. I’ve had to stay open to learning, whether it’s mastering new techniques in photography, refining my brand, or adapting my services to better serve my clients. For example, I’ve expanded my offerings to include community workshops and collaborations that align with my mission of celebrating motherhood.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to stay curious and flexible. Be willing to invest in education—whether through online courses, mentorships, or simply diving into research—and don’t be afraid to pivot when something isn’t working. I’ve tried to follow advice and implement other people’s processes literally, but what I’ve learned over time is that there’s no plug-and-play success formula. That’s why being able to adapt—both yourself and your processes—has been essential.
Ultimately, these three qualities have helped me build not just a business, but a career that aligns with my values and passion. For anyone just starting out, I’d say this: Focus on building your resilience, lead with empathy, and always be open to change.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m always looking to collaborate with individuals and businesses that align with my mission of celebrating motherhood, empowering women, and creating meaningful connections within our community. Collaboration is such a powerful way to bring fresh ideas to life, reach new audiences, and build something truly impactful together.
I’m particularly interested in working with:
Local Businesses and Brands: I love partnering with boutiques, stylists, or lifestyle brands that cater to moms, families, or expecting parents. Whether it’s helping them with their brands and visuals, co-hosting an event, or creating cross-promotional content, there are so many exciting possibilities.
Experts in Motherhood and Wellness: I regularly host workshops at my studio on topics like parenting, mental health, postpartum support, and more. If you’re an expert in a field that supports moms and families, I’d love to collaborate on educational events or resources.
Photographers and Creatives: I also mentor photographers and welcome opportunities to collaborate on projects, whether it’s teaching, creating educational content, or exploring creative ideas that elevate our industry.
If you’re reading this and feel like our visions align, I’d love to connect! You can reach out to me directly through my website or email me at hello@theportraitmama.com. Let’s start a conversation and see how we can work together to make a bigger impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theportraitmama.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theportraitmama.baby
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theportraitmama.baby
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-portrait-mama-san-diego?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/theportraitmama/
Image Credits
Images of Renata Lutz – The Portrait Mama by Carina Fleckner Photography
All other images by Renata Lutz – The Portrait Mama
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
