We recently connected with Tanya Sanchez-Ramirez and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tanya, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
We all have moments of self-doubt, believe me, I’ve been there. I’ve caught myself comparing my work to other artists and photographers, often wondering if I was good enough. However, that kind of mentality can hold you back, it can make you afraid to create, stop you from setting boundaries, and take a toll on your mental health. For me, building confidence and self-esteem took time. I had to get to know myself, trust my vision, and remind myself why I started. Journaling my ideas, practicing self-care, and advocating for myself by setting boundaries helped me grow into the artist I am today. However, my friends, family, and therapist played a huge role in helping me recognize my worth.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that confidence isn’t about avoiding criticism, it’s about not letting it define you. There will always be people who have something to say, but as an artist, the most valuable skill you can have is learning not to be too attached to your work. If you take every critique personally, you miss out on growth. Critique isn’t meant to tear you down but rather to push you forward. Being open to different perspectives has helped me evolve as an artist and as a person.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hello! My name is Tanya Sanchez-Ramirez, and I am a first-generation Mexican American photographer. For the past seven years, I’ve been in the world of photography balancing both commercial and fine art work. Currently, I work as an e-commerce product photographer in the automotive industry.
On the commercial side, I specialize in event coverage, product photography, and portraiture. At the moment, I’m focused on graduation shoots while ensuring my clients feel confident, celebrated, and free of judgment. I believe photography should be an empowering experience, so I create a comfortable environment by playing music for my clients. My event photography has allowed me to work with music artists, actors, and influencers, with one of my proudest moments being the opportunity to photograph for Rolls-Royce.
But beyond commercial work, I practice in fine art photography where I tackle complex themes that resonate deeply with the Latine community. My gallery work confronts issues like femicide and the machismo culture in Mexico which are topics that are often silenced but desperately need to be seen. As a Mexican-American, I feel a responsibility to bring these injustices to light and to do it in a respectful matter. Photography allows me to break language barriers and create visuals that demand attention and conversation. Currently, I’m developing a new project focused on enmeshment in Latine households, which is a toxic form of family unity that often stifles independence for future generations. It’s an issue many experience but rarely name, and I want my work to give voice to those struggles.
My commercial work allows me to translate a client’s vision into reality, while my fine art allows me to connect with audiences on a deeper emotional level. In the future, I hope to create a photo community with a space where photographers can come together, access resources, and learn from one another. The photography world can be challenging, and I want to have an environment where creativity thrives. Photography can be a tool to create a voice, a statement, and a movement.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Now looking back, the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were surrounding myself with different creatives, staying open-minded, and mastering lighting.
For anyone starting in photography, I can’t stress enough how important it is to connect with other creatives and learn from them. Don’t see them as competition but rather see them as community. The friendships you build can open doors to incredible opportunities. Some of my graphic design friends have needed a photographer, and vice versa, my photographer friends have gained valuable insights from designers. Collaboration expands your skill set and network in ways you wouldn’t expect.
I believe being open-minded is just as crucial. If you’re too attached to your work or resistant to feedback, you’ll stunt your own growth. Photography is not just about capturing an image but rather it’s about how that image is received. By getting different perspectives, it helps refine your vision and elevate your craft. Take critiques as tools for improvement rather than personal attacks.
And lastly, understanding lighting means everything in photography. Whether you’re working with analog film or digital, lighting dictates the mood, clarity, and overall impact of an image. Want a clean, polished shot? A moody, atmospheric scene? Lighting is what makes the difference. Learning to control it early on will prepare you for any challenges you face on set or in the studio.
At the end of the day, growth in photography is not solely about technical skills but rather it’s about adaptability, community, and perspective. You must have the will to keep on learning, stay open minded, and never be afraid to experiment.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
There have been so many people in my life who have helped me through creative blocks, personal challenges, and have contributed to my overall growth as a person. I’m forever grateful to my professors who pushed me to be a better artist. A majority of them were strong, independent women who paved the way so their students could run. Professors like Christina Fernandez, Lacey Lennon, and Rebecca Sittler have left an impact on me through their example of them being set as artists and educators. I also owe a huge part of my journey to my friends from the CSULB Photo Collective and fellow lab technicians. Together, we’ve built a space where photographers can learn, share their work, and motivate the next generation of creatives. That sense of community is something I deeply value, and I hope to carry it forward in the future. One of my biggest goals is to open a photo studio with my friends Jesse Hernandez and Michael Larios where we create a space for photographers to print, experiment with studio lighting, and rent out equipment. We want it to be a place where creatives can collaborate, grow, and support one another. Being surrounded by such incredible people has been one of the biggest impacts in my journey. Their guidance, friendship, and shared passion for photography have shaped me into the artist I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://portfolio-quuyrmk.format.com/
- Instagram: tanya.in.focus
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyas-ramirez/
Image Credits
Black and white photo of Tanya Sanchez-Ramirez by Jesse Hernandez
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