We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Renata Lutz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Renata, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
In my early thirties, I faced a life-altering diagnosis of cancer that shook the very foundations of my world. It was a blindsiding journey, one filled with physical and emotional battles, but it became the crucible in which my resilience was forged. Supported wholeheartedly by my close-knit circle of friends and family, I discovered the incredible strength that emerges when faced with adversity. Their unwavering encouragement and love became my anchor, fueling my determination to fight and overcome.
Amidst this challenging time, I began to immerse myself in the art of photography, a passion I had harbored for years but never pursued wholeheartedly. The experience with cancer made me acutely aware of the brevity and preciousness of life, propelling me to make a bold career change and embrace photography as a way to craft the lifestyle I had always envisioned for myself. A life filled with creativity, authenticity, freedom, and a deep sense of purpose became my goal. This transition was a leap of faith, a testament to my newfound resilience and the understanding that life is too short to settle for anything less than what brings true joy and fulfillment.
Starting my photography business journey, I quickly realized that failure was an inevitable part of growth. Each setback became a valuable lesson, pushing me to refine my skills, innovate in my approach, and reassess my strategies. Failure was not defeat, but a stepping stone toward success—a critical learning experience that propelled me forward. The challenges that came with starting a business, from financial struggles to client acquisition, were met head-on with determination and adaptability. I became adept at pivoting and finding creative solutions, turning obstacles into opportunities to evolve and thrive.
Through daily practices of gratitude, I cultivated a mindset focused on the positive aspects of life and being alive. Expressing appreciation for the little victories, the support I received, and the beauty that surrounded me allowed me to stay grounded and resilient, even in the face of uncertainty. Gratitude became my beacon of hope, illuminating my path and reinforcing my determination to create a life aligned with my true desires. The journey from facing a life-threatening illness to pursuing a fulfilling career in photography has been a testament to the resilience within us, waiting to be discovered and honed through life’s trials and triumphs.
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?
Allow me to introduce myself – I am Renata, also known as The Portrait Mama, a La Jolla-based seasoned newborn, family, and brand photographer. What started as a simple hobby quickly became a mad passion, and I’m now grateful to have been capturing precious moments for families and small businesses in my community for the past eight years. Through my photography, I provide timeless photos that families will cherish for years to come, while also supporting and empowering small women-owned businesses to thrive in their respective fields.
When I embarked on my photography journey, it went beyond mere career aspirations for me. It was about keeping a promise I made to my future family and myself.
As a young adult, I began to wonder why there were so few photographs documenting my baby and toddler years. It was only when I sifted through old family photo boxes that I realized how little there was to show for my childhood. The disappointment I felt fueled my desire to ensure that not only my children but also my clients had access to high-quality, beautiful images that they could cherish forever. And that’s how my passion for documenting life in a timeless way was born.
Now, as a mother myself, I understand just how quickly children grow and change. Each moment in life is distinct and deserves to be captured in its best light. Through my photography, I seek to preserve the essence of these precious moments so that they can be treasured for generations to come.
My goal is to provide you with images that you will proudly display and share, but above all, love dearly. Whether it’s capturing your baby’s first portrait or documenting the milestones as your family grows, my aim is to create images that are beautiful, emotive, and stand the test of time.
In addition to my love for creating timeless pieces of art, supporting women-owned businesses is also a passion of mine. As a mompreneur and woman-owned business myself, I understand the challenges women entrepreneurs face.
That’s why I believe in supporting other women in business, especially when it comes to brand photography. I have seen firsthand how having high-quality brand photography can make a significant impact on a business’s success. It can help capture the essence of a brand, convey its message, and attract the right audience.
I’m committed to working with women-owned businesses to help bring their vision to life through my photography. Whether it’s creating stunning visuals for a website, social media, or other marketing materials, I’m dedicated to delivering the best possible results.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three key elements have been profoundly impactful in building and growing my business: prioritizing relationship building and nurturing, staying open and adaptable to change, and dedicating myself to lifelong learning and skill development.
Cultivating strong relationships with my clients has been instrumental in my journey. Building trust, understanding their needs, and effectively communicating ideas are crucial aspects to not only maintaining your client base but also growing it organically through referrals. My advice for those starting out as a service provider is to prioritize active listening and empathy. Also, don’t alienate your peers. Invest time in networking, attend events, and engage with your local community. Genuine connections can open doors, provide valuable insights, and foster collaboration.
Being able to pivot – as we learned in pandemic times. Adapting to evolving demands and being flexible in your offers is vital. Change comes rapidly, and being able to pivot accordingly is a game-changer. Embrace change as an opportunity to learn and grow. Stay informed about trends and be open to acquiring new skills but never compromise on your vision and mission.
Thirdly, never cease to learn and improve your craft. Dedicate time and resources to expanding your knowledge, honing your skills, and refining your expertise. Stay curious and seek out learning opportunities, whether through formal education, workshops, or self-study. Additionally, seek constructive feedback from mentors and peers to identify areas for improvement. Remember, growth is a continual process, and the pursuit of excellence should always be your driving force.
These elements will serve as a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling journey as an entrepreneur.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
I am dedicated to serving moms in all stages of their motherhood journey and supporting them in their big entrepreneurial dreams.
My ideal client is a mom in any stage of motherhood – from her first baby to her household full of children – who values the importance of capturing precious family moments and creating lasting memories for generations to come. Part of my business specializes in family and newborn photography, focusing on helping these moms preserve beautiful moments in their family’s journey in the form of heirlooms to be passed on and cherished forever.
Additionally, I focus on mompreneurs—moms who are entrepreneurs or business owners. As a mompreneur myself, I experienced firsthand the challenges and benefits of owning my business and developed a passion for helping other moms achieve success and personal satisfaction while not sacrificing their family life. I aim to support them in growing their businesses by providing brand photography services that enhance their visibility, reach their dream clients, and help tell their unique brand story through imagery.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theportraitmama.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theportraitmama
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theportraitmama
- Other: www.instagram.com/theportraitmama.baby
Image Credits
All images by The Portrait Mama The Portrait Mama headshot by Carina Fleckner Photography
