Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tamara. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tamara, 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?
I’ve been lucky enough to make many of my dreams come true, but none of them came easily. I’ve learned that things don’t magically happen to you; you have to be honest with yourself about what you truly want and then be willing to put in the work to go after it.
For me, resilience comes from clarity of purpose. When I set my sights on something that really matters to me, I hold steady. I stay focused. I take small steps and celebrate small wins. Even when progress feels slow, I try not to get discouraged. The process itself becomes part of the reward.
It also helps that I genuinely enjoy building things from scratch, whether it’s a career, a skill, or a creative project. That curiosity and sense of purpose help me stay grounded when things get hard. Over time, I’ve realized that I don’t need perfect conditions to keep going. I just need to stay aligned with what feels true and meaningful to me.
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?
I’m a portrait and fashion photographer based in Miami, and I approach photography as both an art form and a way of connecting with people. My background is in art, design, and filmmaking, and all of that shapes how I see light, composition, emotion, and storytelling through the lens.
What excites me most is the moment when someone fully relaxes in front of the camera and lets me see something true. That’s the magic I’m always chasing. Not just the “perfect shot,” but the real one. Every session becomes a kind of creative dance between me and the person I’m photographing. I don’t believe in rigid posing or one-size-fits-all formulas. I adapt to each person’s energy, story, and style to build something meaningful together.
I specialize in family portraits, creative portraiture, and fashion photography. Lately, I’ve been expanding my fashion portfolio and working on personal projects that blend old Hollywood glamour with modern visual storytelling.
My brand is rooted in authenticity and beauty. Not the filtered kind, but the kind that emerges when people feel seen and valued. Whether I’m photographing a toddler’s laughter, a model in a dream dress, or a mother-to-be, I approach every session with care, vision, and a deep love for what I do.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three things that shaped my journey the most were persistence, creative vision, and adaptability.
Persistence has been essential. I’ve faced many setbacks, but I’ve learned to keep going anyway. Progress isn’t always visible right away, and results don’t always come quickly. But showing up consistently, even when things are uncertain, is what moves you forward. My advice to others would be to stop waiting for the perfect time. Begin with what you have. Start small if you need to, but stay in motion.
Creative vision has helped me carve out a path that feels like my own. Early on, I didn’t always have the best gear or the ideal setup, but I knew what I wanted to say through my images. That sense of direction helped me develop a style and a voice that clients now come to me for. If you’re just starting out, don’t obsess over tools. Focus on building your point of view. Ask yourself what moves you and why. Let that guide you.
Adaptability has kept me afloat during change. I’ve had to start over more than once, in a new country, in new industries, and at different stages of life. Being open to learning, trying again, and pivoting when necessary has allowed me to keep growing. For anyone just beginning, I’d say don’t cling too tightly to one version of your plan. Let your goals evolve. Stay curious and keep learning.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents taught me resilience, not through speeches or advice, but through example. I saw how they adapted when life became difficult. When our circumstances shifted from comfort to scarcity, they kept going. They worked tirelessly, made sacrifices, and never gave up on giving us a future. That shaped me more than they probably realize.
They also allowed me to be myself. I was a creative child with a big imagination, and I never felt pressured to become someone I was not. That freedom helped me preserve my inner voice, even during times when life demanded practicality and responsibility. I think that combination of watching them stay strong while still being allowed to dream became the foundation for the life I have built.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tamarabenavente.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamara.benavente/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamarabenaventephoto/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tamara-benavente-photography-biscayne-park
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/tamarabenaventephoto/
Image Credits
© Tamara Benavente – Miami Photographer
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