Meet Tatiana Rulin

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tatiana Rulin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tatiana, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a big part of my journey as a photographer. When I first started, I often questioned my abilities and felt like I wasn’t as skilled or deserving as others in the field. Even now, that feeling can creep in from time to time, but I’ve learned how to manage it better.

First off, I realized that imposter syndrome is pretty common, especially in creative fields. Accepting that it’s just part of the process helped me face it instead of hiding from it. I shifted my focus from trying to be perfect to being open to learning and improving. Whether it was through workshops, feedback from peers, or just trying out new techniques, I embraced every chance to grow.

I also started celebrating my wins, no matter how small. Positive feedback from clients, a successful shoot, or any little milestone became reminders that my hard work was paying off.

Surrounding myself with supportive friends and mentors has been huge. They offer encouragement, constructive feedback, and help me see that I’m not alone in feeling this way. Their belief in my work and sharing their own struggles has been really reassuring.

Instead of comparing myself to others, I focus on setting personal goals that align with my unique style and aspirations. Measuring success by my own standards rather than someone else’s has helped a lot.

Through these steps, I’ve managed to handle and even overcome imposter syndrome. It’s an ongoing process, but each day is a new opportunity to grow and reinforce my place as a photographer.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hey everyone! I’m a Motherhood and Family Photographer based in Santa Clarita, CA, and I absolutely love what I do. I have the incredible privilege of documenting and preserving special moments in families’ lives—whether it’s the joy of a new baby, the tender bond between parent and child, or the fun connection between siblings. Capturing these moments is deeply rewarding for me, as it allows me to connect with families on a personal level and tell their unique stories.

My style is light and airy, with a focus on timeless, joyful, and authentic imagery.

Sometimes, it feels odd to call photography my job because I’m so passionate about it. To me, it’s more of a creative outlet where I get to express myself and share my unique perspective.

If you’re in the Santa Clarita or Los Angeles area, I’m currently offering Fall Mini Sessions, both in studio and outdoors. These mini sessions are a favorite among my clients for updating their annual family photos and are perfect for holiday cards. I’d love to capture your family’s special moments this fall!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey as a family and motherhood photographer, there are a few key things that have really made a difference. One quote that’s stuck with me is, “Do it scared.” It’s a great reminder that it’s okay to push through fear and uncertainty, especially when starting out.

As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by trying to do everything at once. Setting SMART goals has really helped me break down the big picture into manageable steps. It’s like Vincent Van Gogh said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” Focusing on those smaller, achievable goals helps me tackle the bigger ones over time.

Building strong connections with clients through empathy has been huge for me. It helps me capture those genuine moments and emotions that make photos truly special. For newbies, practicing active listening and really getting to know your clients can make your work feel more authentic and meaningful.

Getting a handle on the technical side of photography is also super important. Knowing your camera settings, experimenting with different techniques, and taking workshops or online courses can really up your game and ensure your photos are top-notch.

Finally, being adaptable is key. Family photography can be unpredictable, so being flexible and resourceful helps you make the most of any situation. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities and practice in various settings to build confidence.

For those just starting out, focusing on empathy, technical skills, and adaptability will give you a strong foundation. Keep learning, be patient with yourself, and remember that growth takes time and persistence.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

Feeling overwhelmed is definitely something I deal with too, especially juggling photography with being a mama to two very active boys. It’s a lot to balance, but here’s what helps me keep it together:

First off, I make a list of everything that needs to get done. It sounds simple, but writing things down really helps me stay on top of priorities and get things done.

I also find that playing some calming music or going for a walk to clear my head can be super healing. It’s amazing how a bit of fresh air and a change of scenery can help reset your mind.

Setting boundaries is another biggie. I try to stick to specific work hours and make sure I take breaks to avoid burnout. It’s important to communicate these boundaries clearly to clients and to myself.

I also lean on my support system. Asking for help from friends and family when things get too hectic makes a huge difference. Delegating tasks can really lighten the load.

Reflecting on what’s making me feel overwhelmed helps too. Sometimes, just reevaluating my workload and making a few adjustments can ease the stress. Small changes can really make a big difference.

Lastly, I make time for self-care. Whether it’s reading, exercising, or just hanging out with my family, taking care of myself is key to staying balanced. Focusing on the positives and practicing gratitude for the good things in my work helps me keep a positive mindset.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, try these out! They’ve made a big difference for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tatianarulinphotography.com
• Instagram: @tatianarulinphotography
• Facebook: Tatiana Rulin Photography