Meet Samuel Tactuk

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samuel Tactuk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samuel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started in the world of photography as a hobby because it was fun and something I was truly passionate about. At first, I took photos of friends and family just for the joy of it. As more and more people began asking me for photos, I started charging a small fee—it was still more of a side hustle than a real business at that point. The turning point came when I connected with some incredible photographers like Miguel Oque, Rafael Serrano, and others. Seeing their work and learning from their journeys made me realize the true value of photography and what was possible with dedication and vision. That’s when I started to take my photography seriously as a business.

As my business grew and I began delivering printed photographs to clients, I experienced something even more rewarding—their emotional reactions when they saw their images for the first time. That joy, that impact, made me fall even more in love with this career. It reminded me that photography is more than just pictures—it’s about capturing moments that matter and preserving memories that last a lifetime.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For me, photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about capturing the raw emotion, creating a visual time capsule, photography is the loudest expression of silence. I strive to craft dramatic and powerful images that truly accentuate the feelings I’m aiming to convey. There’s a deep sense of pride when someone connects with one of my photographs on an emotional level, when they are moved or simply amazed by what they see. That connection with the viewer is what fuels my passion.

Like any art form, the more you immerse yourself and practice, the more your craft evolves. I was fortunate to discover photography as something truly enjoyable, and when you’re having fun, the learning process becomes a natural and exciting journey.

However, the path hasn’t been without its challenges. The artistic side is just one facet of running a successful photography business. The business aspects, such as marketing, navigating the ever-evolving world of social media, managing accounting, and honing sales skills, have required significant dedication and continuous learning. I’ve come to realize that the act of taking pictures is perhaps only about 20% of the overall work involved.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the vital importance of embracing all aspects of the business, not just the creative. Overcoming those initial hurdles in areas like marketing often came down to consistent effort, seeking advice from others, and a willingness to adapt and learn new strategies.

What I want the world to know about my work is that I am deeply committed to capturing the authentic story of each individual and couple I work with. I approach every session with a personal touch, treating my clients like family. My goal is to provide not just beautiful images, but a memorable and meaningful experience. I believe in the power of photography to preserve precious moments and evoke genuine emotion for years to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend rolled into town for a week, I’d want to show them a blast.

First off, we’d definitely head to Rosemary Square in West Palm Beach. That place always has a good buzz with lots going on. Then, we could stroll down Worth Avenue to check out the fancy vibes and beautiful architecture. Maybe we’d even swing by The Breakers for a drink and soak in that classic Palm Beach atmosphere.

Miami is a must. We’d have to check out Wynwood – it’s this vibrant area with awesome street art, perfect for snapping some pics. Then there’s the Design District, which is just visually wild with all the cool buildings and art installations. And Vizcaya, that place is just stunning – these amazing gardens and this old mansion right on the water. It’s the kind of place you just have to see to believe. And we’d definitely go dancing one night in Miami. South Beach is always a classic for a fun night out.

For a change of pace, we’d totally do a day trip to the springs. We could hit up Weeki Wachee Springs to see the mermaids! It’s a classic Florida thing, kind of quirky and fun. And what’s also great is Devil’s Den. It’s this underground spring where you can snorkel. It’s kind of a hidden gem, and it’s such a unique experience.

It’d be a mix of city exploring in West Palm and Miami, getting into the art scene, seeing some really cool nature spots, and definitely fitting in some fun nights out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Salvatore Cincotta, who created the amazing photography convention called ShutterFest. It was there that I met some incredibly talented photographers who inspired me both in my photography style and my approach to the business side of things. That’s also where I connected with Miguel Ocque and Rafael Serrano, who I now proudly refer to as friends, mentors, and role models. I’m truly grateful for their guidance, support, and the example they’ve set for me in this industry.

Website: https://www.samueltmphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samueltmphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samueltmphotography

Image Credits
Samuel TM Photography