Meet Tabatha Mudra | Filmmaker & Photographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Tabatha Mudra and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tabatha, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
For me, risk-taking is a thoughtful and intuitive process—one rooted in internal alignment. I often engage in deep self-reflection, asking myself key questions to determine whether a decision is in sync with my vision and values. The risks that have paid off most meaningfully are those where I invested in my own ideas and creative instincts. When those ideas come to life, they not only validate my direction but also give current and future collaborators a clear sense of my aesthetic and perspective. If you feel a strong urge to create—follow it. I believe in taking bold, intentional steps with no regrets.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I absolutely love photography and filmmaking. To me, they are two distinct visual languages—each with its own rhythm, purpose, and emotional depth. Photography captures stillness and intimacy in a single frame, while filmmaking allows stories to unfold through time and movement. Together, they form a powerful marriage of the visual arts, and I’m deeply passionate about both.
Most recently, I completed a 15-minute proof-of-concept short film titled Pit Bulls & Piranhas. It’s my most rewarding project to date—largely because it was also the most challenging. The story involved dogs, fish, and a child actor—which, as the saying goes, are three of the biggest production hurdles. But I firmly believe that in order to learn how to work with complexity, you have to dive into it. When opportunities don’t come to you, you create your own—and that’s exactly what I did.
I’m incredibly proud of the cast and crew we assembled. We’re 100% local to South Florida, and the talent here is extraordinary. Pit Bulls & Piranhas is a testament to what’s possible when a passionate community comes together to tell a story.
Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I had no backup plan, no safety net—just a deep drive to create. At 17, I bought a barely-working car and drove to South Florida to put myself through college. I started making images the moment I arrived. I didn’t even realize storytelling could be a career—I just knew I had to do it.
Along the way, I’ve learned so many lessons. From the business side, one of the biggest would be: always collect contact information and always have a contract. Not only for protection, but because contracts are excellent tools for clear communication and alignment.
If there’s one thing I’d want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s that I’m here to tell stories that matter—stories that are bold, emotionally present, and visually intentional. I don’t wait around for permission or the “perfect” moment. I believe in making it happen.
And yes, in the spirit of indie filmmaking: WILL WORK FOR FOOD! 😄
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
While I absolutely love going out and exploring the local scene, there’s something special about hosting at my own home. My favorite spot—hands down—is my chair. It’s where I feel most grounded, creative, and connected.
That said, when I do venture out, I’m drawn to spaces that foster community and creativity. I love spending time at local kava bars, which offer a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere and a strong sense of connection. I’m also a big supporter of the local arts, crafts, and food truck communities—there’s so much heart and originality in those spaces. And of course, I enjoy visiting both classic and unique museums in the area, which constantly inspire me with their stories, history, and curation.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Many people have played a meaningful role in my personal and professional growth, offering support in both big and small ways. While there are many women who have inspired me along the way, one in particular stands out—my aunt, Beverly Dawson. I’ll never forget when she told me, “You can be anything you want.” I believed her. That simple affirmation has stayed with me and continues to guide my journey.
Website: https://tabathamudraphotovideo.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetabathamudra/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabathamudra/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetabathamudra
Image Credits
No credit needed. They are my images.
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
