Meet TAQUILA MALLARY | Photographer

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

Hi TAQUILA, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
I have never been asked this questions and I love it! My favorite quote is “Practice makes progress.” – Taquila Mallary-Denson

I love this quote because it is true, but more importantly, it gives me to courage to continue to try the things I may not be great at. It allows me to focus more on the process than the end result. Being able to do that, has brought me so much peace and has changed my outlook not only on the art of photography, but on life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My love for photography began back in 2006. I was a senior in high school and decided to choose Yearbook as an elective. I chose Yearbook because it seemed to be an easy class for my senior year, but I had no idea that it would be the kickstart to my life of freedom. When my teacher put that camera in my hand, the rest was history. I began to rake photos of EVERYTHING (photos for the yearbook in addition to photos for my personal benefit). Once I graduated, my mom purchased a camera and I immediately claimed it and became the “unofficial” family photographer, and I took my role very seriously. I still have several photo albums filled with the pictures I took during that time.

Over the next nine years, I worked odd jobs and also studied elementary education at University of South Florida. Once I graduated and began teaching, I brought my first professional camera (Nikon D3200). I also brought my passion for photography into my classroom. I took tons of photos of my students and displayed them all around my classroom. On my first Parent-Teacher Conference Night, my students rushed their parents in to show them all of the photos I had taken. After several parents asked me if they could have the photos at the end of the year, I thought to take my passion more seriously. So, I began to study, take courses, binge-watch YouTube videos, and practice nonstop.

After 2.5 years of this, I decided to turn my passion into a legitimate side hustle. And a year later, I turned that side hustle into a full time business (which has been going strong ever since).

My journey through entrepreneurship has been amazing so far. There have been many celebratory milestones reached, but also scalp scratching and hair pulling moments as well. Two of my top struggles were: finding clients and pricing my service. I soon found that these two things are extremely common topics that a plethora of other photographers struggles with as well.

I am African American female portrait photographer located in Tampa, Florida. I specialize in family, maternity and birthday sessions but have the ability to make anyone’s vision come to life. I have a creative eye, genuine spirit and the ability to make each session so much fun, clients forget about any worries leading up to their session.

I am most proud of being able to be the boss of my own business. As a young girl, I never even thought about being a businesswoman. My dreams all included being an employee, so to be able to make a living better than I could have imagined males me extremely proud.

What sets me apart from other photographers is my personality and genuine love for my clients. I strive to make each client feel and look their best in front of the camera. I dance, make corny jokes (some of them are pretty good), ask clients to do awkward things that bring genuine smiles and laughter. Each client feels like family once the session begins.

Most people who know me through social media platforms do not know that I grew up as an extreme introvert. Teaching, actually, allowed me to open up and be more social to the masses. Now, it’s kind of hard to shut me up.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Tampa, there are so many places to go. The first stop would be Main Course. This is restaurant that has amazing food. We would start here with brunch and Mimosas. Then, we would go to a day party at one of the hotels on the beach of Saint Pete or Clearwater. This will allow us to meet new people, listen to great music and have some fun.

After we have gotten some rest, I would suggest getting tacos from Tacos Las Californias. They have amazing birria tacos.

Lastly, we would get all dolled up and go to a comedy show at the Improv or concert at the Amalie Arena.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Man, oh man, where do I begin? There are so many people that I want to thank for encouraging words, praise, referrals, business, supper and just a listening ear. My clients, first and foremost. You all have held me down for 4 strong year and I love each and every one of you for that. I would also like to thank every one who has spoke my business’ name in the rooms I was not able to physically be in. I have gained many clientele through word of mouth.

I have to shoutout my family!!! I love you guys so much and I thank you all for seeing me as a businesswoman and not just your daughter, sister, cousin, niece granddaughter and friend. Every person you all refer, you all let them know about my professionalism and the quality of my work. You all also mention that my prices are not cheap. LOL..

Lastly, I would love to thank, the love of my life, my biggest supporter and number one cheerleader, my husband. I know he is going to get on me for writing about him, but you definitely deserve the praise. I appreciate every conversation, your insight, calming voice, listening ear, motivation and willingness to tell me like it is. Thank you for just being you and supporting me the way you do.

Website: https://capturedbymallary.com/

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

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.ca/biz/captured-by-mallary-photography-tampa