Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatiana Rulin
Hi Tatiana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Photography found me in one of the most beautiful and chaotic seasons of my life—becoming a mom for the second time. In 2019, after our second son was born, my husband surprised me with a Canon Rebel T7i. At the time, I wasn’t thinking about photography as a career—I just wanted to freeze every little moment with my boys. So naturally, my youngest became my first little model. I spent hours capturing his tiny fingers, his sleepy smiles, and the way his big brother looked at him with so much wonder.
What started as a simple way to document my own family quickly became something I couldn’t put down. I fell in love with storytelling through images—the way a single frame could hold so much emotion, connection, and nostalgia. Over the years, I kept learning, experimenting, and taking photos of friends and family, never really thinking of it as more than a hobby.
Then, in September 2022, something shifted. I decided to invest in myself and took the Horizon Found photography course. That experience changed everything. It gave me not just the technical knowledge but the confidence to turn my passion into something real. By January 2023, I officially launched my photography business, and it has been the most incredible journey since.
Now, I get to do what I love—capturing families in their most authentic, love-filled moments. I know firsthand how quickly time passes, how those tiny hands grow, and how important it is to have tangible memories to hold onto. That’s what drives me every time I pick up my camera.
What started as a simple gift from my husband has become something so much bigger than I ever imagined. And I’m just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all! I don’t think any small business owner would say the road has been completely smooth—especially in the beginning. When I first started, I had this deep passion for photography, but running a business? That was a whole new world. There were (and still are) so many moving pieces—marketing, client communication, pricing, workflows, editing, and let’s not forget balancing it all with being a wife and mom.
One of the biggest challenges was battling self-doubt. It’s easy to look around and feel like there are already so many incredible photographers out there—so what makes me different? But I’ve learned that comparison is the thief of joy, and the best thing I can do is stay in my lane, serve my clients with heart, and continue growing.
Another struggle has been learning the backend of the business—things like bookkeeping, contracts, and workflows. When you’re creative at heart, all of that stuff can feel overwhelming, but I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that having solid systems in place makes all the difference.
And honestly, I never stop learning. Photography is an ever-evolving art, and I push myself to keep improving—whether it’s refining my editing style, experimenting with light, or finding new ways to make sessions feel effortless and fun for my clients.
There are still tough days, and some seasons feel heavier than others. But through it all, I remind myself why I started: to capture genuine, heartfelt moments that families will cherish forever. That’s what keeps me going, even when the road gets bumpy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a maternity, newborn, and family photographer based in Santa Clarita, CA, and I specialize in capturing timeless, natural, and heartfelt moments for families who value connection. My style is light, airy, and minimalistic, with a focus on authentic emotions—those little in-between moments that make a photo truly meaningful.
I think what sets me apart is the experience I create for my clients. From the moment they book, I want them to feel taken care of, which is why I offer a complimentary virtual styling service to help them feel confident in their wardrobe choices. I know firsthand how stressful it can be to plan a family session, so my goal is to make the process as seamless and enjoyable as possible. I want my clients to show up, relax, and truly be in the moment with their family—I’ll take care of the rest.
I’m most proud of the connections I’ve built through my work. The families I photograph aren’t just clients—they become part of my story, and I become part of theirs. Watching families grow, capturing milestones, and knowing that my images will be treasured for generations is something that never gets old.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about pretty pictures—it’s about preserving real, fleeting moments. And being able to do that for others? That’s what I love most about what I do.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m always dreaming up new ways to grow and serve my clients even better, and I have some exciting things in the works! Right now, I’m focused on continuing to refine the experience I offer, making every session as seamless and stress-free as possible. The addition of my complimentary virtual styling service has been a game-changer, and I’m looking forward to expanding on that and bringing even more value to my clients.
I also have some special events and mini sessions planned for the year, including my Mother’s Day studio minis in April, which I’m especially excited about. I want to create more opportunities for families to get in front of the camera without the pressure of a full session—because every season of life deserves to be captured.
Long-term, I’d love to build an even stronger community—whether that’s through more in-person client events, collaborations with other local businesses, or even education for aspiring photographers down the road. And while I’m always evolving, one thing will never change: my heart for capturing genuine, love-filled moments that families can treasure forever.
No matter what the future holds, I’m grateful every day that I get to do this, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tatianarulinphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatianarulinphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087110618945&mibextid=wwXIfr
