Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Tannaz Santos of Santa Clarita

Tannaz Santos shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Tannaz, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I entered a international photography competition and I got first 10 finalist!!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Tannaz, a fine-art portrait photographer and the heart behind Photos by Tannaz, based in Santa Clarita, California. I specialize in creating timeless, emotionally rich portraits of children and families that feel more like artwork than traditional photography.

What makes my work unique is the way I blend storytelling, fine-art styling, and genuine emotion. I’m deeply inspired by childhood as it truly is — messy, tender, magical, and fleeting. My sessions aren’t about stiff posing or forced smiles; they’re about creating a space where kids can be themselves, and then capturing those quiet, in-between moments that parents often miss but treasure forever.

My background as a mother of three plays a huge role in how I work. I understand how fast these seasons pass, and that perspective drives everything I create. Each portrait is carefully planned — from wardrobe and color palettes to lighting and final editing — so the end result feels painterly, intentional, and deeply personal.

Beyond client work, I’m also passionate about conceptual and fine-art photography that tells meaningful stories, especially around themes like motherhood, resilience, identity, and childhood diversity. I’m currently working on several creative projects that push beyond traditional portraiture and aim to spark emotion and conversation through visual storytelling.

At the core of my brand is one simple goal: to turn real moments into lasting art — images that don’t just document a childhood, but honor it.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I became a mother.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, so many times.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Their opinions are important because they come from love, honesty, and shared history. That said, they don’t define me or dictate how I think. I’m very self-aware and grounded in my own values, and I trust my own voice. I listen, I reflect, and then I make decisions that feel true to who I am.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell is that I made them feel seen and that I helped preserve moments that mattered. That I didn’t just take photographs, but helped create memories people could hold onto long after the moment passed. And beyond my work, I hope they remember me as a genuinely good person, someone who cared deeply, treated everyone with kindness, and believed that everyone mattered.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.photosbytannaz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tannazsantos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photosbytannaz
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/5e7zL3MJEb
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@photosbytannaz?si=GRiCDSKMhPxa9-wU