Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatiana Maximova.
Hi Tatiana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Like many immigrants starting a business in the United States, I had to learn everything from the ground up — not only building a career, but also adapting to a new language, culture, and way of life. That experience shaped the way I connect with people and the way I approach photography today.
From the very beginning, I was deeply drawn to weddings. There is something incredibly meaningful about being trusted to document one of the most emotional and important days in someone’s life. For me, wedding photography has never been just about beautiful images — it’s about preserving emotion, connection, family history, and moments people will return to for the rest of their lives. Every wedding feels like stepping into someone’s story and creating something timeless from it.
Over the past nine years, I’ve specialized in wedding and engagement photography in Nashville and throughout Tennessee, capturing celebrations for couples from many different cultures and backgrounds. Through this work, I realized I didn’t want the story to end after the wedding day.
That desire eventually led me to open my portrait studio, where I now create editorial-style portraits for families, maternity, teenagers, and women over 45. In many ways, it feels like a natural continuation of the journey that begins with a wedding — documenting the next chapters of life through meaningful portraits, heirloom albums, and wall art designed to be passed down for generations.
Today, my work blends emotional storytelling with a refined, magazine-inspired style, creating photographs that feel both artistic and deeply personal.
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?
One of the biggest challenges in my journey happened after moving from California to Tennessee. I had already spent years building my photography business in California, and finally reached the point where referrals and word-of-mouth were bringing me a steady flow of clients. Starting over in a completely new state was emotionally and professionally challenging.
At the same time, several difficult things happened all at once — my Instagram account was hacked, my Google Business profile was temporarily blocked, and I experienced technical issues with my website. It felt overwhelming because, as a creative person, my passion has always been photography itself: creating beautiful images, editing, finding color and emotion, designing galleries and albums, and telling stories through my work.
What I realized over time is that being a photographer today means wearing many different hats. You are not only an artist — you also have to learn marketing, advertising, social media, branding, websites, SEO, and business strategy. That side of entrepreneurship has honestly been one of the hardest parts for me.
At the same time, those experiences made me stronger and more adaptable. My clients who continue recommending me, the support of people around me, learning new skills, and even simple walks through the green hills of Tennessee help keep me inspired and motivated to continue building something meaningful.
We’ve been impressed with Tanya Maximova Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As I mentioned earlier, after nine years of photographing weddings and love stories, I opened my portrait studio a little over a year ago in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee. It’s a small studio filled with natural light from large windows, located in a brand-new building that still carries the feeling of a fresh beginning. For me, that space represents a new chapter — both creatively and personally.
I created the studio with the vision of offering elegant, timeless portrait experiences for families, women, teenagers, and maternity clients. My goal is not only to create beautiful images with professional lighting and carefully guided posing, but also to capture genuine connection, emotion, and relationships between people.
From the beginning, I wanted the experience to feel elevated and personal. Clients are guided through every step — from styling and wardrobe advice to professional hair and makeup — so they can fully enjoy the process and feel confident in front of the camera.
As I began photographing more families, I discovered how meaningful portrait sessions can be for teenagers as well. It’s such a unique stage of life where everything changes so quickly — their personality, style, confidence, and way of seeing the world. I love preserving that moment before it disappears into the next phase of their lives.
Portraits for women over 45 have also become deeply important to me. I truly believe every woman deserves to see herself beautifully documented at every stage of life. We spend our lives caring for our bodies, growing, evolving, and carrying so many experiences — and I think those years deserve to be celebrated, not hidden away in phone galleries.
One of my biggest passions today is bringing people back to printed photographs, heirloom albums, and wall art. There is something incredibly meaningful about walking through your home and seeing the people you love displayed as part of your everyday life. Photographs should not only live on screens — they should become part of a family’s story and home for generations to come.
What makes you happy?
Every client who reaches out to me genuinely makes me happy. With every new person, I discover a new story, a new connection, and a new way to see and capture emotion through my camera.
Each wedding, portrait session, or family experience teaches me something valuable — not only creatively, but personally as well. Photography constantly reminds me how different and beautiful people’s lives and relationships are.
Every new inquiry also gives me confidence and motivation. It reminds me that my work resonates with people, that the emotion and care I put into what I create is seen and appreciated. As an artist and business owner, that feeling means so much to me and continues to inspire me to grow, evolve, and create even more meaningful work.
Pricing:
- Wedding collections starting at $3,000
- Engagement session $500
- Family lifestyle $450
- Studio Maternity $750
- Studio Women 45+ $650
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maximovawedding.com and https://www.studiofocushouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maximovaphotography/ and https://www.instagram.com/focus.h.o.u.s.e/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanyamaximova.photography
