Teri Vroma shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Teri, 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 do you think is misunderstood about your business?
In the world of photographers, everyone thinks that they are one. This leads to a lack of understanding of the price differences between new photographers and those with years of experience, as well as the extensive work that goes into it. It’s disheartening when I see on social media that someone is looking for a cheap photographer, but wants these detailed photoshoots and expect it to be less money because we are just taking pictures, what they don’t realize is that we are creating these photoshoots, designing the setups and backgrounds and all the money that goes into the editing, our camera gear, and all the other expenses that go into that one session. The session itself and taking the photos is the easiest part. It’s all about the before and after, which is what determines the time and cost.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Teri Vroma, and I am the owner of Teri Vroma Photography. I specialize in lifestyle photography and love capturing families in all stages of life, whether it’s a newborn session, a senior session, or a family session with multiple generations. I put a lot of effort into creating new themes and setups for my clients, especially for my little ones and milestone birthday sessions. My Christmas mini sessions have become a staple of my work, bringing both challenges and rewards. What my clients appreciate most about me is my creativity in developing new ideas, building them (with the help of my very handy husband), and finding innovative ways to recreate themes, allowing clients to return time and again for fresh photos.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
That’s a great question! My parents have taught me the most about work. My mom has been working at the elementary school in my hometown for almost 30 years. She puts her heart and soul into each of her students and ensures they have a voice and feel seen. Every day, she goes above and beyond her job responsibilities, and her efforts do not go unnoticed. I get my dedication and love for each client from her.
My dad has been a mechanic my whole life, and he is someone people rely on daily. Everyone knows he won’t overcharge them and will provide quality work. I strive to do the same when it comes to my pricing and sessions.
The most important lesson I learned from my parents is to give more than you receive. I apply this lesson in many ways. I donate photography sessions to various fundraisers every year to help raise funds for different programs. I also find ways to reduce costs for certain sessions to assist those in need. One of my larger initiatives is donating my services for “Before the Rainbow Bridge” sessions. Losing a pet is incredibly difficult, and the associated costs can be burdensome. My gift is to provide families with lifelong memories of their pets during this challenging time. These sessions are the most difficult for me to photograph, but the reward of helping a family through their difficult moments is immensely fulfilling.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When I first started taking photos professionally in the fall of 2019, I began working with clients and even hosted fall mini sessions at a friend’s pumpkin patch featuring our classic truck. These sessions sold out quickly, which inspired me to create ideas for setups for Christmas mini sessions. It was during this time that I started gaining traction with clients, as they appreciated the unique ideas I had for my setups. I was excited and looking forward to my clientele growing in 2020.
However, as the world began to shut down, my business came to a complete halt. No one was booking sessions, and even my landscape photos weren’t gaining any recognition. It wasn’t until I shared my images of downtown Nashville during the spring of 2020 that people began to recognize my work. I feared my business would be over before it truly began.
Fortunately, when the world reopened and people could socialize again, my schedule began to fill up. People realized just how important photos were, and by the end of 2020, my business was flourishing.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The real Teri Vroma is a very quiet person who takes some time to open up to new people. However, when I am behind my camera, there is a certain power that takes over me. I do become more outgoing and talkative, and my creativity flows constantly. While I do believe this confident version of myself is the real me, I think my clients get to experience the authentic side of me that often takes others I meet in public a while to reach. I wish I could be more like the person I am with my clients in everyday life. Nonetheless, my values and opinions remain the same, and I continue to act like the Teri my friends know and love.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that when people talk about me, they share my kindness and passion for what I do. I pour my heart and soul into everything that encompasses Teri Vroma Photography. My business represents my core values, and I want others to remember the times I helped them through difficult moments—whether it was losing a loved one or facing financial hardships. My donated sessions provided them with photos they may not have been able to afford during those challenging times.
I want everyone to know that I truly care for each of my clients and genuinely want the best for them. Once you meet me, you’ll always have someone cheering you on! I want people to say that when they brought their little ones to my themed sessions, they left with a fun and playful experience. I take pride in creating setups that are both kid-friendly and playful, and I hope that my clients and friends share that about me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Terivromaphotography
- Facebook: Terivromaphotography
Image Credits
Teri Vroma Photography
