Conversations with Andrea Tuia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Tuia.

Hi Andrea, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I started my journey when I was working a 9-5 job in Washington State. As a new mother, it was painful to miss out on so many important milestones my daughter went through. I finally found a job that paid me well enough to afford part-time and we quickly decided to have another baby. Once I went on (unpaid) maternity leave, the employer I worked for was saying remarks about me taking maternity leave – as if it were a burden and I was going to be replaced due to it. That really lit a fire under me and I decided I couldn’t rely on someone to provide an income for my family. Here I was working for someone else’s dream – counting on someone else to make wise business decisions so my job would stay in existence.

I started my search for ways to make money, pay off debt and gain some financial freedom. I was always good at filming and photographing in the motorcycle scene – I was an influencer in motorcycle stunts. My friend knew I was searching for side hustles and offered to pay me $100 to take her moto boudoir photos for her boyfriend. No second thought I took the opportunity. I borrowed a friend’s more professional DSLR camera and binged YouTube to learn how to use it before the shoot. The day came to do the session and I absolutely love it!!! I had the most amazing time and it seemed like such easy money to me. I then started posting I was offering $50 family photos – I still cannot believe people were actually paying me with zero experience. Then naturally people asked for maternity, which then led to newborns.

Oh, the dreaded newborn photos!!! My first newborn session was with my niece. I bought a couple of cheap backdrops from Amazon and cheap modeling light, found some baskets from Hobby Lobby, and tossed the baby in (not literally but that’s still what it looks like). After that session, I never wanted to do another newborn again. But I have no idea why I kept getting asked to do them!! I raised my prices in hopes no one would book but they kept inquiring. So I finally gave myself an ultimatum – either get professional mentoring and learn or stop accepting these bookings. I decided to do mentoring.

Mentoring helped me turn a huge corner in my photography. My images became much more consistent and professional. I developed a style and started actually really enjoying newborn photography. Quickly I started making more in my photography business than at my part-time job.

Fast forward and we made the move to Phoenix, Arizona. We made a beautiful at-home studio where I strive to give my clients an all-inclusive feel. I want their session with me to be a highlighted event in their motherhood. This is not just about getting newborn photos. This is literally sometimes their baby’s first outing ever. I truly feel blessed to be the person these mamas trust to photograph their babies.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The entrepreneurship journey has been a learning curve for sure. Many naysayers and people did not believe in me.

My biggest struggle was moving to Phoenix with no support from friends or family nearby. It is pushing me outside of my comfort zone by learning different sources of marketing.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a newborn photographer that specializes in posed in studio photography. I am a 5-star, award-winning photographer with organic boho, vintage vibes.

I really take the time to make sure this is a day to remember for my clients. I don’t want this to just be a service where they get a product but an actual memorable event in their motherhood. It really is an amazing day when they get to see their new baby literally turned into art.

How do you define success?
Success to me is when you find fulfillment in giving through talent or God-given gift by helping others.

Pricing:

• Over the Moon Collection for $695 -Indoor Studio 2-3 Hours -Sibling Shots -Parent Shots -4 Props -Table Posing Full Gallery -One 8×10 Canvas Print -Online Photo Gallery -Print Release
• Baby Luv Collection for $525 -Indoor Studio -2 Hours -Sibling Shots -Parent Shots -3 Props -Table Posing -10 Digital Images -Online Photo Gallery -Print Release
• Miniature Me Collection for $445 -Indoor Studio -1 Hour -Baby Only -Fully Wrapped 2 Props 5 Digital Images -Online Photo Gallery -Print Release

Contact Info:

• Website: www.desertdreamsphotos.com
• Instagram: @desertdreamsphotos
• Facebook: @desertdreamsphotos