Meet Renata Terra Lutz | Entrepreneur / Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Renata Terra Lutz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renata, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own photography business was a mix of curiosity, passion, and family influence. Photography became this incredible creative outlet for me, especially after coming from a career in science. It was such a shift, but I loved how photography let me capture meaningful moments and tell stories—it brought out a different side of me that I hadn’t fully explored before.

My kids have been at the heart of every career decision I’ve made. I wanted work that allowed me to be present with them while still doing something I was passionate about. Building my own business felt like the perfect way to combine my love for photography with the flexibility to prioritize my family. More than just starting a business, I wanted to create something meaningful that connected me to other families and helped capture moments they’d cherish. That vision is what ultimately pushed me to take the leap and turn this passion into something of my own.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is about capturing authentic, timeless moments that tell a story. What sets my work apart is my commitment to simplicity and elegance—my style focuses on natural beauty, soft tones, and minimalistic settings that let each subject’s unique personality shine through. I believe that the most powerful images come from those small, intimate details, so my approach is always about creating something that feels both genuine and timeless.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t a straightforward path, and it certainly wasn’t always easy. Transitioning from a science career to a creative field was a big shift, and then building a business while being a mother brought its own set of challenges. But each challenge taught me something valuable. I learned the importance of patience, the strength in adaptability, and that success in any field is often a marathon, not a sprint.

I’m most proud of creating a brand that resonates with my values—one that offers a warm, supportive experience for families and clients, and reflects the importance of documenting life’s most precious moments. My goal is to create images that feel true to each person’s story, and I’m excited every day to bring that vision to life.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about my work, it’s that it’s deeply personal to me. I’m here to capture moments and empower people, creating something beautiful, impactful, and lasting. My journey so far has been about blending passion with purpose, and I’m grateful for every step that’s brought me closer to that vision.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, we’d have the best week in the beautiful and diverse San Diego, starting with my local favorite, La Jolla. We’d kick things off with a morning stroll around my studio and Bird Rock Village, grabbing a delicious pastry at The Wayfarer. From there, we’d head down to the La Jolla Cove to check out the sea lions, followed by some shopping and gallery hopping along Prospect Street. Lunch would be at Blue Ocean, where they serve some delicious Sushi and Ramen with a beautiful view of the cove.
In the afternoon, we’d venture to the Scripps Pier and walk along the shore at La Jolla Shores Beach—it’s a quieter spot with amazing ocean views. For dinner, we’d go back to La Jolla Village for a steak at Eddie V’s, which has an upscale coastal vibe that feels perfectly San Diego.
Throughout the week, we’d dive into the incredible cultural variety San Diego has to offer. Each neighborhood has such a defined personality! One day, we’d head south to Mission Beach, starting with a bike ride along the boardwalk and stopping for coffee at Woody’s, where you get awesome oceanfront sitting and can people-watch as locals stroll down the boardwalk. Afterward, we’d grab ice cream and head to the bay side.
Another day, we’d spend in Little Italy, exploring the farmer’s market if it’s Saturday and stopping by some of the best Italian restaurants and coffee shops. Then head to the world-famous San Diego Zoo and a stroll around Balboa Park. In the evening, we’d make our way to North Park, maybe do a brewery tour, and end the night with some live music at The Observatory.
For a more relaxed day, we’d drive up to Encinitas. It’s a quaint, boho coastal town that’s great for unwinding. We’d grab brunch at Swami’s Café. In the afternoon, we’d hit up Moonlight Beach to soak up the sun.
To wrap up the week, we’d take a ferry from downtown to Coronado for a day of island charm. We’d have brunch at The Hotel Del Coronado and then just relax on the pristine beach. Back on the mainland, we’d finish the night downtown, either at Animae for a more upscale experience or grab a quick bite at Seaport Village.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! I’m incredibly grateful to Kara Lee and The Well Community for Women, who have played a huge role in supporting me as I’ve grown my business. The Well is a truly special co-working space designed for moms, where I’ve been able to work close to my children, thanks to their childcare and enrichment programs. It’s a place where mompreneurs and working moms come together in a warm, encouraging environment, and it’s been a lifeline for me.

Having a community like The Well, where I feel understood and supported as both a professional and a mother, has made a world of difference. Kara Lee’s vision for The Well has given me the opportunity to build my business while being close to my kids, which is something I really value. I feel so lucky to be part of this amazing community of women who lift each other up, and I couldn’t imagine my journey without their support.

Website: https://www.theportraitmama.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theportraitmama

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/78817060

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/theportraitmama

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theportraitmama

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-portrait-mama-san-diego?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theportraitmamababy

Other: https://www.instagram.com/theportraitmama.baby

Image Credits
Picture of Renata Lutz – The Portrait Mama by Carina Fleckner Photography
All other images taken by Renata Lutz – The Portrait Mama