We had the good fortune of connecting with Tannia Godinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tannia, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was to separate from my husband after 12 years of marriage. I had reached a point where I no longer felt valued, appreciated, and loved. My biggest fear was how I was going to help my kids process this new change. I was afraid of my kids taking it out on me or feeling like they weren’t enough for us to stay together. Coming from a family where divorces and separations are seen as wrong, I felt like I was failing not only my kids but my entire family. It was hard to come to an understanding that choosing myself was not selfish.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Photography has always been a passion of mine. When I worked at a photography studio, it didn’t feel like a job because I enjoyed it so much. Life happened and my journey of motherhood evolved and my passions took a backseat. In March of 2019, I felt good enough to start doing photography again. I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and just learn as I go and pick up where I had left off. I was and am proud of myself for taking that step because I wouldn’t be the person I am today. It wasn’t always easy because I battled with many self-doubts and questioned why I was even doing this. But the feeling of capturing memories for people and their feedback always uplifted me to keep hurdling my inner obstacles. I have learned that my craft regardless of my experience is still valuable and that I shouldn’t devalue myself to make others happy and that was a hard lesson to come to terms with. I know that I’m different than other aspiring photographers because the clients that I work with are getting more than digital images. They’re getting an interpersonal connection with me. I am building bonds and relationships with them so they can feel comfortable and more at ease. My slogan is about creating affordable memories because I also understand that the clients I work with can’t afford high price tag photography. I believe that they too deserve to have quality memories without having to break the bank. In the end, we both are gaining something from our sessions. Knowledge, friendships, and memories.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
In San Diego, there are endless things to do and explore. I would want to cater to the interests of my friends and take into consideration what they would be comfortable with. I would include active activities such as walks and hikes at Cowles Mountain or Lake Murray. A good area to go and get a little bit of everything would be downtown at the Gaslamp. During the day and night, there is always something to do. I would want to take them to places that hold histories like Balboa Park and USS Midway. All our beaches are unique and different, there is just so much to do. In my opinion, any place you go to in San Diego will never fail you.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My support system deserves a shoutout because, during the times where I felt alone, they would come and be at my side and help me in ways that I couldn’t help myself. When I truly felt like there was nothing to fight for, I would look at my kids and see how much they needed me. My family and my kids are the highlights of my story.

Website: www.tanniagodinez.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tanieeezy
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tanieeezy

Image Credits
Gina Hayes Pacheco