Meet Nathaly Tabares | Personal & Commercial Branding Photographer

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

Hi Nathaly, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Finding work-life balance has always been something I believe is attainable, but it requires intentionality. Over time, I’ve come to realize that achieving balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about being purposeful with how I manage my time and energy. When I was earlier in my career, I felt I could easily juggle everything: work, personal time, relationships, but I also learned that balance doesn’t stay static; it evolves.

After having a baby, the dynamic shifted in a big way. It’s not as simple as it once was, and it has challenged me to rethink how I balance my time, energy, and focus. But here’s the thing: I know it’s possible to find harmony again. It’s just a process. Every new season of life brings new challenges, and finding balance is a journey that requires patience, grace, and a willingness to adjust.

Right now, I’m in that process of recalibrating. Some days are more in sync than others, but I’m learning to be flexible with my expectations, knowing that balance looks different in every phase of life. What’s important is to approach it with a positive mindset, embracing the imperfections and finding joy in the moments of balance I can create.

So if you’re navigating a similar shift, whether it’s a new job, a growing family, or a big life change, take it one step at a time. Be intentional, be patient with yourself, and trust that the balance you’re seeking will come. You’ve got this. Every season brings its own opportunities for growth, and with each new chapter, we discover new ways to thrive.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is an expression of my journey. A journey marked by risk-taking, growth, and the pursuit of authenticity. I’m Nathaly Tabares, a personal and commercial branding photographer based in the vibrant town of Duluth, Georgia. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to help people, particularly entrepreneurs and businesses, capture the essence of who they are through powerful and intentional imagery.

I never set out to be a photographer, but my passion for capturing life’s moments has always been with me. Originally from Colombia, I studied two different careers before realizing that what truly lit me up wasn’t what I was doing, but what I dreamed about doing. When I moved to the U.S., I decided to follow my heart and pursue photography, something I had always loved but never fully embraced. In 2017, I took a leap and launched Nathaly Tabares Photography, initially focusing on family and lifestyle portraits. But what happened next changed everything.

Brand and commercial photography found me by chance. A friend asked me to take photos for her real estate business, and though I had no formal experience in that realm, I jumped in headfirst. I designed the shoot, styled the outfits, coordinated hair and makeup, and created a set that felt authentic and exciting. To my surprise, the shoot was a huge success, and I quickly realized how much I loved the energy of it, the creativity, the connection, and seeing my client feel empowered in front of the camera. That moment was a pivotal one, and from there, I embraced the world of brand photography with open arms.

What sets me apart is the way I approach every project. I don’t just show up to take pictures. I show up as a creative partner. I work alongside my clients to craft visuals that tell their brand’s story, that communicate their message, and that make them feel confident, seen, and understood. I bring my background in marketing, design, and branding into every shoot, ensuring that the final images align perfectly with their vision and help elevate their business. My goal is to create images that do more than just look good, they have to feel right, resonate with the audience, and leave a lasting impression.

The road to where I am today hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Moving to a new country, starting over, and pivoting careers were all huge challenges. I remember the early days when I struggled to make ends meet and questioned whether I was on the right path. But I stuck with it, pushed through the tough moments, and found my way. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success requires resilience. You have to embrace the uncertainty, take risks, and trust that every setback is just a setup for a breakthrough.

I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, and even more proud of the impact I’ve had on my clients. I’m here to help businesses elevate their brands, tell their stories, and show up in a way that feels true to who they are. Whether it’s through a photoshoot that empowers or a branding session that transforms, my mission is to make every client feel like the best version of themselves, and to help their brand shine.

So, to anyone who’s wondering if it’s worth it to take a risk or make a big leap, my story is proof that it is. Trust the process, embrace the journey, and know that even when it’s hard, you’re building something meaningful. I’m just getting started, and I can’t wait to continue helping others shine in their own unique way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, I’m so excited about this question! If my best friend was visiting the area, we’d have a week packed with adventure, food, fun, and memories that will make us smile for years. From the charm of Downtown Duluth to the vibrant energy of Suwanee and Lawrenceville, here’s the ultimate itinerary for the best week ever:

Day 1: Welcome to the Area! (Duluth Vibes)

Lunch at Sweet Octopus: We’d start the trip by heading to Sweet Octopus in Downtown Duluth, where we can dive into some mouthwatering Thai & Chinese fusion dishes. The flavors are incredible, and you can’t beat the cozy, vibrant ambiance. We’d grab some sweet & sour chicken or maybe a spicy pad Thai, both are fan favorites!

Coffee Break at Break Coffee Roasters: After lunch, we’d head over to Break Coffee Roasters for some locally roasted coffee. Whether it’s a rich espresso or a creamy latte, this place has the best brews in town, plus it has a super cool vibe perfect for chatting and people-watching.

Indulge at The Chocolaterie: Of course, what’s a trip without sweets? We’d take a stroll over to The Chocolaterie and indulge in handmade truffles, gourmet chocolates, and maybe pick up a few treats for later. Trust me, it’s pure chocolate heaven!

Chill on the Lawn at Downtown Duluth: After all that deliciousness, we’d head to the Duluth Town Green for a laid-back afternoon. If it’s a Friday, we’re in luck, there’s a chance we’ll find food trucks, live music, and drinks, making for the perfect way to enjoy the evening and kick off the weekend. It’s a great place to relax and soak in the vibrant energy of the town!]

Day 2: Suwanee Fun

Morning Hike at the Suwanee Creek Greenway: We’d start the day with some fresh air and nature by hitting the Suwanee Creek Greenway. This beautiful, peaceful path is perfect for a relaxing morning walk or bike ride. The trails are scenic, and we can take our time to enjoy the outdoors.

Brunch at Peony: awesome place for brunch.

Afternoon at Suwanee Town Center Park – Next, we’d explore the Suwanee Town Center Park. It’s an adorable park with a beautiful green space, a fountain, and sometimes live performances or community events. We’d hang out, maybe grab a snack from the local vendors, and just enjoy the relaxed vibe.

Dinner & Drinks at Tequila Mama: To wrap up our Suwanee day, we’d hit up Tequila Mama a restaurant bar with great food (you need to try the Cubano Bowl), cocktails, and a fantastic atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a casual dinner and kick back with some drinks.

Day 3: A Taste of Lawrenceville

Morning at The Aurora Theater: For a cultural touch, we’d start our day at The Aurora Theater. Whether we’re checking out an art exhibit or catching a live show, this place has a lot to offer when it comes to local creativity and entertainment.

Lunch at Perry Street: Best chophouse in the whole area! The mac and cheese is to die for. I highly recommend everything on the menu.

Explore Historic Lawrenceville Square: We’d spend the afternoon exploring the Lawrenceville Square, which is full of boutique shops, quirky stores, and historic charm. We could grab some handmade jewelry, local art, or just enjoy the small-town charm. Plus, there are some great spots for a quick photo op!

Dinner at Guaco Joe’s – For dinner, we’d head to Guaco Joe’s for some delicious Tex-Mex. The food is fresh, and the margaritas are always on point. It’s a fun and flavorful spot to enjoy a relaxed evening together.

Day 4: Thrills & Chill in Duluth

Morning at Infinite Energy Center: If we’re feeling up for some excitement, we’d check out Infinite Energy Center for an event or show. Whether it’s a concert, sports game, or a fun event, this place always has something going on, and it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours.

Lunch at Las Delicias de La Abuela: a Colombian restaurant located in Duluth. It offers delicious Colombian food to warm up your belly and heart.

Afternoon at the Duluth Town Green (again!): For a relaxing afternoon, we’d head back to the Duluth Town Green, especially if it’s Friday for food trucks, music, and an overall fun vibe. If it’s not Friday, we could enjoy the fountains, sip on iced drinks, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful day.

Day 5: Adventure and Views

Morning at Lake Lanier: We’d drive out to Lake Lanier for some water fun. Whether it’s boating, kayaking, or just lounging on the beach, the lake is the perfect spot for a little adventure and relaxation. We’d spend the whole morning soaking in the sun and enjoying the beautiful views.

Lunch at The Rotisserie Shop: After working up an appetite, we’d stop by The Rotisserie Shop for some seriously tasty rotisserie chicken and other comfort foods. It’s casual but so flavorful, and the sides are always a hit.

Afternoon at the Georgia Gwinnett College Campus: We’d swing by the Georgia Gwinnett College campus for a stroll through the beautiful grounds. It’s a peaceful way to unwind, and the campus is really scenic—perfect for a calm afternoon walk.

Day 6: Relax & Explore Duluth

Morning at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center: For something a bit more laid-back, we’d visit the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center to learn about the local environment and history. It’s both educational and relaxing, with walking trails and exhibits to explore.

Lunch at Duluth’s Best Seafood: After all that exploring, we’d grab a casual lunch at Duluth’s Best Seafood, a no-frills spot that serves up some of the freshest seafood in the area. We could go for the shrimp and grits or fried catfish, always a crowd-pleaser!

Afternoon Drinks at The Wild Hare: We’d finish off the day with some refreshing drinks at The Wild Hare, a cozy bar with unique cocktails and a chill atmosphere. We can toast to an amazing trip while enjoying some downtime.
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With this itinerary, we’d hit all the best spots, food, fun, culture, and relaxation. Every day would be packed with joy, laughter, and new experiences, and I can guarantee we’d leave with full hearts and bellies!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I absolutely love this question, because it gives me the chance to acknowledge the incredible people and influences that have helped shape my journey. First and foremost, I want to shout out to God. He has been the constant source of love, strength, and endless opportunities in my life. It’s through His grace that I’ve been able to navigate the ups and downs and grow in ways I never imagined possible.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to my husband. His unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me have been pillars of my strength. From the small everyday moments to the big decisions, he’s been my biggest cheerleader, and I’m so grateful for his partnership and love.

I can’t forget my friends and family, who have surrounded me with love, laughter, and perspective. They’ve always been there to celebrate the highs and lift me up during the lows.

Lastly, a big thank you to my coach, Katya. Her guidance has been invaluable in helping me push past limitations and reach for new heights. She’s helped me clarify my vision and hold myself accountable, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without her wisdom and support.

There are so many people who have helped me get to this point, and I’m incredibly thankful for each one. It’s truly a team effort, and I’m honored to share my journey with such amazing individuals. So, here’s to everyone who’s helped me grow, supported me, and believed in me along the way. I couldn’t do it without you!

Website: https://www.nathalytabaresphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalytabares.photography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaly-tabares-photography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathalytabares.photography

Other: Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/nathalytabaresphotographyatl/

Image Credits
Client work by me. In the action shots, the credit goes to my husband Gustavo Rey.