Today we’d like to introduce you to Tova Teitelbaum.
Hi Tova, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I look back, I can see how a few key experiences led me to where I am today. As a teenager, I saved up to buy my first digital camera and spent a summer photographing my cousins on the front porch, experimenting with poses and light. A few years later, I remember crafting makeshift “lenses” out of Styrofoam cups to frame portraits of my classmates. Soon after, I began visiting the beach at sunset, photographing the ocean, sky, and anything else that caught my eye.
When I started college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to major in. A woman who worked there encouraged me to follow my heart. I enrolled in a computer class – the “sensible” choice – and a photography class. I quickly dropped computers and became completely absorbed in photography. I spent countless hours in the darkroom, learning black-and-white film processing from start to finish. I’d come back from the library with stacks of photography books, studying the work of master photographers and discovering a whole new world.
I started working professionally while still in college, taking on photo sessions that came my way through word of mouth. My sister, a talented artist and graphic designer, created my first website and logo, helping me bring my vision to life. From there, my business was born. I taught myself search engine optimization, started blogging, and learned from other photographers through online resources, but most of my growth came from hands-on experience.
I’m deeply grateful to have built a career doing something I love, and to every client who has trusted me along the way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Overall things have been smooth, but of course there were challenges along the way. I’ve learned to embrace the natural ebbs and flows – seasons when I’m juggling a full schedule and others that offer more breathing room and space for creativity. Over the years, I’ve also learned to adapt to unexpected circumstances, whether it was a hurricane, Zika, or COVID.
Another struggle has been with my website. Last year, I realized that many of my inquiries weren’t consistently getting forwarded to my email, and I missed out on a lot of job opportunities. Then the design company I was using went out of business, so I began a complete redesign. At one point, I accidentally deleted some files, which felt disastrous at the time but ended up being a blessing in disguise, as it led me to switch to a new company and create a site I’m now really proud of.
Life throws us curveballs, and things don’t always work out the way we expect. But each challenge has taught me to adapt, learn, and grow. I’m also very grateful for the support I’ve had along the way. There’s a phrase in Hebrew I was raised with, Gam zu l’tova – “this, too, is for the good,” a saying from the Talmudic sage Nachum Ish Gamzu. I try to apply that positive outlook when hardships arise. It doesn’t always feel that way in the moment, but looking back, I can usually find the positives that came out of even the hardest experiences.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in family, couple, and surprise proposal photography. My style is natural and genuine, with most of my sessions taking place outdoors at beautiful locations around Miami. I believe so much of what I do comes down to connecting with people.
Photo sessions are a collaboration built on connection, energy, and trust. I put a lot of care and preparation into each one, but the real magic happens in the shared energy between me and the people I photograph. The best sessions are the ones where everyone is fully present- families playing and laughing with their kids, or couples completely wrapped up in each other. It’s a collaboration where we’re both giving it our all, but most importantly, having fun. That’s often where the magic happens, when people relax, let go, and allow their playful side to come through.
Since I’ve been doing this for over 16 years, I have ample experience that I bring to each session. I still find it invaluable before each session to spend time thinking about poses, how I want the session to flow, and showing up early to find the best spots based on the lighting that day.
I also approach sessions with warmth, patience, and a genuine desire to create beautiful images, not only for my clients, but for myself as well. It’s incredibly gratifying when I’m editing and come across a photo I love, feeling instantly excited to share it with the world.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
They can go to my website, tovaphotography.com and follow me on Instagram and Facebook @tovaphotography.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tovaphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tovaphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tovaphotography/
Image Credits
© Tova Photography LLC
