We recently had the chance to connect with Barbara Baez Robinson and have shared our conversation below.
Barbara, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
At BabarazziPhotos, I truly love capturing every special moment! Whether it’s a wedding, a newborn session, a family gathering, or a high-energy concert. One of the biggest misconceptions I face is that I should stick to just one genre of photography. Some people are surprised to learn that I can photograph a musician on stage one day, and a maternity shoot the next. But photography has been a lifelong journey for me. I started taking classes as a teenager and have spent years learning and practicing different styles, including landscapes and real estate. I’m currently continuing my education at ASU to keep pushing my craft even further. What I want people to understand is that I don’t just take photos, I tell stories across all stages of life. My goal is to document both the big milestones and the quiet, beautiful in-between moments that make life so meaningful.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m going to start by saying something cliché but true… I’ve loved taking photos since I was a child! It all started with my mother giving me my first camera at the age of two. I took my first photography class in middle school and my love for photography has just continued to grow. Since then, I have been capturing candid shots of my friends & family on camera, they began to call me Babarazzi- a combination of my name “Barbara” and Paparazzi. So, I have trademarked & made this my business name.
Throughout the years I realize that I aim to capture people’s emotions. It is important to me to always start & end my sessions with honesty, attention to detail, and fun! Before shooting I have a conversation with the client about wardrobe, location and positions. Throughout my process I make sure that lightning, positioning, and the landscape around us makes for an ideal shot. I use different types of lens that fit the occasion. I enjoy capturing significant moments in my clients’ lives while being creative! I’m inspired by the beauty of this world and its people. Documenting these moments of love, adventure and happiness has become a fulfilling career. My Motto is “There’s a picture around every corner”! My goal is to capture memorable moments for my clients that will create a legacy for generations. I offer all types of photo services from portraits to family pictures, to band photos and all types of memorable events. BabarazziPhotos is here to be your Photographer!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I’ve been fortunate to have two incredible people who saw my potential as a professional photographer long before I fully believed in it myself, my mother Ida and my husband Aaron. My mom always encouraged me to pursue what makes me happy, and my husband reminded me that anything is possible when you truly put your mind to it. They both saw something in me, a natural gift, an “eye” for moments that others might miss. Their belief made me realize that not everyone sees the world the way I did. When I began looking at my own work through their eyes, I saw more than just pictures, I saw the power of storytelling. I also realized how much I loved the reactions people had when I captured their important, joyful, or once-in-a-lifetime moments. That’s when I knew I had to follow this dream and build something real with it.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
This question stirs mixed emotions for me. When I think about suffering, I go back to my early career as a Medical Biller. In my 20s, I worked under managers who seemed to take pride in making others miserable through mind games, low pay, and unprofessional behavior. I was too young to realize that wasn’t how leadership should work.
That experience taught me two invaluable lessons that success alone never could:
1. How not to treat people, and
2. That I wanted to be my own boss.
That suffering lit a fire in me. It pushed me to grow, to lead with integrity, and eventually to build my own business where I treat everyone with respect and equality. I’ve learned that empathy, fairness, and autonomy are non-negotiable.
Success can teach you how to win.
Suffering teaches you why you must win and how to bring others with you.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One project I’m deeply committed to is a cookbook I’ve been working on with my mom for the past few years. I’m a first-generation American; my mother immigrated from Cuba to the U.S. during the Mariel boatlift in the 1980s. She’s known in our community for her incredible Cuban cooking, and we’ve always wanted to preserve and share those dishes that carry so much history, culture, and love.
Together, we’ve been cooking, carefully measuring ingredients (which is new for her, since she usually cooks by feel!), and photographing each dish. So far, we’ve documented 16 recipes. Our goal is to create a cookbook that not only shares traditional Cuban recipes but also honors our family’s journey and the power of food to keep culture alive across generations. No matter how long it takes, we’re committed to finishing this project.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Absolutely! I’m still dancing! One of the things I’ve always dreamed of is traveling and seeing the world, and starting my own business has made that dream a reality. Being my own boss has opened up doors I always dreamed of, especially through my photography.
I’ve had the chance to meet legendary musicians like Nicko McBrain, Steve Harris, and Robert Trujillo, and I’ve toured with bands across the U.S. and Eastern Europe. I just got back this summer from an incredible trip through six different European countries, and some of the cities honestly felt like stepping into a Jane Austen novel. These travels have also given me the chance to grow my landscape and nature photography portfolio, which is something I’m deeply passionate about.
But it’s not just about travel some of my happiest moments have been capturing special events like weddings and quinceañeras. There’s so much joy in the air, and I often find myself grinning behind the camera, completely caught up in the moment.
So yes, I’m still dancing to work and loving every step of the journey!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://babarazziphotos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babarazziphotos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BabarazziPhotos
- Other: Google Maps:
BabarazziPhotos
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SqyeXXQd3bQesNJU8
