Hena Tayeb is a Chicago born Pakistani photographer living in New Jersey. Hena loves to find unusual abstracts and angles allowing the ordinary to appear extraordinary. She zooms in and brings light to the details of things around her. Creating abstracts and bringing attention to textures and patterns. She and her husband, along with their almost three year old boy love to travel enabling her to capture their adventures in bold, high contrast, dramatic photographs.
We caught up with Hena and asked her a few questions so you get to know her better. Here is what she said:
What’s the story behind your company?
Photography was my minor in college.. I was set out to be a copy writer but after a few semesters of photography I couldn’t imagine not doing it. I got married right out of college and moved to a different continent… my birth country. And while I was at home figuring out what to do with myself I uploaded some of my work online and people actually liked it. All the positive comments I got gave me the idea to start selling my work and start what is now Hena Tayeb Photography.
What inspires you?
Everything. I love to find unusual abstracts and angles allowing the ordinary to appear extraordinary. I zoom in and bring light to the details of things around me. Creating abstracts and bringing attention to textures and patterns. My passion for travel enables me to capture my adventures in bold, high contrast, dramatic photographs.
What is your favorite photograph?
That is a difficult one.. each photograph comes with a story with a memory attached. I love the photographs of hands because they were taken in college. I love ‘Sitting Blue’ taken inside a steam train. I love the photographs of lights and chandeliers..
How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Dramatic. Architectural. Travel.
In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
The best part about being an entrepreneur is the independence and freedom, being able to follow your heart and vision. Not having to compromise. And as a mom it helps to be able to set my own schedule and have flexibility.
If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have begun with more confidence. I would have started with Etsy earlier. That was when I really started to make sales and gave me that confidence. It was also then that photography went from being a hobby to my occupation.
Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
For entrepreneurs just starting out I’d say be patient. Don’t expect to get a sale the very first day. Keep record of money going in an out.. it seems tedious in the beginning since money seems to be going out more often that coming in but it will be a great help in the future. Social media is your friend… use it to get the word out.
What’s next? Any plans for the future?
More photographs to edit. More travel in the summer meaning more photographs.
Contact information:
Name: Hena Tayeb
Website/Shop: http://www.henatayebphotography.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/henatayebphotography
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/henatayeb
Blog: http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com
