Today we’d like to introduce you to Tana Ostman
Hi Tana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Minnesota and spent the first 25 years of my life there. My passion for photography began right after high school, initially through landscape photography. Friends and family loved my work and encouraged me to explore portraits—and that’s when everything changed. I quickly discovered how much joy I found in capturing people’s memories and seeing their heartfelt reactions to my work. From senior portraits to weddings, performances, galas, and beyond, photography became my driving force.
For two years, I worked full-time as a photographer and videographer in Minnesota, capturing everything from maternity and family portraits to music videos, real estate videos and music festivals. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and my business came to a standstill. I returned to the corporate world, leveraging my 10 years of experience in logistics and customer service. For the next three years, I balanced a full-time logistics role while keeping photography alive on the side.
During that time, my fiancé and I helped his brother’s family move from Minnesota to Fort Collins, Colorado. We spent two weeks exploring Colorado, falling in love with its mountains and vibrant community. A year later, we followed suit, moving to Greeley in June 2022. While working remotely in logistics, I began rebuilding my photography business from the ground up in a new state. I connected with incredible people online, took on portrait sessions, and even photographed a conference in Denver where I captured 50 headshots in one day.
Slowly but surely, I found my footing in Colorado’s vibrant wedding industry, capturing weddings in stunning mountain settings and realizing just how big of a destination wedding state Colorado is. In June 2024, I was laid off from my logistics job—a blessing in disguise. At the same time, wedding inquiries for photography and videography were pouring in, allowing me to fully commit to my business.
Today, I’m honored to be booked for 23 weddings this upcoming season—whether I’m photographing, filming, or officiating. This is the dream I’ve been working toward: building a sustainable full-time business rooted in my passion.
Now, I’m focused on growing even further, offering more services to couples across Colorado and beyond. I’ve recently added officiating to my services, drawing from seven years of wedding industry experience and my skills as a professional photographer to create heartfelt, personalized ceremonies. I’m also in the process of expanding my team so we can serve even more couples. Networking with other vendors has been an incredible part of this journey—there’s something so special about collaborating with others who are building their dreams, too. I also just purchased a Film Camera, so I can begin to offer something a bit more nostalgic to my clients.
To top it off, I’m introducing a PhotoBooth service this year! I’ll be testing it at a few weddings this season and can’t wait to officially add it to my offerings. This is such an exciting time for my business, and I’m truly grateful for the couples who trust me to capture their most important moments.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not—smooth roads are rare when building a business. There have been plenty of hiccups, roadblocks, and detours along the way. One of the biggest challenges is the highly saturated market here in Colorado, especially as it’s such a popular destination wedding state. There are so many photographers here, and while many are talented professionals who take their work seriously and deliver on their promises, unfortunately, there are also those who don’t.
I’ve seen heartbreaking stories from couples on social media who were ghosted by their photographer after the wedding or after paying a deposit. Some were scammed out of thousands of dollars, leaving them with no photos and shattered trust. I even gifted a session to a couple who fell victim to a “free” photoshoot scam, only to be told afterward they’d need to pay $1,500 just to receive their engagement photos.
These experiences have shaped how I approach my own business. I’ve made it a priority to be authentic, genuinely care about my clients, and always follow through on my promises. By focusing on integrity and putting my clients first, I’ve been able to build trust and connect with the right people. It’s those relationships and that commitment to honesty that have helped me navigate the challenges and thrive in such a competitive market.
We’ve been impressed with Tana Ostman Photography LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At my core, I’m a wedding photographer and videographer based in Colorado, specializing in capturing authentic, heartfelt moments that couples can cherish forever. I also offer officiating services and am excited to soon add a PhotoBooth experience to my offerings. My goal is to provide a seamless, personalized experience that goes beyond simply taking photos or videos—I aim to tell a story that reflects each couple’s unique love and personality.
What sets me apart is my approach: I truly care about my clients, their experiences, and their memories. I believe in being fully present, ensuring each couple feels comfortable and valued. I don’t just show up to take photos—I’m there to support, celebrate, and capture the moments that matter most. I take pride in delivering consistent, high-quality work while being someone my clients can trust throughout the entire process.
One thing I’m most proud of is the trust couples place in me. It means everything to know they feel confident I’ll handle one of the most important days of their lives with care, professionalism, and attention to detail. My brand is built on authenticity, integrity, and a genuine passion for what I do.
I want readers to know that when you work with me, you’re getting more than a vendor—you’re getting a partner who truly invests in your experience. Whether it’s photography, videography, officiating, or the fun of a PhotoBooth, I’m here to make your wedding day unforgettable and your memories timeless.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for finding a mentor or networking is to focus on authenticity and genuine curiosity. Meaningful connections come from showing real interest in others’ work and journeys. Social media has been a great tool for me—joining local photography groups and engaging with other vendors has opened doors to collaborations and friendships.
Attending industry events like expos or workshops is another excellent way to meet people face-to-face and build lasting connections. When seeking a mentor, look for someone whose work and values align with yours, and approach them with respect and sincerity.
What’s worked best for me is giving as much as I receive—whether that’s sharing resources, cheering others on, or offering referrals. Networking is about building trust and mutual respect, not just what you can gain.
Pricing:
- Classic Package – 4 hours (200 photos) – $1,700
- Deluxe Package – 6 hours (400 photos) – $2,500
- Premium Package – 8 hours (600 photos) – $3,000
- Officiating starting at $250.00
- Video starting at $1,700 (4 hours)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tanaostman.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanaostman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanaostman/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tana-o-b5b32871/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tanaostmanphotography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tana-ostman-photography-greeley-3
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tanaostman
Image Credits
Picture of me: photo taken by Karah Kost, edited by me.
All other photos were taken by me.
