Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonoe Tarbox
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Nappy Time Portraits began as a creative community project. I started by hosting participatory photo events where I designed unique backdrops and props for parents to take photos of their babies with their phones. At the time, I wasn’t a photographer—just someone passionate about creating joyful moments for families.
In 2017, I met Miyako Uchida, a kimono dresser based in Austin. She was expanding her business to include kimono rentals, and I saw an opportunity to collaborate by offering kimono photography sessions. That’s when I officially stepped into photography, combining my love for creativity with capturing meaningful memories.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, many families—especially in the Japanese community—were unable to travel home to celebrate important milestones. I began offering 753 (Shichi-Go-San) sessions to honor children turning 3, 5, and 7 years old, a traditional celebration of their growth and health. This became a turning point for my business, as word of mouth spread and brought in diverse opportunities to capture everything from family portraits to maternity and senior sessions.
Born in Tokyo, educated in Australia, and now a proud Austinite for over a decade, I blend rich cultural traditions with creativity to craft unique photography experiences. My award-winning costumes and props have earned recognition at events like Round Rock’s Halloween costume contest and the Texas Renaissance Festival. This same attention to detail goes into designing immersive photo sets that make every session feel magical.
In 2022, I expanded into school photography, focusing on babies and toddlers at daycares and preschools. Through this work, I personally photograph hundreds of children annually, capturing tens of thousands of photos. Whether it’s a lively school photo day or a private family session, I create spaces where authentic, heartwarming moments shine.
At Nappy Time Portraits, every session is a story we write together—a collaboration between your dreams and my vision. Whether it’s a family milestone, a whimsical birthday shoot, or a special school portrait, I’m honored to preserve these treasured moments and share my passion with the community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road—it’s been full of challenges, and it still is. Photography has its seasons. In Texas, the peak times are in the spring, when families want bluebonnet sessions, and in the fall and winter for family portraits and Christmas photos. School photo seasons also align with spring and fall. However, in between these peaks, opportunities can be limited to events like birthday photos and parties. Planning and designing creative sessions in advance is crucial to attract potential clients during these slower periods.
Inflation has also added challenges, especially for daycare businesses, which directly affects my school photography work. Some daycares I’ve partnered with have closed or been bought by other providers, which means I’m constantly seeking out new schools to collaborate with—a process that is always demanding but necessary to keep things moving forward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My strength lies in creating unique and original designs for each photography session. Unlike many photographers who rely on pre-made props and sets, I often design and craft sets, props, and even costumes from scratch to perfectly match the vision of the session. This allows me to bring a one-of-a-kind touch to every shoot.
What truly sets me apart is my dedication to capturing the personal stories of each child and family I photograph. Before the session, I spend time communicating with them to understand their personalities, dreams, and preferences. From there, I transform imagination into reality, creating a world that feels uniquely theirs. This collaborative process not only results in stunning photos but also creates memories that families cherish for years to come.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My biggest supporter is undoubtedly my husband. When I was just starting out and lacked experience in photography, he stood by me and encouraged me to take on challenges. One memorable example is when we attended the Texas Renaissance Festival, the largest in the state. He trusted my creative instincts with costumes and promised to wear anything I designed. His unwavering support paid off when we won prizes, which boosted my confidence and inspired me to bring that same creativity to my photography scenes.
In our school photography business, he plays an essential role as my assistant and liaison between schools and our company. Starting from scratch, building relationships with schools wasn’t easy, but his dedication made it possible. Today, he continues to support the business on the backend, helping parents and schools as part of our help desk.
Photography can often feel like a solitary profession, but having someone who shares the load and provides unwavering encouragement has eased the weight on my shoulders and allowed me to focus on creating meaningful memories for my clients.
Pricing:
- General Private Photography Sessions: Starting at $220 for 20+ edited digital images.
- Newborn Photography Session: $300 for 20+ edited digital images.
- School Photography: Free participation for schools (parents purchase photos). Individual prints start at $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://babyart.fun/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nappytimeportraits/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nappytimeportraits
Image Credits
Nappy Time Portraits
