by Martin McConnell

Since she was a child, Tabatha Colombaro has been obsessed with photography. The Parma Heights resident recently opened her first brick and mortar studio, Tabatha Sue Photography, located at 7032 Mill Rd.
According to Colombaro, her passion for photography lasted into her adult years. While the urge to open a studio was strong, with minimal professional equipment she had to wait for the right opportunity to open her own place.

“When I was a kid, I, again, loved photography,” Colombaro explained. “I remember a few times being outside, taking pictures of flowers, and just loving the photography aspect. As you get older, you start to realize what you really want to do.”
Colombaro said she “dove headfirst” into the newborn photography business following the death of her mother who passed away from cancer.

“My mom and I, we were best friends. We were very, very close,” she said. “She was a single mom and I was the oldest of four kids. She was diagnosed with cancer when I was pregnant with my daughter. Three months later, she ended up passing away. The cancer moved pretty quickly.”

Weeks after she passed, Colombaro’s husband surprised her with her first professional camera. Given Colombaro’s history, her subject matter of choice was obvious, she said.
“I’ve actually been obsessed with babies since I was little,” Colombaro said. “I was one of those kids that were at the family gatherings where I’d see a little baby and I was hovering over, wanting to hold the baby. My mom (had a daycare) when I was growing up.”

After her mom passed, Colombaro said that capturing memories throughout a person’s life became an extremely important practice to her. She said that the best place for that practice to start is at the very beginning of one’s life.
“You’re only this age once,” she said. “The babies are only newborns once. You’re only pregnant with that baby one time. So, it’s important to me that they capture that. With photography, I actually went into documentary photography for a little while, because I love the lighting, and I love to be able to find the good light.”

Colombaro explained that the April move signified her first venture into a physical studio. Previously a home photographer, she felt the need to expand her business, and take on the new adventure.
“I’ve always photographed in my home and I’ve always had a home studio,” she said. “I kind of work best under pressure, so I was like, you know what, I need an actual commercial space. When (my clients) are there, they don’t do anything. I change all the diapers. I finish the session in a white onesie, so they can just put the baby in a carrier.”
The community response so far, she said, has been outstanding. Those looking to contact Colombaro for photography opportunities can reach the studio at 216-482-7969. ∞

Photo: Photographer Tabatha Colombaro has opened a new studio dedicated to newborn photography on Mill Road. Photo submitted.