We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tawny Ballard. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Tawny, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Thank you so much for having me. That’s such a great question, because I believe having creative outlets outside of work is so important. Lately, for mw, it’s been planning themed dinner parties! It’s been such a great creative outlet that’s totally different from photography. Recently, I threw a “Favorite Things” party – if you haven’t heard of it, look it up, they’re really fun. Everyone brings a favorite item from the year and there’s a white-elephant-esque swap. The one I hosted had a colorful coastal vibe, complete with themed food and a dress code. I thrifted a good amount of the items for the tablescape and crammed 10 of us into my Chicago apartment. It was so fun!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Tawny Ballard, a wedding, elopement, and couple photographer based in Chicago, IL. I create timeless images that meet in the space between editorial and documentary for all lovers. When I say all, I mean all. As an LGBTQ+ photographer, inclusivity is at the heart of what I do. My work has been featured in several publicatios, including EquallyWed, BRIDES, and Vogue.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Losing my grandma was the first time grief really hit me. She’d been such a constant in my life, it felt like I would never lose her. So, her sudden passing woke me up to just how fragile and precious every moment is.
Since then, I’ve been doing things differently. I hug longer, check in more often, and don’t take a single conversation for granted. I see love, connection, and shared laughter as tiny miracles now.
That changed the way I shoot weddings. More than ever, I’m trying to freeze those little, real moments between people: the way someone’s face lights up across the aisle, the quiet smile during a toast, or the strength in a grandparent’s arm as they hold hands. It’s those unscripted seconds that I find myself drawn to, especially for couples who share a special bond with their grandparents – I want to capture as many images with their grandparents in them as possible.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
All of my failures, both life-changing and nearly inconsequential, have taught me that there’s no one-size-fits-all plan for life. There are so many paths you can take, each valid in their ways (though some better than others, of course). As an Enneagram 1 and recovering perfectionist, it took me a long time to release what I thought my life should look like and the path I was taking before big failures to accepting and pivoting to what life was handing me (which turned out to be better than my own plans).
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that I value meaningful, fun, and fulfilling relationships that are rooted in mutual support and showing up for each other. They’d probably mention that my work and my business are a huge part of who I am, not just because I love what I do, but because it reflects what I care about most: connection, storytelling, and impact. They’d also say that integrity and a sense of justice guide a lot of my decisions, both personally and professionally. And I’m sure they’d add that art and creativity are at the heart of how I see the world – whether it’s through my work or the little ways I bring beauty and imagination into everyday life.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope I’ll have photographed hundreds – maybe thousands – of queer love stories, especially LGBTQ+ weddings. It feels deeply meaningful that I’ve had the privilege of being among the first LGBTQ+ photographers documenting the early decades of legally recognized queer marriages. But that legacy matters even more now, because the legal recognition of LGBTQ+ unions – only won just ten years ago – is under increasing threat. Ongoing efforts by conservative lawmakers, both legislative and judicial, seek to reverse Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that guaranteed marriage equality. Meanwhile, conservative campaigns and resolutions in multiple states are pushing to roll back these rights. So, what I strive for isn’t just to preserve beautiful moments – it’s to document a fragile freedom, one that may one day be fought for again. I want my work to stand as both love stories and a record of resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tawnyballardphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tawnyballardphotography
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/tawnyballardphotography
- Other: https://tiktok.com/chicagoweddingphoto
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