Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tamara Pierce. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tamara , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I have always been someone who sees things a little bit differently from my peers. I took my first photography class in high school as an elective and never looked back, it felt like home. I enjoyed the entire process of photography. From choosing a camera and spending the day capturing nature and family portraits to developing my film in a darkroom. Photography was a way for me to express my creative side and use that keen eye for something positive.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have been passionate about photography since I took my first photography class in high school during the late 90’s. The breathtaking views of Northeast Tennessee inspire me every day, and I wouldn’t trade my hometown for anything else. You’ll always find me with a Nikon camera in my hand, ready for my next adventure. My specialty is portrait and lifestyle photography, and I tend to prefer a dark and moody editing style over a light and airy one. Black and white photography will always be a favorite of mine, regardless of current trends, and is included in all of my albums as a downloadable option. My specialty areas include family/pet, senior year, sports, and engagements/bridal photography. I spend the majority of my year capturing senior sessions for students across the tri-cities and I look forward to each new season with them. I have started to enjoy travel photography and have been working with a wedding gown designer out of Gatlinburg, TN recently to add to my portfolio. I travel quite frequently and love to combine photography sessions into the mix while on trips. This has led me to become a travel agent and start adding these services alongside my photography skills. These services will be incorporated into my website by the end of summer. Lots of exciting things to look forward to for Tamara Pierce Photography and Pretty Little Adventures – Travel with Tamara.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Take the time to figure out what kind of photography makes your heart sing. That way you can focus on a true passion and not get burned out going to sessions that don’t speak to your inner self creatively. When you first start in the photography business, be prepared to make mistakes. It happens to all of us. Find a mentor and ask questions, lots of questions. Even if you think it sounds silly. I cannot tell you how many classes I have taken in person and online. YouTube is also a great backup for knowledge. So many step-by-step instructional videos are out there and easily accessible online. You cannot expect to grow as a photographer and find your grounding if you aren’t willing to put in the work and occasionally make a fool out of yourself. Have fun during your sessions and don’t stay in your head, overthinking and criticizing your skills. Smile, laugh, act goofy, and put your clients at ease with just being yourself. My biggest piece of advice is to not compare yourself to your peers. Your only competition is yourself. Are you better today than when you started? Are you better today than during this same time last year? If you can see growth, you are on the right path. I’m sure if you look back at your images, you can visibly see the growth in your photography style and editing skills. Pat yourself on the back and keep on growing!
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I was lucky enough to find local photography groups in my area to join. Eastman Camera Club and No Boundaries Photography Club have both been instrumental in helping me along the way. The friendships and knowledge I have gained by being a member of these two groups have made me a better photographer and given me the confidence to go out and tackle my dreams, one session at a time. I have spent the past few years attending seminars online and in-person, being a second shooter at events, and asking a million questions to those around me who are more seasoned and willing to help mentor those like myself. When starting a photography business, there are many do’s and don’ts to be mindful of. I began this process by asking questions to those who run successful photography studios, art galleries, marketing teams, etc. I always want to add to my portfolio and skill set in all aspects of photography, including business dynamics. Photography is so much more than just taking a pretty picture. It is a lot of work and time invested with every client, so most quickly become friends who feel like family.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TamaraPiercePhotography.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/that_girl.82
- Facebook: facebook.com/TamaraPiercePhotography
- Other: TikTok: @tpierce82
- Snap: @palm_tree82
Image Credits
All images are from Tamara Pierce Photography
