We recently connected with Tianna Sanders and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tianna, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
At the beginning of my photography career, I really struggled with comparing myself to other talented photographers. To be honest, sometimes I still do. I think it is easy to fall into comparisons, but I try to keep in mind that while those other photographers are talented so am I. My work does not have to look like anyone else’s and that’s what makes it beautiful. Photography is an art form and I get to create art from the every day lives of my clients in my own unique way.
As I have progressed in photography and honed my specific style I have gained more experience, confidence, and found the beauty of letting go of comparison.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a wedding + portrait photographer based in the Raleigh area. I am originally from Topsail Island, but moved to the Triangle for college at UNC Chapel Hill. While I have always been interested in photography, I really started falling in love with it during my time at UNC and when I studied abroad in the UK.
After college, I moved to Raleigh in 2015 and continued to build my portfolio. I met several photographers who took me under their wings to teach me about wedding and portrait photography. I have been doing weddings and portraits ever since!
The most exciting part of my job is getting to document the every day lives of my clients. I get to be there with them through some of life’s biggest milestones whether that’s a wedding, birth, graduation, annual family photos, and so much more. I truly love getting to know my clients and celebrating their accomplishments.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think determination, willingness to learn, and creativity were so important in my journey and they continue to be as I progress.
For those early in their journey, you need the determination to keep going. It is not always going to be easy so having that determination is really going to help propel you forward. Be willing to learn and reshape what you already know. I am almost ten years into my photography journey and I continue to invest in education. I want to grow and evolve instead of staying stagnant. Sometimes that also means reshaping the things you already know. Get creative in what you’re doing. It can be easy to get stuck in a rut. Try doing things that bring you joy and can get the creativity flowing. For me, I like to think of a creative concept and build a styled photoshoot around it. I’m not being paid, it’s just for fun and to get my creativity flowing.
Building a business is hard, but it is so rewarding. Just remember to breathe and keep working towards your goal.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal clients are fun, bold, and unafraid to be themselves whether that means twirling barefoot in a field, popping champagne with their favorite people, or sneaking a kiss just because. My ideal clients see the beauty in both the spontaneous and sentimental. They trust me to capture not just how their day or session looked, but how it felt as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiannasandersphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiannasandersphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiannasandersphotography
Image Credits
My headshot is by Amy Allen Photography
All other photos are by me
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
