We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tosha Gaines a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tosha, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from my father, a decorated Vietnam Veteran. After his exposure to Agent Orange during the war, he battled depression, diabetes, PTSD, and later dementia, yet he never let these challenges define him. He built a successful business, Gaines and Associates, while remaining an unwavering presence in our lives.
Despite his struggles, Dad showed up for every event, embraced his role as a grandfather, and loved us unconditionally – even during my difficult periods. When dementia began affecting him, he tried to protect us by keeping it private, but his commitment to family never wavered.
His strength wasn’t just in overcoming obstacles; it was in his consistent love, warm smiles, heartfelt hugs, and the endless stories he shared. He instilled in us the drive to reach our full potential. Watching him persist through adversity while maintaining his dedication to family taught me that true resilience isn’t about being unbreakable – it’s about continuing to love and show up for others, no matter what challenges you face.
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?
Tosha Gaines Photography centers on creating vibrant, unconventional fine art and contemporary portraiture that pushes boundaries. While I love exploring fashion photography, my true passion lies in therapeutic photography and giving voice to underrepresented communities through my lens. I work both in Birmingham, Ala and Nashville, TN.
My approach to photography goes beyond capturing images – it’s about creating safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities to share their stories. This year, I’m proud to present two solo exhibitions that embody this mission: “Transvoice,” which amplifies transgender voices through intimate portraiture, and “Drag in the Wild,” a series that normalizes drag culture by presenting performers in everyday settings.
These exhibitions reflect my commitment to using photography as both an art form and a tool for social change. Through my work, I strive to challenge perceptions, promote healing, and celebrate the beauty in our diverse human experience.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, three essential qualities have shaped my path and success. Resilience, learned from my Vietnam veteran father, taught me to persist through challenges while maintaining dedication to what matters most. Watching him overcome significant health battles while staying committed to family showed me that true strength lies in moving forward despite obstacles.
Empathy has been crucial in my work with underrepresented communities, particularly in therapeutic photography and projects with LGBTQIA+ and disabled individuals. Creating safe spaces and truly listening to others’ stories has enabled me to capture authentic moments and promote social change through my lens.
Creative innovation completes this foundation – my ability to push boundaries in fine art and portraiture while addressing important social issues comes from thinking differently and challenging conventions.
For those early in their journey, I encourage you to develop these qualities: embrace setbacks as growth opportunities, take time to genuinely understand diverse perspectives, and don’t be afraid to break traditional rules while developing your unique creative vision. While technical skills can be learned, it’s authenticity and compassion that truly distinguish impactful work.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
My biggest challenge is balancing the emotional weight of documenting others’ struggles while maintaining my own wellbeing. When working with marginalized communities and sharing their stories through my lens, I often carry their pain and challenges alongside my own. I’m addressing this by establishing clearer boundaries, practicing self-care between shoots, and building a support network of fellow artists who understand this unique intersection of art and advocacy. Like my father taught me through his resilience – it’s about showing up fully while taking care of yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.toshagaines.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toshaphotog
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toshaphotog
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/toshaphotog
- Other: Blue Sky : @toshaphotog.bsky.social
I am also starting my Youtube channel soon.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
