We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tasha Caines a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tasha, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic came from my parents and started way back when I was just a kid. Coming from a small town in Newfoundland there wasn’t much for work. From the minute I could understand words my parents made it well aware that if you want something you must work hard for it. Nothing worth having will ever be handed to you. I watched my dad travel away for work since before I could walk. I watched my mom juggle raising us and still holding down any job that came up in our hometown. As a kid I would ask my family members around me what I could do to earn even five dollars. I would babysit, painting, pack away wood, help my nan clean, painting nails, and anything in-between. Fast forward to moving to Alberta in 2013 I started a job at a dog kennel then shortly after turning of age a second at Shoppers and on top of that I babysat on the side. Once I entered highschool I signed up for the “RAP” program and started my journey towards earning my Journeyman Parts Certificate. As of 2022 I am a Journeyman Red Seal Parts Technician. On top of that not long ago I started a new adventure into my own Photography business called Dynamic Bliss Photography. In both of these career paths I have faced and continue to face many challenges, the drive to push through these challenges and come out on the other side really continue to push my work ethic further. To this day I can thank my parents for always showing me that hard work really does pay off.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a Photographer and Artist. I like to create and work with every and any kind of person. I started my Photography Business in 2022 and haven’t looked back since. I photograph more than one genre including but not limited to creative, boudoir, weddings, proposals and couple sessions. With that being said over the past year I have really dug deep into finding where I am meant to be in this huge world of Photographers and it is safe to say I strive in the more creative side of photography. Creating with each and every client lights a fire inside of me I had no idea existed. The excitement of delivering a gallery and hearing the reaction of my clients is unmatched. The empowerment that comes from a single session is something I look forward to seeing and bringing out of every client who steps in front of my camera. If I were to tell what my main focus is, it would be to make my clients feel like a million bucks. When you step into a session with me I want to leave the stuffy photographer type at the door. I want to have a space you feel you can be yourself and step into a fun zone where we laugh, crack jokes and create magic. In 2024 my focus is to continue dialing in my skills, learning new skills, expanding my artistic view, getting more out of my comfort zone and start offering travel dates to different places. I have recently fully launched my website and look forward to meeting and creating with more people in 2024.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1) Community over competition. The community you build is far more important than anything else. Reach out to other creators, ask them questions and support them too. Being supportive of others is crucial. Collaborate with creators who inspire you and build connections everywhere you go. The saying “its not what you now its who you know” is not far fetched.
2) Be adaptable. Every client and circumstance will be different and unique. Sometimes you’ll be in a location you maybe didn’t quite prepare for or maybe the client requested a different location last minute. Being able to adapt quickly and make something out of nothing is very important. This doesn’t only go for locations, this goes for technology, trends and your style. Getting out of your comfort zone is a great way to help yourself adapt to this industry that is always changing.
3) Have confidence. It doesn’t matter if you started five minutes or ten years ago. If you are not confident in your work and abilities no one else will be either.
Other than those three main points my main advice would be, be yourself and don’t try to keep up the joneses. People love authenticity and want to know what the person they are booking with is like. Show your face on social media and be real. To touch on the other, don’t try to keep up with everyone else. You don’t need the most expensive equipment to create great work. Learn the equipment you have and upgrade at your own pace and affordability.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My other half and the community around me.
My Fiancé Eric has been nothing short of supportive since day one. He’s constantly encouraging me to take on new adventures and to believe in myself. If I have to face a challenge he is always right beside me helping me get through it. Like any creator we all have bad days and days of doubt. In my days of doubt he has never given a second thought to remind me my worth, help me troubleshoot or just talk me through any situation.
The community around me is something I never knew I would have. I can’t name them all but a few to name would be Leah Szucki Photography, Kiera with Elite Ambitions Photography & Krystina Lynn Photography. I have completed a mentorship with Leah, spent two days in Kelowna BC being trained by Kiera with Elite and the constant support and cheerleading from Krystina since day one has really stood out. I am confident I could reach out to either of these wonderful ladies and they would not give helping me out a second thought. Between the three of them they have all at some point helped me overcome a situation or hurdle and have passed on knowledge if I have needed help. I truly am not lying when I say “Community over Competition”.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dynamicblissphotography.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dynamicblissphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086354772919&mibextid=opq0tG
Image Credits
California Smoke Photography
