We were lucky to catch up with Theresa Feeman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Theresa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only one in the room that looks like me has taught me the power of standing out and turning what might feel like a challenge into an advantage. As a Black female entrepreneur, I bring a unique perspective and voice to the table—one that can spark fresh ideas and new ways of thinking.
I’ve learned to embrace what makes me different and use it as a bridge to connect with others. My ability to spark conversations with anyone I meet helps break down barriers and build genuine relationships. Whether it’s sharing my experiences, asking insightful questions, or simply being an active listener, I strive to create an environment where meaningful connections can flourish.
Over time, I’ve come to see that being the only one in the room isn’t a limitation; it’s an opportunity to represent, to inspire, and to pave the way for others. By showing up authentically and confidently, I’ve been able to build trust, earn respect, and contribute in ways that make a lasting impact.
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 the founder of two photography businesses, T. Reichert Photography and Love’s Lens, each with a distinct focus that celebrates life’s most meaningful stories. T. Reichert Photography is dedicated to the motherhood journey, capturing the raw beauty of pregnancy, the tender moments of new life, and the evolving bond between mother and child. Love’s Lens, on the other hand, centers on creating timeless, romantic, and editorial wedding imagery that celebrates each couple’s unique love story.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to preserve moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed. Whether it’s a mother cradling her newborn or a couple exchanging heartfelt vows, I strive to create images that feel timeless and authentic.
What sets my approach apart is my belief in the power of connection and intentionality. My goal is to provide a calm and tailored experience, ensuring that each person I work with feels truly seen and valued. Photography, to me, is about more than just the images—it’s about creating a legacy of memories that can be cherished for generations.
This year, I’m focusing on expanding both brands, offering destination services for Love’s Lens clients and deepening my exploration of storytelling through T. Reichert Photography. I’m excited to continue connecting with amazing individuals and families, using my art to celebrate the beauty of their journeys.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say three key elements have been instrumental in my journey: patience, understanding how light works, and being an avid learner.
My high school art teacher, Ms. Gordon, played a significant role in shaping these traits. She was the reason I picked up a camera in the first place. While I just wanted to snap pictures, she insisted I slow down, learn the intricacies of the camera, and truly understand how light works. That foundation became invaluable—not only in photography but in how I approach challenges and opportunities in life.
Patience has taught me to embrace the process, whether it’s perfecting a shot, building my business, or connecting with clients. Understanding light has been transformative because it’s the essence of photography—it’s what brings emotion and dimension to an image. And being an avid learner has kept me open to growth, constantly exploring new techniques, perspectives, and ways to refine my craft.
For those early in their journey, my advice would be to nurture these qualities. Be patient with yourself; growth takes time, and every step is a part of your story. Take the time to deeply understand your tools and your craft—whether it’s light, sound, or storytelling, mastering the basics is crucial. And never stop being curious. The world is full of inspiration and lessons; you just have to stay open to them.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
I believe the key lies in striking a balance between going all in on your strengths and investing in improving areas where you’re not as strong. Your strengths are your superpowers—they set you apart and are often where you’ll find the most confidence and fulfillment. However, improving weaker areas can give you the versatility to navigate challenges and opportunities more effectively.
In my own journey, I’ve leaned heavily on my ability to connect with others and create meaningful stories through photography. These strengths have been the foundation of my businesses. But there were areas, like the operational side of running a business, where I knew I needed to grow. For instance, early on, I had to improve my time management and organizational skills to keep up with client demands while maintaining the quality of my work. It wasn’t easy, but investing time in those areas helped me build a more sustainable business.
The way I see it, your strengths are the foundation you build on, but strengthening your weaker areas acts like reinforcement—it supports and stabilizes your growth. My advice is to lean into what you do best, but don’t shy away from challenges that force you to grow. Often, it’s in those moments of discomfort that we discover new layers of resilience and capability.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yourloveslens.com & www.treichertphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourloveslens & www.instagram.com/treichertphotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@treichertphotography
Image Credits
Wedding Images: Love’s Lens Maternity Images: T. Reichert Photography
