Want to meet one of your fellow BP4Uer’s? What is a Bp4Uer? A BP4Uer is someone that is loyal to us and interacts often in the community. We are going to start featuring some of our BP4Uers to show our appreciation to all of you! We are excited and hope to be able to continue to help you as you build your photography business and work to improve! We love you all! 🙂 We are so excited to be featuring Tia Farmer (photographer behind Farmer’s Photography) and her work!
I’m a small town girl who loves my family, enjoys photography, and needs a housekeeper. Photography for me is my relaxation and escape from my busy life. I have enjoyed the journey it has taken me down and look forward to the journey that lies ahead.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer? I have been around photography most of my life. When I was growing up, my mother enjoyed professional photography and I took delight in watching her work on photos without pause.
My life threw me a couple of curve balls, but then I met my soul mate who helped me realize my life long dreams once again. Once I had a camera in my hands—there was no stopping me!
When and how did you start out in photography? My first event to photograph was my sons Cub Scout Flag Burial 3 years ago and I had a blast!! From there, I began watching YouTube videos to learn the ins and outs of my camera and taking as many pics as I possibly could. I truly wanted to push my limits, so I began taking portraits. I wanted to be legal, so I obtained a license. And with each session, I learned so much more than I ever realized was possible.
It is a thrilling and exhilarating process. I have never had so much fun learning! It’s important to note that photography is a “professional hobby” of mine. I have a full time job, two kids, husband, house, etc… Photography is my time for ME. It is my breath of fresh air away from all the hustle and bustle of my everyday life. I only schedule 1-2 sessions per month and sometimes, during months that the kids have their schedules packed, I will not schedule any. Family First. I only have one chance to be a great mom. No do overs.
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught? Self-taught. I would say my mom has helped me the most. Childhood inspiration is a powerful thing. I watched my mom diligently as a child/teen back in the day of film. Sat at the bathroom door as she filled her own film canisters with film because it was cheaper and listened to the ‘click, click, click’ and counted to 36 with her.
(Our bathroom was her ‘darkroom’ because it was the darkest room in the house! Ha!) I also watched her talk with clients, sort pics, and take great pride in her work. As an adult, well…I hate to say it…but YouTube along with loads of trial and error. Hours of watching, learning, and doing. Would love to take a class, but time seems to be my biggest enemy.
How would you describe your style? My style is simple. Nothing less. Nothing more. While I recently discovered actions within Photoshop, I still go back to the idea of a simplistic photo. Something about it seems timeless.
Please don’t get me wrong, I love what other photographers are able to do with actions, and I respect them highly for their skills. I might find my niche in that one day, but for now, simplicity is my style. In addition, my clients seem to enjoy it as well.
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be? Have always loved public service. In fact Mon-Fri 8-5, I work at a university library as a research assistant helping students with their research. If it were not for my retirement plan, I might just quit and enjoy photography full time. But for now…I have a love for both.
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far? Not to discount my worth. This is easy for me to do. Once I have done this repeatedly, it’s easy for others to take advantage of me. There are simply times where I have to stick to my guns and say, ‘No.’ A great photographer once told me, ‘If they are paying you, it’s worth it.’ (Thanks Phil Pantano!) After a year in this business, I have come to develop a certain pride for my work. I’m typically a push over, but if they want my services, they will pay for them.
This has allowed me realize that I am not alone on the wonderful journey. BP4U is awesome and I am a FOREVER FAN…and might even be qualified to labeled a stalker of their FB page! If you are new to the BP4U family, all I can say is stick with them—you will love and adore who they are and what they provide.