We are really excited to be featuring the Texan photographer: Natasha Tessier. Natasha Tessier is an award winning boutique style photographer specializing in high school seniors, newborns and family.
Tell us about yourself: I love the outdoors. Snowboarding, whitewater rafting, fly-fishing and throwing a football with my kids are all things I love to do. I love sushi, good red wine, Free People, West Elm, Pinterest, Dwell Studio, antique stores and anything vintage. I have the best husband and kids in the world-so very blessed. I also love photography!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer? I have always loved being behind the lens! My dad was into photography and always had different camera equipment for me to play with growing up!
When and how did you start out in photography? I owned a stationery company called Paint The Town here in Texas and I started taking portraits for client’s cards and birth announcements. In 2005 I decided I could not juggle both so I sold the stationery company and followed my passion in photography!
How would you describe your style? I love to capture emotion in my subjects…I try to keep my images simple and serene. When it comes to seniors, it is all about fashion and fun! Seniors are my favorite subjects to photograph! I love getting to know each one on a personal level and allowing that personality to be captured and revealed throughout the session.
What’s in your gear bag? I am a Canon girl! I purchased the Mark iii a few months ago and I am in LOVE!
One lens you can’t live without? My 85 is on my camera most of the time!!
How did you know when the right time to start charging was? I think this is one of those things you just know deep down that your work is where it needs to be. I made sure to never have ANY doubt about charging before I began and it has never been an issue.
How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now? My session fees have always ranged between $150 and $250. This has not really changed for me.
How did you market yourself when you started out? I did a lot of free sessions for practice and referrals. From there it just grew and grew!
We are going to play a game… name the first person that comes to mind when you think of…
Newborn photographer: Captured By Carrie
Wedding photographer: Angelica Glass
Lifestyle photographer: Wish Photography
Most inspiration person: Jamie Schultz
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught? If self-taught, what helped you the most? I was self- taught although I wasted a lot of money on large workshops where I never received any one-on-one time. I finally invested in a one-on-one, in person mentoring session and it was the best thing I ever did! My entire business took off after that trip! I am now offering these to new photographers and I love to cater specifically to each client.
What has been some of the hardest things to overcome in your business? I used to always think if I just buy this prop or take this class I will be better. Once I was able to let that go and really perfect my craft, my skills took off!
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out? Be yourself. Stop comparing yourself to other local photographers–this does not get you anywhere and is wasted time.
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be? I always wanted to be an actress in Hollywood 🙂
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far? Always put your clients first and go out of your way to create the perfect experience for their session. Listen to what your clients want and follow through with it.
What are your thoughts on props? As I have mentioned above, props can be helpful but will not make you a better photographer. I do have some unique props that allow me to stand out amongst my colleagues but I really want the image to be about the subject and the prop is just the after thought. Don’t waste your time and money on buying what is “in” amongst other photographers…be yourself…be unique.
Natasha Tessier Website | Shop | Facebook |Twitter |
Do you have any questions or comments? Leave them in the comment section below!
