We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tonéa Greer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tonéa, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
Although, I still maintain a regular 9-5, I’m currently happy with being an artist/creative, even if it’s part time. Being part time, allows me time to relax and put the camera down when I’m uninspired which for me, could last for months. It slightly eases the anxiety I may feel at the moment, since I don’t solely rely on my photography.
I’m actually envisioning what it will be like when I’m able to leave a 9-5 behind and work fully as a photographer/creative. (Manifestation!)
Tonéa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For the people in the back (that may not know me) My name is Tonéa Greer and I am a photographer that mainly focuses on Portraits, Sports and Music. I capture people in their space, where they are most comfortable and can be themselves, sometimes it’s posed, majority of the time, it’s candid. So, overall and officially, I consider myself a documentary photographer. The overall goal for me longevity. I want my images to be around for decades to come, and inspire others as well. I hope my images bring not only joy but make you feel…
I received my first semi-professional camera in 2009, a Nikon D3100 which I still have sitting on my shelf but doesn’t get much attention these days. Playing around with that camera and investing my time into the history of other photographers and constantly being inspired throughout life is what keeps me going. After 10 years of shooting with a Nikon, I took the time to research other brands as I was wanting to upgrade and invested in a Fujifilm camera (I like it here!). Hopefully, before this same time next year, I’ll have 2nd Fujifilm camera. I’ve also invested in a few film cameras and shoot with those every now and then.
I want people to know that I try to capture people in the best light possible. I’ve been told a lot of my work seems intimate and I’d like to keep it that way, it’s never been intentional but I think that is a clear representation of what I actually am, an introvert. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come with a camera but being an introvert with a little bit of socially awkward mixed in has definitely affected me in a few areas within the business of photography…but we grow and learn everyday.
I have not exactly put in my 10,000 hours as per se, but I feel like I’m close!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The pleasure of knowing that my photographs could potentially go from one generation’s hands to the next. It’s really an incredible feeling to believe that my work is capable of that.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In December of 2021, I unexpectedly lost my job and for at least 3-4 months, I was out of work but somehow still making it, still getting up and handling my duties as a mother. It was definitely tough, not only financially but mentally draining. I was not ready to go full time as a photographer and that’s just knowing me and how I am and also just being realistic. I was still shooting part time and actually had some of my most active days as a photographer during that time!
Contact Info:
- Website: Https://www.greermedia.co
- Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/_greer_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreerMedia1
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToneaGreer
- Other: https://bio.site/tgreer
Image Credits
Tonéa Greer / GreerMedia.