We recently connected with Sydney Tate and have shared our conversation below.

Sydney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned my way into photography, video, and writing by pouring all my discomfort in. When I felt the most emotional turmoil, each outlet acted as catharsis, as I’m sure many other people relate to. I mostly learned by doing. I would sometimes watch tutorial videos or read articles about certain techniques, but I have gained the majority of my knowledge in any field by truly f*cking around and finding out.

I’ve always wondered where I would be if I had been able to afford art school or just generally had access to more resources. I have teetered between letting myself feel inspired and wanting to be more diligent, because I think if I took photos every other day, naturally, I would improve a lot faster.

The most essential skills that I’ve learned in regards to photography have been more interpersonal skills, whether that’s been in client engagement at the start or feeling comfortable communicating poses. It’s been great to practice modeling so that I have a more fluid understanding of movement and placement to guide others.

At the end of the day though, I will forever feel it’s most important to experiment in any medium. I have never been more proud of any work than when I push myself a little bit to try something new, even if I don’t fully understand what I’m attempting. So to answer more fully, the most essential skill is taking risk.

Sydney, 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?

I started young with photography, diving into my psyche in my most challenging years mentally. I wondered: how could I communicate what feels unspeakable? How could I proposition an empty storefront as something special? It was always that way to me — the prospect of reframing things felt as exciting then as it does now. As a teen, I also began writing regularly for various online publications and forming video recaps from evenings out with friends.

Today, I have grown to providing a wide breadth of services and continue to volunteer with online publications. In the past year, I have focused on music videos, album artwork, and other promotional imagery for musicians. I typically help my clients expand on their vision for their project, and I love to offer a unique perspective on aesthetics, from styling to locations that set me apart.

I hope to know no bounds in my artistic practice with as many mediums as possible, and I am most proud of my ability to stay true to myself. I keep my values forefront and will stay happily stubborn in this regard. It is important to take chances on yourself and others and I would not be where I am without that willingness.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I chose the phrase “No Guts, No Glory” to encompass everything — although it’s brief, I feel it paints an accurate picture of the life I’d like to lead and the spaces I’d like to inhabit. When writing, editing photos, or forming the scope for a video, I prefer to err on the side of making things possible. Whether an idea seems outlandish or something feels hard to express because it’s vulnerable, I would prefer to gently push against those fears and see what comes of it.

In terms of the company I keep, I do my absolute best to feel proud of the folks I’m surrounded by. It is a truly sweet feeling to find inspiration from peers and loved ones, and I like backing people that I genuinely believe in. I don’t see a value in forming false connections or following through with situations that I don’t feel good about just for the sake of image and niceties.

In every respect, I would rather take steps that I am proud of, make art that I am proud of, and do business with people I am proud of, whether that takes me on a longer route to comfort and success or not. In my mind, that’s what “No Guts, No Glory” represents.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has truly been word of mouth. It feels so affirming to hear that someone is reaching out by reference of a friend or after seeing my work on someone else’s page. I know it’s simple, and spreading the word doesn’t guarantee new clients, but I can confidently say that my clientele growth has felt very organic.

I am extremely grateful for everyone I’ve worked with who feels positively enough about their experience to encourage others to book with me, and it makes a world of a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.noglory.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydneytateb/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneytbradford
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sydneytate14