We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Faith Tepoel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Faith, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

I remember growing up doing school work, I’d see photos in history books and be amazed at how a photo could be taken so long ago, and still end up right in front of me. Over time I started taking my own photos on film, then digital, mostly of landscapes and my family until I decided senior year of high-school that I wanted to make this a job, that’s when I branched into portraits. I realized early on that I didn’t love what was expected of being a photographer, for example, “everyone look right here and smile.” or, “You have to pick a niche to succeed” It felt distant from what I wanted. The creativity I had always felt started to fade into a routine of poses and a lack of emotion. Narrowing down what I was photographing, putting myself into a category. My work was good, but it didn’t feel true to why I started in the first place. In 2020 a shift happened, I had been doing photography only part time and nannying the other times. I decided to quit my other job and go full time in the worst time possible, the peak of a pandemic. With that, I also decided to be more true to my creativity, to stop forcing smiles, to shoot whatever the heck I wanted, and to start making ART. This has been the heart of my business ever since. I figured, God put this dream into my heart for a reason, who am I to limit that?

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Faith, owner of Faith Tepoel Photography! What began as a fascination with how one photo can outlive generations became the way I see and understand the world. Telling others stories, creating cool unique shots, and even just documenting my own life, it’s all lead me to where I am today.

I photograph weddings, elopements, concerts, couples, families, maternity, creative portraits, work with brands, Airbnbs, shooting digital, 35mm film, and Super 8. I travel with my husband and our dog in a cute little Casita camper, documenting people and things in a way that feels emotional, atmospheric, eccentric, and true. I’m drawn to movement, stillness, and the quiet in-between moments people often overlook until they see them preserved.

My clients come to me because they want images that feel like memories, images that look like art. I help them relax, connect, and just be themselves. Whether it’s a wedding in the mountains or a slow Sunday morning at home, I capture the beauty in the parts of life that feels small but matter the most.

Honestly, I think what makes my work different is that I shoot literally everything. I like to blend the art of documentary storytelling, emotions, and create cool outside of the box images. I don’t follow a shot list. I shape every session around the people in front of me and who they truly are. I use a creative approach with everything I do, whether it’s double exposures, slow shutters, cool lighting, unique compositions, I love to step outside of the norm.

I’m most proud that this work has allowed me to witness life in all its stages, beginnings, endings, and everything in between. I’m also proud of the creative community I continue to build through photo walks, meetups, and teaching other photographers.

If you’re new to my work, I want you to be able to feel it just as much as you see it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

That others opinions of your work matter more than your own.

It’s scary to put yourself out there as an artist. Actually, it’s terrifying; especially at first. Theres so much self doubt that comes with being a creative, with yourself and with the fear that what if other people don’t like what I’m creating, honestly, who cares? Everyone likes different things, not everyone will love your work and that is OKAY! As long as you’re doing what you love, creating what you love, and not limiting yourself, your people will find you and most importantly you will love what you’re creating.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Doing what I love every single day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://faithtepoelphotography.com
• Instagram: @faith.tepoel.photography
• Facebook: Faith Tepoel Photography
• Other: Tiktok – Faith.tepoel.photography

Image Credits

Faith Tepoel Photography