We recently connected with Tiffany Nutt and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiffany , thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
Since I specialize in elopements and small weddings, I cater to a specific niche and provide an intimate experience for couples who prefer a more personal and secluded celebration. This focus allows a more personalized and tailored service compared to larger, more conventional wedding venues. It’s a refreshing departure from the traditional notion of traditional weddings and offers a more authentic and meaningful experience for couples who don’t want the big wedding.
Choosing outdoor locations instead of churches or other venues further sets my services apart. This decision aligns with the natural beauty and charm of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, creating a unique ambiance for couples to exchange vows and celebrate their love. Outdoor weddings offer a sense of adventure, serenity, and connection with nature, which can enhance the overall experience for both the couple and any guests.
Ultimately, by diverging from the corporate/industry standard and focusing on elopements and small weddings in outdoor locations, I offer a distinctive and memorable experience that celebrates the beauty of a couple’s connection with the places they love, like the Upper Peninsula. Dedication to providing a personalized and authentic service is what sets my brand apart and resonates with couples seeking a more intimate and nature-inspired wedding celebration. I’m making space for people who want something different on their wedding day.
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?
My journey as a photographer began after a pivotal personal experience: my own wedding. Opting for an outdoor wedding, I had envisioned capturing beautiful moments amidst the natural surroundings. However, my wedding photographer fell short of expectations, leaving me with a profound disappointment. The end result did not align with the promises made, and it left a lasting impression on me.
This experience ignited a deep desire within me to ensure that no one else would have to go through such a disheartening ordeal. Driven by the belief that couples deserve to have their special day captured authentically, I embarked on a mission to become a wedding photographer who would not only meet but exceed expectations. This personal journey fuels my passion for providing couples in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with exceptional photography services for their elopements and small weddings, guaranteeing that their cherished memories are captured with the utmost care and dedication.
I specialize in a range of services designed to solve common challenges faced by couples and other wedding industry small businesses. As an elopement photographer, I have honed my skills to capture the intimate and heartfelt moments of couples’ elopements, ensuring that their love story is beautifully preserved for years to come. Additionally, my elopement videography services bring these moments to life, allowing couples to relive their special day through captivating moving images.
Recognizing the growing importance of user-generated content (UGC) in the digital age, I offer UGC content services, curating and leveraging authentic content. Lastly, I provide social media management services tailored to the needs of small businesses in the wedding industry, helping them effectively connect with their target audience and establish a strong online presence. By offering this comprehensive range of services, I aim to solve the problem of capturing and promoting meaningful moments for couples while assisting other wedding industry businesses in reaching their target market more effectively.
Above all else, my number one goal is to provide exceptional service to couples. I want them to know that their satisfaction and happiness are my top priorities. To achieve this, I strive to create an experience that allows couples to truly be themselves and celebrate their love in unique and extraordinary ways. By focusing on elopements and small weddings in cool places, I offer couples the opportunity to break away from conventional norms and embrace the beauty of unconventional locations. These stunning settings not only provide breathtaking backdrops for their special day but also foster a deep connection with each other and with nature. By emphasizing authenticity, personalization, and the wonders of the natural world, I aim to create a wedding experience that goes beyond expectations and leaves couples with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Comparing oneself to other photographers in the industry can have its drawbacks and negative implications. Firstly, constant comparison can lead to a detrimental impact on one’s self-esteem and creativity. When we focus too much on what others are doing, we may lose sight of our own unique style, voice, and artistic vision. Each photographer has their own strengths and areas of expertise, and direct comparisons can hinder the development of individuality and personal growth. Moreover, an excessive emphasis on competition can create a toxic environment, fostering envy and a sense of rivalry within the photography community.
Instead, it is crucial to value community and collaboration among photographers. By embracing a supportive and inclusive approach, we can foster a sense of camaraderie and shared knowledge. Building connections with fellow photographers allows for the exchange of ideas, techniques, and insights, ultimately benefiting everyone involved. Engaging with the community provides opportunities for inspiration, learning, and mutual support, leading to the overall growth and improvement of the industry as a whole. Rather than viewing other photographers as competitors, valuing community encourages a mindset of cooperation, where we can celebrate each other’s successes and collectively elevate the standards of the profession.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Looking back on my elopement career, there is one resource I wish I had discovered earlier that could have tremendously impacted my growth and knowledge in the industry. That resource is “The Act Of” podcast. This podcast, hosted by David Reynosa of Forestry Films, delves deep into the art and business of wedding/elopements, providing invaluable insights, tips, and stories from experienced photographers and vendors. Additionally, India Earl Education, a comprehensive online learning resource, offers a wealth of courses and educational materials specifically tailored to elopement photography. From composition and lighting techniques to client communication and marketing strategies, India Earl Education would have provided me with the guidance and tools necessary to elevate my skills and business acumen. Similarly, Stephanie Marie Workshops, known for their immersive and hands-on learning experiences, would have been an incredible resource to further refine my craft and connect with like-minded professionals. Discovering these resources earlier in my elopement career would have undoubtedly accelerated my growth, expanded my knowledge base, and opened doors to new opportunities within the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://inkandopal.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkandopalco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inkandopalco/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@michiganelopementphotographer
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@elopementvideographer?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
Ink & Opal Co.