Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Georgia Tillotson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Georgia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success is subjective. I do not measure my success based on how much money I make or even how popular my business is. My focus is on the people that I reach. I am small, and I do not wish to grow if it means I am no longer changing lives. That’s what success is to me: changing someone’s life. I think that to be successful in the way that you define it, you need a cause. My cause is making sure every person I reach feels beautiful in their body. The moment someone sees their body turned into the art that I make, that’s the moment I chase. Their face lights up, they finally see what I see. It’s beautiful. That’s my success.

Georgia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a scientist in the “I believe in magic” kind of way. I have a degree in Biology and Studio Art, and that was driven by my sense of wonder about the world. Beauty is everywhere. Having an understanding of what makes something beautiful only goes so far. I have studied it at a molecular level. I have memorized chemical reactions and evolutionary mechanisms. Nothing compares to the beauty that each individual brings to my studio.

The Queer community is my love and focus. Documenting the beauty and resilience of the community I’ve been a part of for almost 10 years is a privilege and an honor. I am lucky enough to have close friends that are always willing to be my subjects in any new shoot ideas I may have. However, my favorite kind of studio shoot is when someone comes to me with a vision they want me to work with. I love challenging myself to make someone else’s idea come to life. It gives me the opportunity to practice different styles, and it’s rewarding in that I can make someone feel heard. My inspiration comes from other queer photographers like Michael Betzner.

I love working with light and shadow to create dramatic contrast. I am also greatly inspired by sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose works originated in the late 17th century. Nude portraiture is my favorite form, but playing with light and shadow in any context is so much fun for me.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

While my business cards are in every coffee shop in the greater Cleveland area, I find that it’s easiest to spread the word wherever I go. I love bringing up my business in new social settings. It’s how I make new friends, actually. A lot of my new clients come from drag shows or bookstores. I find it’s easiest to put my face out there first so that people know who they’re working with.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

It’s so important, now more than ever, to build community. I am focused on community and building a safe space for queer and trans folx, and I think that speaks loud and clear to those seeking what I offer. Every time I photograph a new client, I ask them to write me a quick review. Instead of asking them to speak to the quality of my work (which speaks for itself), I ask them “did you feel safe in my studio?” the resounding “yes” answers fill my “testimonials” highlight on my instagram page.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: photos_by_georgiapeach
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-tillotson-617583a7/

Image Credits

N/A