We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Illysia Tartan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Illysia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
In high school, I joined photojournalism because I was really intrigued by the subject. Little did I know I would meet the most amazing teacher who believed in me and saw all of the strengths I had at such a young age. Mr. Curtis saw my passion for photography and gave me every outlet possible to nurture my creativity and the opportunity to thrive as a creative. I was given the school camera to photograph school events, dance recitals, football games, parades and more. Through his guidance I found my passion and wanted to get better. I wasn’t sure then if I wanted to make a career out of it, but I did know that I loved what I was doing. I had a rough home life with parents who had a ton of medical problems and a lot of financial strain. At some points in high school, I was homeless living out of a hotel or temporarily living with a family member or friend. Photography gave me the outlet I needed to push on toward a good life for myself.
So how did I launch my business? Well after high school I went straight to college and joined the campus newspaper as a photographer. However, putting myself through college meant I needed two jobs to afford my education. This lasted through all 5 years of college, but I still managed to teach myself and shoot photos for friends and family. While I worked on two degrees in business management and marketing, I would promote my photos on social media, but I didn’t have a clear direction. Three years into college, I got hired to work for a wedding photography company that trained me from the ground up as a true professional and I finally figured out what I wanted to do with my career. I wanted to launch my own business for wedding photography. This didn’t come easy though and I worked hard behind the scenes to build a solid portfolio, website, camera equipment, and advertising material to really launch my brand. I figured out that the road to success is entirely built on your personal experiences and passion for what you do. There are a lot of hours that go into planning and dreaming about a time when you finally have it figured out, but when you trust in yourself and the people who are supporting you, anything is possible. This January, I launched my website and began booking weddings under my business name!
Going from idea to execution was a long and tedious road as I was still growing up and getting my education, but I stuck to my gut and never stopped pushing for what I wanted to do. Now I can proudly say I am a business owner of Illysia Photography.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Illysia, and I am proud to offer wedding photography services through my business, Illysia Photography. I got into my industry because I got hired to work as a contracted wedding photographer through a wedding photography company. They trained me from the ground up as a new photographer in the industry and it really paved the way for me to branch off and create my own business out of it. I photograph anything from weddings, to bridals, and engagement sessions. I also offer other services like maternity sessions, grad photos and more!
A major thing that sets me apart from other photographers is my personality. I know that’s cheesy to say, but I am the kind of photographer who will joke with your family, make you laugh, and probably become lifelong friends with you. I put a lot of care and love into what I do, so I am always striving to stick to your timeline, fix your hair if you need it, and find the best angle to make you look HOT on your most special day. I find that sometimes photographers get lost in getting the most trendy shot or focusing too much on making a viral TikTok pose work instead of really understanding what YOU want on your wedding day. That is what makes me different. I am caring, understanding and I go above and beyond for my clients.
Today, I am most proud of my journey and what it took to get to where I am today as a photographer. I grew up with a tough home life and I had to do a lot on my own, but I managed to work hard and accomplish things I never thought I could. I am a first generation college student with two degrees as well as a first generation business owner, and I am so grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me to make those things possible.
The main thing I want my clients and potential clients to know about my work is that I am here for you and what YOU want. Your wedding day is one of the biggest days of your life and I think it is super important to be flexible enough to understand your vision and make it a reality. A lot of people fantasize about what their wedding day will be like and my job is to make sure I capture those fantasies unfold. Years down the line, I want my clients to be able to look at their wedding photos and relive the day exactly how they envisioned it to be. That is what I strive to show through my work and what I hope makes people consider me over the hundreds of other wedding photographers.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Growing up in a financially unstable household and experiencing homelessness at a young age, could have easily shattered my dreams, but it only fueled my determination to pursue my passion for photography and education. Amidst the turmoil, I found comfort behind the lens of a camera.
Despite the challenges that loomed over my family, my commitment to education and creativity served as my reason to push forward day in and day out. As I navigated through college and endless financial constraint, I juggled multiple jobs to support myself through school, often sacrificing sleep and a social life. However, I managed to graduate college with two degrees in business. Following college, I was able to combine my experiences and my education to build a photography business that offers a unique perspective on life.
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am reminded that resilience isn’t merely about overcoming challenges; it’s about the power within to carve a path for yourself despite all adversities. My journey serves as a reminder that no obstacle is impossible when fueled by passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in one’s dreams.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As a wedding photographer, the most rewarding aspect for me is the privilege of getting to be a part of people’s most cherished day. Knowing that my work captures the essence of their wedding and allows them to relive those beautiful moments for a lifetime, is incredibly fulfilling. I enjoy being ability to provide high-quality images that really show the love and union of two people and all of their family. The celebration, the details, the smiles, the tears. Everything that goes into a wedding and the joining of two people’s world is extremely special to me and it’s an honor to play a part in that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://illysiaphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illysiaphotography_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illysiaphotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/illysia-tartan-23270419b
Image Credits
Illysia Photography