Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paige Tinnel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Paige, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a story that illustrates an important or relevant lesson you learned in school
I decided to go to the Delaware Area Career Center full time for my Junior and Senior year of high school. It was one of the best decisions and experiences I have ever had. I had no motivation for school prior and I did not know how to get further with photography besides destroying my grandmas basement with photography experiments. My teacher, Josh Gallagan, always taught me it is about who you know in the world. That idea has truly helped me, trying to meet more people and create connections has been the biggest struggle but the best achievement. Stepping out of the comfort box and learning from other photographers, meeting them and their ideas, seeing why people do the things they do. It’s freeing when you let go of the idea of being in control or ‘correct’. When you allow yourself to keep learning instead of staying still will take you further then anyone realizes.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I can be more than just a woman who is holding a camera lenses if needed. I can be the shoulder you lean on when you do not know where to go with your ideas. I absolutely adore creative freedom. I love it when people come to me for help with their outfit ideas or location ideas. I also allow others to take control if they would like me to just be the one taking the photos. I am here to capture your beautiful moment and I can help as much or as little as needed. I am extremely proud of myself to always get sneak peeks back to my clients as past as possible because I know how exciting it can be to see the turn outs. I also love adding little moments if I can, behind the scene videos or pictures if possible. Even if they are not all taken on my camera, it’ll be added to the album sent to the client to have all access. I truly love giving as much of the moment to the clients as possible. I don’t restrict the amount of photos given either. If I take 500, I will averagely return half back, sometimes all if possible!!
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
My clients are usually someone I know or word of mouth. I also have joined photography events and love to meet models who want to collaborate. I am willing to travel as far as needed to get an idea captured. I also have a boyfriend who is a videographer. He would bring me along to his videos and I would get behind the scene shots for him and his clients, sometimes without the clients knowing until I edit them and send them out. That has also helped a lot with finding clients. Any creative is usually in the need for someone to capture them in their moment and I love doing that for people.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
It has taken a while, but consistency is key when aiming for a social media audience. Be consistent with taking the extra steps for a business. Get business cards, they may not seem important but when you or a potential client is just passing by, a business card is the best way to let them know how to contact you and see your work! Take the time to learn the social media marketing strategies as well. What works the best, what time to post, what is or isn’t being boosted on the platform you’re using. Every social media platform is different and not every single platform can gain an audience in the same way. Also being active with the community and audience. If you have a creative community, say hello to the others around you! Get your name out there and learn others names. Learn their stories and their history. Always keep learning and being consistent.
Contact Info:
- Website: paigetinnel.wixsite.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/tinnel.photography
- Facebook: facebook.com/tinnels.photography
- Other: https://linktr.ee/paigetinnel