We were lucky to catch up with Pamela Tiner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Pamela , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My hero is my mom. She was a woman ahead of her time—opening a business in the early 90s when female entrepreneurs, especially in small towns, were a rarity. She took her passion for gymnastics and turned it into something powerful: a thriving gym that touched hundreds of lives, gave kids a place to grow strong and confident, and gave women—me included—permission to dream big.

Her journey wasn’t easy. She had to go to twenty different banks to get financing, and not one of them took her seriously until a man—my wonderfully supportive great grandfather—co-signed for her. She built that business from the ground up, managing a team of 10–15 predominately female staff, directing performances, creating a culture of empowerment, and doing it all with the kind of grit and grace that sticks with you.

I literally grew up in the gym, watching her make something from nothing. Eventually, I became her business partner. Working alongside her was like earning a masterclass in entrepreneurship and life—how to lead, how to listen, how to stay rooted in purpose even when it’s hard. Everything I learned in that chapter of my life laid the foundation for my photography business today.

Because of her, I know that following your passion isn’t just brave—it’s transformative. She showed me how to build something that matters, and now I carry that spirit into every shoot, every story I tell, and every dream I chase.

Pamela , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a photographer, a storyteller, and a deeply passionate creative who believes in the power of memory, emotion, and meaningful connection. My journey into photography wasn’t exactly linear—it grew out of years spent running a gymnastics gym alongside my mom, learning the rhythms of small business ownership, understanding how to connect with people, and realizing just how much joy can come from creating something that leaves a lasting impact.

Photography became my way of continuing that legacy—of capturing people’s lives with intentionality and care. I specialize in moody, documentary-style photography that blends art with authenticity. Whether I’m photographing weddings, families, or seniors, I aim to tell honest stories—ones that feel deeply personal, nostalgic, and timeless. My sessions are part art, part memory-making.

I’m not just here to take photos. I’m here to make people feel seen. I want my clients to walk away with more than just beautiful images—I want them to feel understood, celebrated, and remembered. I also bring a strong sense of direction and experience to every session so clients feel supported, not stiff or unsure. Styling consultations, location planning, emotional storytelling—these are all part of the experience with me.

What sets me apart is that I don’t approach this as a surface-level business. I go deep. I care deeply. I pour intention into every shoot because I know that photos are more than just images—they’re portals to a moment in time. I’m proud that people trust me to capture some of their most important memories, and I never take that lightly.

At the heart of it all, my brand is about meaning. Featherlight Photos exists to honor the everyday beauty that makes up a life—to show people that their stories are worth remembering, exactly as they are.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life came when my mom and I made the incredibly difficult decision to close our gymnastics gym after 30 years. It wasn’t because we didn’t love it anymore—it was because we were tired. We had poured our whole selves into that business for decades, and we reached a point where continuing at that pace just wasn’t sustainable. Still, it was terrifying. That gym had been my entire career. It was all I had ever known.

At the time, I had only been doing photography for a little over a year. It was a passion, something that lit me up in a new way—but it wasn’t yet a full-time career. Walking away from the gym meant letting go of comfort and stepping into the unknown. But I knew deep down that I needed to choose something that would fill me back up. Something that felt like mine.

Taking the leap into photography full-time was bold, and honestly, a little wild. But I had one major advantage: I had spent years running a business. As CEO of the gym, I had learned how to market, how to connect with people, how to create systems, and most importantly—how to work hard. That foundation gave me the confidence to move forward with purpose and clarity, even when everything felt new.

Looking back now, that pivot was one of the best and most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. It taught me that letting go of something, even something you love, can open the door to something even more meaningful.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Honestly, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been simple: showing up as myself. I lead with genuine excitement, and I think people can feel that. I’m open about how much I love what I do, and I truly get so excited every time someone books a session. That kind of energy is contagious—and it sets the tone for the entire client experience.

I pour everything I have into creating not just beautiful images, but an experience that feels personal, intentional, and unforgettable. My goal isn’t just to deliver great photos—it’s to make people walk away thinking, “I’ll never use anyone else.” I care deeply about what I create, and I believe that authenticity and heart have been the keys to building a loyal, connected client base.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://featherlightphotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/featherlightphotos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550728521594
• Other: TikTok: featherlightphotos

Image Credits

Featherlight photos