Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to T’ana Lewis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

T’ana , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about one of the craziest things you’ve experienced in your journey so far.

One of the wildest moments I’ve had as a photographer happened recently at a 40th birthday party I was hired to shoot. It was a stunning event, and the client was kind enough to offer me food—a rare but much-appreciated gesture in event photography! For anyone in the industry, you know the debate about eating on the job can be real, so this felt like a little win.

Everything went off without a hitch—or so I thought. When I got home to transfer the photos to my hard drive, they vanished. Just gone. My heart dropped. I told myself it had to be bad Wi-Fi or a glitch, but when I checked the SD card on my laptop, there was nothing. It was as if the photos had never existed.

Cue the panic. This kind of thing is every photographer’s nightmare. After a few deep breaths (and maybe a moment of existential dread), I downloaded recovery software called Recoverit Wondershare. A code and a small fee later, I miraculously managed to retrieve all the photos—and even uncovered some long-lost shots I didn’t realize I still had!

Thankfully, I’d already created a video recap for the client, so if worse came to worst, I could have salvaged the project. But the photos were safe, and the client was thrilled with everything.

Moments like this remind me why I love photography—it’s unpredictable, full of surprises, and always keeps you on your toes. You learn to laugh (eventually) and adapt because, in this line of work, the unexpected isn’t just a possibility—it’s practically a guarantee.

T’ana , 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?

Hey there! I’m T’ana, a native New Yorker from Brooklyn and a photographer with five years of experience behind the lens. My journey began back in college when I was experimenting with landscape shots, but it wasn’t long before I realized my true passion was capturing people. Today, my work focuses on portraits, branding shoots, creative concepts, and fashion photography—basically, anything that lets people shine as their truest, most confident selves.

One of my first “aha” moments came when I sold photos I’d taken on my phone through an app. That little win sparked the realization that photography could be more than a hobby, so I took the leap and invested in my first real cameras—a Fujifilm and a Polaroid. Looking back, I think my love for photography was inspired by my mom, who was always capturing family moments and filling albums with memories. I used to roll my eyes when she told me to “go pose,” but now I get it—those photos became pieces of our story.

What sets me apart is my dedication to making clients feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I believe a photo session should be fun and stress-free, never stiff or overly posed. By connecting with my clients and guiding them through the process, I create an experience that feels natural and enjoyable, resulting in authentic images that reflect who they truly are.

When you work with me, you’re getting more than just photos—you’re getting a personalized experience that celebrates you. Each session is designed to capture your unique story and style, and I’m here every step of the way to make it as memorable as the photos themselves.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer, wanting a life that feels fulfilling, and meaningful, and doesn’t fit the typical mold. In college, I majored in biology because science came naturally to me, and I loved the idea of making a difference. However, something always felt a little off.

As I spent more time with my camera, I became increasingly drawn to photography. What started as a hobby became my escape and eventually grew into a passion. Every photo I took made it clearer that this was where my heart truly belonged.

At the time, I was working a job that was meant to be a stepping stone toward a “traditional” career in medicine or physical therapy. Although I enjoyed helping people, the work started to feel repetitive, and I realized something was missing. That’s when I began taking photography more seriously, even as I balanced my job and considered the idea of going back to school.

Pursuing photography full-time is still one of my dreams. While I’m not there yet, it no longer feels out of reach. This journey has been a mix of small steps and leaps of faith, and I’ve learned that taking a chance on something you love can open doors you never imagined possible.

If there’s one thing I’ve come to believe, it’s that if something lights you up, it’s worth going after. Even if it feels scary or doesn’t follow the “traditional” path, it’s always worth trying. You can pivot, learn, and grow along the way. For me, photography is more than just creating images—it’s about connecting with people and telling their stories. That’s the path I’m excited to keep building.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to bring my ideas to life and see them unfold in real time. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking a concept or vision that’s been in my mind and turning it into something tangible, something I can share with others. It’s the joy of not just creating, but also of connecting with people through that work and knowing they enjoy it as much as I do.

But beyond that, being an artist allows me to constantly challenge myself and grow. I get to push my limits, experiment, and evolve, which is such a fulfilling journey. And, on top of it all, I have the chance to impact others. Whether it’s through the work itself or by inspiring someone to follow their own dreams, there’s a deep sense of purpose in knowing that what I do can encourage others to believe in their own creative potential. It reminds me that it’s possible to build a life doing what you love, and that’s something I’m proud to share

Contact Info:

• Website: www.focusedlensphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focusedlens_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusedlensphotography15/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusedlens_
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusedlens_ https://www.youtube.com/@focusedlens_