We were lucky to catch up with Tara Gray recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
I feel like my parents did several things right. I feel like they not only gave me a good foundation with God by sending me to private school, but they also taught me independence, critical thinking and about how to be a good parent.
Tara, 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?
It’s funny how life goes sometimes. After deciding grad school was not my cup of tea and trying to determine if I wanted to stay married, I was desperately looking for some joy in my life. As I was talking to a former co-worker about being miserable in grad school, I told her I wanted to buy a “real camera”. She simply said, “do it!” And so I did.
I signed up for a class because someone had to teach me how to use this camera. That class was WHACK!! But in the meantime, I would take random pics just trying to get a feel for things. My personal trainer asked me after a session, “do you take pictures? I mean like for real”. I was like “ummm YEA”, he’s like I want you to take some action shots for me. Deal!! So we met at this park. I swear it was a million degrees outside that day. I was TERRIFIED!! I couldn’t eat. I felt sick to my stomach!! But I acted like I knew what I was doing. Now at the time I thought, “ok that went well” but today!!! HA!! This was horrible!!
I quickly figured I should get better help with trying to figure this thing out. Now while I’ve always taken pictures, I knew dealing with the “real camera” was going to take more than just my love for it. So I found a mentor. I suggest anyone that is trying to grow at something to do this! Since 2014, I’ve actually had about 4 mentors. I’ve also gone to a couple workshops.
I say all this to say, it’s important that you continue to learn and grow in whatever it is that you love to do, so that one day you can look back on it and see how far you have really come. I’m nowhere near where I desire to be…but I’m getting closer.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
I would have to say the best source for me to receive new clients is word of mouth. Social media can be taxing, but the value in it is when your clients post their images on social media, and someone contacts them to find out who took care of them. It’s rather flattering I must admit.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I’ve worked in customer service since I was able to work. Photography is a very personal thing, and when you come into someone’s home, office, or event, they need to be as comfortable as possible in order to be captured smoothly. I think the fact that I’m rather personable and really work at making sure my clients are encouraged and relaxed during our time together, helps me stay relevant.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ftmphotog.com
- Instagram: @feelthismomentphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feelthismomentphotography?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Feel This Moment Photography