Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tehila Hatheway. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tehila, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

My focus on personal connections and storytelling sets me apart in a competitive field. I invest time in getting to know my clients and showcase their beauty through my lens. I’m dedicated to personal growth and education and it’s my commitment to continually improve my craft. I’m positive that these elements contribute to my success and the long-lasting relationships I’ve built with my clients over the years.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve started my adult life sure of my future as a teacher. I enjoy teaching and love children, therefore, becoming a preschool teacher seems like the natural path for me career wise. My journey from preschool teaching to full-time photography happened organically after I discovered the beauty of photography. My passion for children and creativity has seamlessly merged into a successful photography business, but building my business started out with many challenges. The initial struggle to build my client base required recalculating my service offering, my marketing strategy, and perseverance and commitment to growth.

Taking the leap to make photography a full-time career, despite the uncertainties, has paid off, allowing me to enjoy the flexibility and fulfillment of doing what I love every day. My diverse portfolio, covering engagements, elopements, maternity, newborn, and family sessions, showcase my versatility and dedication to capturing all milestones.

What sets me apart is not just my photography skills, but also my personalized approach to client service. From helping with wardrobe choices to ensuring an stress-free experience from booking to product delivery, I prioritize customer satisfaction. My clients appreciate and refer others because of the quality of photos and the exceptional experience I aim to provide.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I’v integrated community involvement into my photography business strategy. Donating to school fundraisers and contributing my time to a local newspaper not only benefits these organizations but also raises awareness of my brand within the community. This kind of giving back not only builds goodwill but also establishes me as a trusted and respected figure in my community.

Word of mouth is indeed a powerful tool for growing my client base, and my active participation in community initiatives further amplifies this. By being recognized as someone who contributes to community causes, people are more likely to think of me first when recommending a local photographer. This synergy between professional success and community support not only enhances my reputation but also fosters stronger connections with potential clients who value my commitment to both quality photography and community service.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I was born raised in Israel, and my move to the to the US as a young adult has shaped both my personal values and my approach to photography. My core value of community over competition reflects a deep-seated belief in collaboration and support, rather than rivalry, which is important in any profession, especially in photography.

I embrace the beauty of diversity and uniqueness in people I met along the way. This appreciation for individuality is a powerful asset as a photographer, allowing me to capture and highlight the essence of each person’s soul through the lens.

The way I build meaningful connections with my clients and within the community mirrors my own experience of building a tribe away from home. These connections not only enrich my work but also strengthen the bonds that sustain my business and reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tehilahathewayphotography.passgallery.com/client
• Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/tehilahathewayphotography/