We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiara Jade a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tiara , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.
If I were starting over, the biggest thing I’d do is give myself permission to move before feeling fully ready — especially in the early stages. I used to think I needed everything to be perfect — the right gear, a polished website, a formal structure. But the real magic came from doing, creating, and learning through experience. I would’ve trusted my creative instincts more and worried less about comparing myself to industry standards. I spent too much time second-guessing what was “professional” or “expected,” instead of embracing the unique voice behind my work. Having the courage to put myself out there and connect with other creatives, clients, and collaborators who aligned with my vision — sooner — would’ve brought me here with more ease, joy, and a lot less self-doubt.
Tiara , 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 Tiara Jade — a visual storyteller, community builder, and the heart behind Tiara Jade Photography. I’m a passionate photographer who finds beauty in the fleeting and the ordinary.
My journey began with a pink toy camera and a fascination with how one frame could hold memory and magic. Eventually I got a real camera and started photography as a hobby in 2016, capturing portraits for friends and family. After pursuing education and working in that field for a while, I picked up the camera again and took the leap to full-time photography in 2023. That childhood spark evolved into a calling: to preserve life’s fleeting, beautiful moments with intention and artistry.
Based in Oklahoma and always open to travel, I specialize in documenting family connections, love stories, and editorial-inspired portraits that feel both personal and powerful. I focus on soulful connections and the details that make each story unique, capturing the extraordinary in both the monumental and the quiet, everyday moments of life. My work is rooted in authenticity and emotion — I’m drawn to the quiet in-between moments just as much as the bold, expressive ones. I don’t just show up with a camera; I craft an experience. From custom mood boards and styling tips to thoughtful guides that help clients feel seen and supported, every part of the process is infused with care and creativity.
I’ve been honored to photograph motherhood journeys, seniors stepping into new chapters, retreats filled with intention, and weddings — across Oklahoma and beyond. Travel inspires me deeply — it fuels my creativity and brings fresh perspective to my work. Exploring new places and cultures energizes me and helps me capture the essence of each unique story I’m honored to tell. I’m always open to new adventures across state lines.
What sets my work apart is the soul I pour into every frame. I don’t follow a formula — I follow feeling. Whether it’s documenting a motherhood journey, capturing the quiet pride in a father’s hands, or creating editorial portraits that reflect who you are right now, my goal is always to make you feel something real.
This is more than photography to me: it’s memory-keeping, art-making, and soul work. If you’re looking for imagery that honors the heart of your story — whether close to home or somewhere new — I’d be honored to capture it.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Resilience has been a constant companion on my creative journey — trusting the process even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed. One moment that stands out is my decision to leave a steady career in education and pursue photography full time. It wasn’t easy — there were moments filled with self-doubt, financial uncertainty, and pressure to conform to what others expected of me. One of the most defining parts of my journey has been learning how to keep showing up, even when things felt uncertain, imperfect, or out of reach.
In the early days, I didn’t have all the “right” gear or a clear plan, but I had a vision — a deep, soulful pull to create. I started with what I had: a camera, a laptop, and people who believed in me enough to let me take their photos, brainstorm ideas, and help build props. I held photoshoots in backyards, along dirt roads, and in the golden Oklahoma fields. I leaned into what felt authentic instead of waiting for perfect conditions.
I’ve faced self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and grief along the way — but photography has always been the space where I come back to myself. I lean into creativity as a form of healing and let my work evolve as I grow. Every time I pick up my camera, I’m reminded that I get to make something out of nothing — and that’s powerful. It reminds me that creativity is both my anchor in faith and my offering to the world.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
For a long time, I followed the path that felt expected — college, a steady career in education, and a life that made sense on paper. I was passionate about education, but deep down, I craved something more expressive. Something expansive. Something that gave me creative freedom.
Photography has always been a thread in my life, from taking portraits of friends in high school to quietly imagining what it might be like to do it full-time someday. I didn’t really believe it was possible at first, but the calling just got too loud to ignore.
In 2023, I left the classroom and took a leap into the unknown. It wasn’t a decision I made lightly. I battled imposter syndrome, the pressure to “stick with stability,” and the weight of other people’s expectations. But I knew I had to choose alignment over approval. The pivot didn’t come with a roadmap: just heart, creative fire, and a deep trust in the vision I had for my work.
That leap changed everything. It taught me that the most fulfilling paths are often the ones we carve ourselves, not the ones handed to us. I’ve never looked back — only moved forward, guided by heart, faith, and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tiarajadephotography.lightfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiarajadephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiarajadephotography
Image Credits
Tiara Jade Photography