We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiffany Gentry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tiffany thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
I hope my legacy will reflect the essence of who I am as a person, both personally and professionally. As a wedding and lifestyle photographer, my career has always been about capturing the genuine emotions and authentic moments that define the most significant aspects of life. Similarly, in life, I aspire to be remembered as a person who approaches every moment with empathy and a deep understanding of the human experience.
In my photography, I strive to prioritize people over things, just as I do in life. I believe that the connections we make with one another are what truly matter. Whether it’s the love between two people on their wedding day or the bonds between friends and family, I want to be known for valuing and cherishing these connections.
Loyalty and love are at the core of who I am. I want my legacy to be a testament to the depth of my love for others and my unwavering loyalty to those I care about. This extends to my clients, my friends, and my family. I hope to be remembered as someone who loved deeply and fiercely, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of those I encountered.
One of my core beliefs is that personal growth is a lifelong journey. In my career as a photographer, I’ve constantly pushed myself to improve and evolve my craft. In the same way, I want to be remembered as someone who wasn’t stagnant in life but actively pursued personal growth. I embraced challenges and was unafraid of stepping out of my comfort zone because I understood that this is where true growth happens.
Being present and investing in people and relationships is a principle that guides both my photography and my life. I want to be known as someone who made people feel special, loved, and heard. Whether through my images or my actions, I hope to leave a legacy of meaningful connections and the profound impact that comes from being truly present for others.
In essence, my legacy is not just about the photographs I create but about the way I approach life with empathy, prioritize people, show loyalty and love, embrace personal growth, and invest in the well-being of those around me. My hope is that this legacy will continue to inspire and touch the lives of others long into the future.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I’m Tiffany. I am a natural light wedding, boudoir and lifestyle photographer based in Los Angeles. Over the past ten years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of dedicating myself to a profession that fills my heart with joy. It’s an absolute honor when clients trust me to capture their cherished moments. I’m deeply passionate about the connections we share and the stories we create together.
When it comes to my photography style, my main goal is to evoke genuine emotions. I want each glance at your photo gallery to transport you right back to those beautiful moments. Through careful composition, I aim to capture not just the scene but also the natural light’s radiant glow and those candid, heartfelt expressions.
Beyond photography, I hold a special place in my heart for matters of equity and inclusion, especially in advocating for the rights of the disabled community. My life took a profound turn in 2009 when someone dear to me experienced a life-changing spinal cord injury. That experience taught me never to take anything for granted.
This unique perspective shines through in my work as I use my camera to tell your story. I’m all about catching those subtle, often overlooked moments – like the tear sliding down your mom’s cheek as she pins your veil or the pride in your father’s eyes just before you take that walk down the aisle. All of these moments are part of your legacy.
What truly sets me apart is my ability to listen, empathize, and adapt. I put myself in your shoes, understand your feelings, and assess your needs. This creates an atmosphere of comfort and ease, allowing you to be fully present in the moment, and allowing me to capture the most authentic you.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and a creative is the profound connection I feel with my craft and the impact it has on people’s lives. It all began when I held a DSLR camera for the first time, and in that moment, I realized I was an artist. It was like finding the perfect medium to express myself creatively. Photography opened up a world of possibilities, allowing me to capture the beauty and emotions that surround us.
What makes this journey truly fulfilling is the knowledge that I’m making a difference. Every time I work with clients, I’m not just taking pictures; I’m creating an unforgettable experience. I strive to craft images that transcend time, turning fleeting moments into cherished family heirlooms. Long after those precious moments have passed and our loved ones are no longer with us, these photographs provide us with the incredible opportunity to relive those treasured experiences.
I often think of these memories as priceless, vintage items. They’re something you can’t relive, replace, or regain, yet they hold so much history and meaning that you will cherish them forever. To see the look of pure joy on my clients’ faces when they receive their images is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the confidence I instill in them, helping them feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. Knowing that my work can have such a positive impact on people’s lives is what drives me as a wedding and lifestyle photographer. It’s the essence of creating timeless, elevated, authentic, and emotive imagery that I set out to achieve in my career.
Have you ever had to pivot?
When I was 25 years old, a close family member experienced a life-changing accident that left them paralyzed. This event completely shifted the trajectory of my life and led me to make a significant pivot in my career.
At that time, I was working a full-time job, and the demands of caring for my family member were overwhelming. I made the difficult decision to quit my job so I could be there for them during their recovery. This meant that I needed a career with a more flexible schedule to accommodate my caregiving responsibilities.
Interestingly, up until that point, I had never considered myself a creative person. I was an athlete and a gymnast, someone who thrived on competition rather than the arts and creativity. I used to believe that others were far more creative and artistic than I could ever be.
However, it was during this challenging period that I stumbled upon photography. Looking through a camera lens became a portal to creativity for me. It opened my eyes to the artistry that surrounds us in everyday life and gave me the freedom to define what art and creativity meant to me personally. It was as if I had unlocked a hidden talent I never knew I had.
I often share this experience with others as a lesson not to assume that creativity is a gift reserved for a select few. We all have unique perspectives, and sometimes we just haven’t discovered our creative side yet. In my case, it was only when I began to think about what I found beautiful – a tree, soft light, architecture – that I gave myself permission to be creative and found my creative voice.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve nurtured and developed that voice, and it has become the foundation of my career as a wedding and lifestyle photographer. I never would have imagined myself as an entrepreneur, but I’m incredibly grateful for the journey that led me here. It’s a testament to the power of adaptation and pivoting in the face of life’s unexpected challenges, ultimately leading to a career that brings me immense meaning and fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tiffanyjphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyjphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TiffanyJPhotog
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyjphotog/
Image Credits
Portrait photo credit: Taylor Kinzie