We recently connected with Tish Lashay and have shared our conversation below.
Tish, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project that I’ve worked on first materialized from an idea I had one day because I felt myself not really finding joy in photography or modeling anymore. The collaborations were becoming repetitive and monotonous, the clientele was only wanting one style of editing. I became bored with what I genuinely love to do so, then, the idea was hatched to start own photo series projects where I could shoot AND be my own muse. My very first one, “Hats & Gloves” was inspired by my great grandmother and my wanting to pay homage to her. It brought me a lot of joy and it reignited the love I have for my crafts again.
Tish, 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?
So when it comes to modeling, I have been doing so since I was four years old. My grandmother used to enter me in local pageants and talent shows the older I got. When I turned 12, my grandmother entered me into Charmaine School of Modeling (Fort Wayne, IN) where I learned poise, tactfulness, presentation and how to walk the runway. Modeling is something that has always felt like a calling to me; it’s always felt very natural and fitting for me.
Just like modeling, photography has also always been a calling. I started learning the basics as early as 16 but didn’t pick up u first professional camera until age 19. I had no real idea what I was doing lol but the more I practiced, the stronger my love for the craft became. It wasn’t until I moved to Birmingham that I picked it back up again and started to actually monetize off it. The better I got at it, I started to be my own muse and would shoot my own portraits! I’ve featured in several magazines but my absolute favorite one is where I was able to lift myself as my whole creative team; hair, makeup, muse, photographer.
As a model/photographer, I offer an all around experience for my clients and collaborators. Because I’m on both sides of the camera, I can typically see creative approaches in different ways which allows fun and interesting sessions with me. I have been told that I have a gift of making people feel special and seen when working with me whether I’m helping them pose or being a muse for a fellow photographer. I think that’s what also sets me apart from other creatives in my field.
I am the most proud of my reach and affect on people. The fact that I can incite such raw emotions from individuals I work with because they genuinely end up living the work that I’m willing to put in to make them happy will always be the biggest payout to me. With that said, the most important thing I want potential clients, followers and fans to know about Tish aka Bonita Gotti the model and Bonita the photographer, is that I love what I do and it will always be done with care, compassion and understanding.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Definitely being an inspiration to others. Knowing that I have inspired someone to do what they love to do will always be the most rewarding aspect of being a creative, to me.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One big lesson I had to learn is that it’s ok to be selective!! I’ve learned that taking every gig or participating in every fashion show doesn’t always benefit you and it can create burnout. Also, when there is a certain way you want yourself to look as your brand, being selective in what you connect yourself to is very important.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bonita_gotti @bonitasview_photography
- Facebook: Antisha Lashay
Image Credits
Photo Credits:
Niclasse Dominique Francois
Arron Taylor
Curt SceneIt