We were lucky to catch up with Tonal Simmons recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tonal thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The worst investment I made was purchasing more gear before fully understanding why I needed it in the first place. I bought a new camera, which turned out to be almost identical to the one I already had. Then, when I finally got the camera I truly wanted, I chose a model that wasn’t compatible with the tech I was paying for to tether to my tablet directly.

At 30, with little community or educational support at the time, I believed I needed all these gadgets to improve my skills as a photographer so that I would get the desired effect.

But these new tech items didn’t help. Instead, they made me more insecure, and I began to doubt my abilities. This lack of confidence affected my interactions with clients and the quality of the work I produced. Additionally, I didn’t have the money left to invest in my projects, so I ended up working just to afford the tech. This cycle drained my creative energy, causing me to fall behind on both personal and client work.

After making this connection and learning how the overuse of tech negatively impacts the environment and the communities that harvest the necessary minerals, I’ve started making more conscious decisions about the technology I use. Now, I try to be intentional with every tech purchase, focusing only on what truly supports my craft. If I can rent the gear or buy the tech used that is usually my route.

This shift has allowed me to reinvest in my education and business, which has been my best investment. When I focus on improving my craft and taking the time I need, I produce better work. I’m a better artist, and I treat myself better as a person.

Tonal, 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?

My name is Tonal (tuh-nawl) Simmons (they/them), and I’m a portrait photographer with a deep passion for capturing authentic narratives through my lens. My photography journey began as a second career, at 30. I found myself drawn to the art of storytelling, particularly through the lens of Black queerness, nature, and personhood. What started as a personal exploration of these themes has grown into a full-fledged career where I now work with creatives, artists, and organizations to bring their stories to life.

I transitioned into photography from a background in higher education and international education, driven by a desire to express myself artistically and connect with others on a deeper level. Photography became a way for me to explore and communicate the beauty and complexity of identity, nature, and human connection. I spent my early years investing in equipment and learning the technical aspects of the craft, but it was through real-world experience and collaborations that I truly honed my skills.

I specialize in portrait photography, focusing on capturing the true essence of my subjects. My services include:

Artistic Portrait Photography: I work with individual creatives and small teams to create images that embody their art and essence. This includes everything from press rollouts to exhibition documentation.

Art Installation Photography: I capture the intricacies and emotions of art installations, ensuring that each piece is represented authentically.

Event Photography: I offer photography services for live performances, openings, and shows, with a particular focus on art and cultural events.

My work goes beyond just taking pictures—I help my clients tell their stories in a way that resonates with their audience. For artists, this means creating visuals that capture the spirit of their work and help them stand out in a crowded market. For organizations, it’s about producing imagery that aligns with their brand and communicates their values. I also bring a deep understanding of the importance of inclusivity and representation, ensuring that all my clients feel seen and celebrated in their images.

What sets me apart is my commitment to collaboration and storytelling. I don’t just take photos; I work closely with my clients to understand their vision and bring it to life. My approach is deeply personal, and rooted in a desire to create images that are not only beautiful but also meaningful. Whether I’m working with Black queer individuals, capturing a rebranding campaign, or documenting a live performance, my focus is always on authenticity and connection.

I’m incredibly proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and collaborators. From co-curating Our Black Experience at Heaven Gallery to working with artists like darien hunter golston and Lord JaMa, these partnerships have been the heart of my practice. I’m also proud of the impact my work has had in uplifting marginalized voices and showcasing the richness of Black and queer narratives.

If you’re a creative, an artist, or an organization looking for a photographer who understands the importance of storytelling and representation, I’d love to work with you. My brand is all about creating imagery that speaks to the soul—images that are as thoughtful and unique as the people in them. I believe in the power of art to inspire, connect, and transform, and I bring that belief into every project I undertake.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, there is a clear mission driving my creative journey. At the heart of my work is the goal to uplift and amplify the stories of Black and queer individuals, particularly through the lens of nature and personhood. My mission is to create art that not only captures the beauty and complexity of these identities but also challenges and expands the narratives that surround them.

I strive to produce imagery that is authentic, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse experiences within our communities. By focusing on collaboration and storytelling, my work aims to inspire, connect, and empower both the subjects I photograph and the audiences who engage with my art.

Ultimately, my mission is to contribute to a world where all people—especially those who have been historically marginalized—can see themselves represented in a way that is true, respectful, and celebratory.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to learn the hard way is that being an artist (or a photographer) is a lifelong practice. There are no shortcuts or easy routes. While money doesn’t grow on trees, it is out there for artists. It takes time, but you’ll find your path. Having worked in the nonprofit industry for a decade, I realized that the income gap isn’t as wide as I once thought.

When I first started pursuing photography as a career, I often felt envious of others who were receiving grants and opportunities. I found myself unfairly comparing my experience to their bodies of work, which was not only unfair to me but also to the time and effort they had invested.

This year, I received comments from friends and colleagues who assumed I had reached a certain level of success. While I don’t think they meant anything harmful, they were similar to the thoughts I had of others, these remarks did create a sense of undue pressure on me to create/make/build.

Now, I see art as a career like any other. The first year might not be the best, but you find that it’s doable. When the second year comes around, you realize it can’t be a fluke twice in a row, right? By the third year, I’ve settled in. It’s still just doable, and the fears I had are still present, but I’ve recognized that it all takes time—getting clients, fleshing out full projects, understanding finances, choosing the right software, everything. There’s no need to compare myself to others, but since it’s a natural human reaction, I can sit with those feelings to understand their root. Then, I can channel those emotions into creating new work. This is how my project “Mirrors” came to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tonalscorner.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonals.corner

Image Credits

Photos by Tonal Simmons.