We were lucky to catch up with Tonya Caver recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tonya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Everything that I learned I learned from practice and persistence. Since the beginning of my journey I have had one goal; “Today I am going to get better!” In my free time I’m always researching new skills or grabbing anyone I can to try out new concepts. I wouldn’t change anything about the process thus far. My mistakes helped fuel my successes. The learning process is vital and I welcome it each day.
Tonya, 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?
Well, my name Tonya and I am a black queer female creative. I am passionate about my art and it shows in my work. I was born and raised in Washington, DC. I recently moved to Baltimore, MD for work and began my photography journey there. I am married and have two children who assist in the business. My wife is the creative director and our children build the sets. It truly is a family act.
I am a self taught photographer who is eager to learn new skills every chance I get. Growth is adrenaline and I crave greatness. When a client decides to book with Caver Imaging Photography our goal is to leave them with an experience to remember. I think attention to detail and focusing on customers needs set us apart from most. If someone says they want a particular concept we will do everything possible to achieve it. Customer service is just as important as the finished product.I am most proud of my photograph of Vice President Kamala Harris being featured on the cover of Metro Weekly. To see my work in print and shared across the country was an amazing experience. That was the moment that I knew I was on the right path.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me the most rewarding part is the customer’s reaction. When our clients receive the final product and are in awe and screaming with delight, it is a great feeling. This really makes me feel accomplished. It feels so good and I want to do it over and over again. Seeing my work considered for publishing and prints really validates the process. It’s like, wow you appreciate my vision and now the world can see it too.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Ever since I picked up the camera, I said I wanted to do three things; photograph New York Fashion Week, be published and eventually cover the Met Gala. In the fall I had the pleasure of covering six shows at NYFW. This year I was published 8 times (including 3 front cover features). Now my driving force is reaching the upper echelon of photography events, the Met Gala. Everything I do is in preparation to reach this goal! I have always been a person who never belived in missed opportuinities. Fortunately, my wife is the same way. As a team we are go-getters. I have accomplished a lot in a short amount of time but with new goals achieved comes new goals formed. Watch out 2023!! Caver Imaging Photography is ready to rumble!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://caverimaging.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caver_imaging/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063528752524
- Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/caver_imaging?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=30411366-30aa-4852-aa7e-bcd702f702d2
Image Credits
Main photo: Barry Davis (@truimage_photography)