Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Yates.
Hi Tiffany, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Hi Tiffany I’m from a small town in Kentucky. To expand on how small it truly is, the population is about 3,000. My upbringing is a huge factor in who I am today. My family has always been so supportive even at a younger age. I come from a line of business owners, so it was no surprise when I started a business fresh out of high school. My grandfather and dad were in the car business and my uncle was in the floral business. I had such great support knowing the ends and out of running a business.
Throughout my childhood into my adulthood, my entire life has been family centered. I have always been shown compassion and kindness by the people I have been surrounded by, and because of that, I show the same to others. It is a huge reason for the brand I have created. Today I successfully own my studio. I have created this space to create art for my clients. I strive to have the best experience with each of my clients.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Getting to where I am today professionally was not easy. I’ve been at this for 14 years now. In the beginning, it was a lot of free work, shooting friends and family, and trying to get me out there. It was so hard and upsetting at one point, I had taken an entire year off from working with others besides photographing my family.
During that year, I had taken time to improve my skills, upgrade my equipment and just rebrand. When things started to take off again, I just keep taking courses, and mentorships, and putting hours upon hours into finding my style and building my brand.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in weddings, intimate elopements, families, and maternity. I am known for my big heart. I always go above and beyond for my clients. I’m always willing to help others out. Staying humbled and kind is an absolute must for myself and my brand. I have been published in magazines numerous times and I’m very proud of myself for that.
I am proud of where I’m at today. I have worked countless hours, long nights, and what seemed like years to get where I am. I put my heart and soul into all that I do. I think what sets me apart from others is my creative eye. I don’t just stick with the “posing”. I like to push myself beyond my limits and get creative. I love capturing the details of people’s lives.
For example, tiny toes and hands. A mother admiring their child with their eyes filled with love. A newly engaged couple with their hand’s interwind. A bride and groom’s first look on their big day. I try to look at things outside of the normal.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I have learned a few hard lessons on the way. One is not everyone is your friend. In the past, I have been used just so that others could benefit from my talent. I have been stood up and I have been not paid. All of these were eye-opening moments for me.
I know I needed to stop letting others take advantage of me so I stopped the free work, I stopped scheduling sessions without having a paid retainer or contract in place, and I required sessions to be paid in full before the session time. This was such a turning point in my business and brand.
People now viewed me as a business and not some small-town girl trying to make it out in the world. I would say that at that point people took me seriously, in a professional sense. I would say that my travels have played a positive impact on my business. I tag everywhere I go and I try to reach as many people as I can to showcase my creative eye.
Contact Info:
- Website: tiffanyyatesphoto.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tiffanyyatesphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tiff.yatesphoto
