Tawnya English

Tawnya English
Interview by Claire Plath
Memories by Tawnya Photography
Www.memoriesbytawnya.com
@Memoriesbytawnya
Antwerp , Ohio 
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What inspired you to want to start your photography business?
 I had always loved photography. In 2010 I was just a mom with a camera. I never really thought
much of pursuing a career or starting my own business back then. One day, I had a senior boy
approach me and ask if I would do his senior pictures for him. He actually had to convince me 
to take them for him. Before I knew it, I was also taking pictures of his buddies. Then word of 
mouth soon spread to my photography skills. Then I decided to just go for it and take some 
classes on how to become a business owner and learned more photography skills. Then my business started in August of 2010. 
 
Tell me more about your model team, what are some different shoots you have done with them and how did you come up with the themes?
 One session that stands out in my mind that is different was called Broken. The Seniors dressed up 
In old prom dresses from rummage sales. Then we applied makeup on them to look like Porcelain dolls. We went to an abandoned warehouse for the session. The girls started out all pretty and looked the part as a beautiful porcelain doll. Then we changed it up and they became broken, tethered and abused left all alone. There was meaning behind the session. The session had a purpose to it. The girls wanted to show that the porcelain dolls should be loved and not left alone or be verbally or physically harmed in anyway.  This one kinda tugged at my heart strings a little. They did such an amazing job and pulled it off so well. 
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Another cool session we did was Masquerade. The girls wanted to be in prom dresses with masquerade masks. The session took place on a golf course with golf carts. We had mirrors and a vanity table in the middle of the golf course. We even used smoke bombs. So much fun!
Each year we have poses and popsicles brainstorming sessions. This is when all the magic happens. 
We write down all our thoughts. Then we talk them out and come up with and execute a plan. 
One of the fun Sessions we did was a parachute dress session. Although the day was super windy out and the parachute we used wanted to keep lifting up and take the girl with it, ha! We still were able to make the photography session work. We had at least three people under the parachute holding it down while the girl was trying to pose and look pretty. 

Photography by Memories by Tawnya Photography

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What do you love so much about getting to take photos of teens?
I love to see the teens' confidence shine through. My heart beams brightly once I am able to show them that they are worthy, they are beautiful, and they are important. As a teen. I myself struggled with self confidence and issues of feeling like I didn’t belong. My goal in life is to help these teens turn things around within themselves and show them they do matter. 

What destination shoot has been your favorite so far and if you had the opportunity to shoot anywhere, where would you shoot? 
My favorite destination shoot has been Las Vegas at the Neon Museum. My MBT-419SENIOR team had the opportunity to sign up with the Model Network hosted by Jennifer Rapooza Photography. She did such a phenomenal job of coordinating the shootout in Las Vegas. We stayed for 3 days and had an absolute blast! We will definitely go back.  If I could shoot anywhere. I would LOVE to try and take my team to Key West or even New Orleans.  

Photography by Memories by Tawnya Photography

What are certain things you have done to keep your business going?
 I guess mostly just staying true to who I am and showing others that they should stay true
to whom they are.  Just be You… Is my Motto. I like to show my clients that it’s ok to be different.  I try and come up with other ways to photograph my clients that others in my area are not doing and that is to be different. I like to help seniors get scholarships, I do travel destination Sessions. I like to do artistic style photographs that brings out the teen’s personalities. 

 Who or what influences your style most?
I try not to have a style. I like to do different things all the time. 

 If you could learn from any photographer or business mentor, who would it be?
Would LOVE to learn from Ben Shirk, photographer and Teri Fode & Beverly Williams business mentors
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 What was the last podcast you listened to?
Cyrissa Carlson - Marketing
 

Photography by Memories by Tawnya Photography

Other than photography, how do you spend your time?
I work full time as a librarian clerk. I used to drive a book bus. Spend time with my family. 
 
What advice would you give to upcoming photographers?
I would say you need to know what you are doing before you jump in with both feet and start a
business. Take some courses on marketing, business side of things. Also, you will never stop
learning the craft of photography. 
 
Best business book you ever read and/or conference you ever attended?
Worth Every Penny, by Sarah Petty
 
Do you photograph anything other than teens? If so, what
 YES, I photograph kids, tots, newborns, and business headshots, families…
 
Three things on your bucket list
Become a Full-time photographer 
Mentor and Teach Moms with cameras
Travel and enjoy life. ​

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