We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tianna Sanders. Check out our conversation below.
Tianna, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think there is a big misconception about what goes into being a photographer. On social media, I have read so many comments from people about photographers charging too much or not understanding why a photographer charges more than “$50 dollars to take a couple of photos.”
I believe that most people are not familiar with all of the work that goes into being a professional photographer therefore they don’t understand why we charge what we do. To potential clients it may seem that the only thing we do is click a button; however, there is so much more that goes into it.
For instance, I may charge $4,000 for an eight hour wedding day. Sometimes potential clients are sticker shocked, but what they don’t realize is that 4,000 goes towards all of the communication before the wedding day, planning and doing the engagement session, organizing timelines, communicating with the couple and wedding vendors, driving to and from sessions/weddings, photographing eight hours, so many hours of culling and editing, organizing the photos into a visually appealing gallery to send to the couple, etc. Not to mention the cost of equipment, insurance, taxes, gas mileage, computer programs, websites, education, and so much more. We get to take home what is left after all of that at the end of the day.
I think the more we educate our potential clients, the more understanding they will have as to why we charge what we do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Tianna! I knew early on that I wanted to tell stories. I was (and still am) obsessed with reading. Originally, I wanted to be an author and write novels. However, when I picked up a camera, I realized I could tell stories in a different way. I fell in love with telling the stories of my clients and subjects. Now, I get to document the lives of families, couples, and grads and seniors.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I am a recovering people pleaser. For so much of my life, I was always worried about what people thought of me and I would do anything to prove I was useful and dependable. That included saying yes when I wanted to say no and extended myself far beyond what I should.
I am learning that it’s okay to say no and that it’s okay to not always be the one responsible for everything and everyone.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fear of failure and disappointing those closest to me.
Most of my life, I have struggled with the fear of failing and disappointing loved ones. It is definitely what made me a people pleaser. However, these fears also kept me from experiencing so many new things because I was too afraid of failing. I almost did not start my photography business because I was terrified that I would fail. Thankfully, I choose to take a leap of faith instead of listening to my fears.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I have actually been working on showing the real me more. Sometimes I can be all business, but I’ve been trying to show my clients more of the personality behind the business. I want to be able to form connections with my clients instead of it being purely transactional.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
There is a moment in the mornings where everything feels so peaceful. I’m sipping coffee, the house is quiet, the sun is coming through the windows, my toddler is cuddled up beside me, and that is when I feel the most at peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiannasandersphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiannasandersphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiannasandersphotography
Image Credits
Headshot: Amy Allen Photography
