Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Johnson.
Hi Tiffany , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have ALWAYS had a love for photography since I was a child. I’m talking polaroid and 110mm film days. In 2015 I got my very first DSLR. A month later I broke my hip riding a 4 wheeler back home in NC. I’m a Police Officer and was very worried about being able to walk again with all my gear on. I was getting pretty depressed and stressed but my camera saved me. I couldn’t walk for a month then spent several more months in a wheel chair and on crutches. During that time I would watch as many youtube videos as I could to learn photography. Then I would apply what I learned to whatever was sitting in front of me. Once I got mobile to where I could get out I would have my son push my wheel chair around as I photographed different thangs. People really took a liking to my images. It got to me to thinking that I could pursue photography as a business just in case being the police no longer was an option. Fortunately in due time I was able to do both…be the police and become a professional photographer! This coming November will be 10 years that I have been a photographer.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting any business is full of bumps along the way, definitely not smooth. But, I always say you can learn from everyone and everythang…good, bad or indifferent. And I have definitely learned a lot. In the beginning it can be challenging because you’re still learning, trying to find your strengths yet identify and work on your weaknesses. Then you still have to on top of perfecting your photography know how to run a business. Who is your ideal client. what should you charge, having systems in place to manage your clients bookings, invoices and contracts. Sometimes it all falls perfectly into place, but most times you learn, pivot and adjust to what works best for you, your business and your clients.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional photographer and a police officer. Currently I do photography part time but when I retire in a lil over a year I will be going full time and can not wait!! I have a studio in Annapolis where I do headshots, birthday, holiday, branding and couples/family sessions. But I also come on location to do those type of sessions. As well as events, sports and weddings. I LOVE photography so I pretty much do it all. I am well known for my southern hospitality and vibrant attitude that truly compliments my work. I always reassure my clients on ways to pose for their body type to feel their very best in their images. And if they need a lil pep talk, selflove and affirmations we pause to do that.
I am most proud of the non-profits I photograph for. Most non-profits that I work with are sports related and provide many opportunities for our youth. I LOVE capturing these moments for them and getting to interact with the youth. They get so excited when they see the images and I know they and their families will cherish them forever.
My attention to detail, kind but tough southern love sets me apart. I am always going the extra mile to ensure everyone is good to go from their mindset to their outfit. A lot of people have never had professional photos. And most of us have some level of insecurities or fears. I work with my clients to overcome and work through those. I let my clients know that we will work through any areas they want posed a certain way but we will not talk negatively about it. I also have positive affirmations written on hearts around my mirror in the studio. So if need be we can stop and read them as well as add new ones. Rather in studio or on location I always have a steamer and grooming items for any touch ups that may be need.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was a sweet lil country girl who loves people. I’ve been told many a times I have never met a stranger. I have always been interested in learning about other people and places. I loved taking photos and although not very good I enjoyed drawing. I also loved being outside swimming, riding 4 wheelers and playing sports with the kids in the neighborhood.
Pricing:
- Studio-30 Minutes $250
- Studio-1 Hour $500
- Weddings range from $1200-3200 (4-8 HR packages)
- Events $150/hour
- Corporate Events $200/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southernsweetyphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernsweetyphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernsweety09
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@southernsweety09
