October 29, 2016

Meet Lawrenceville Photographer: Tangie Jackson

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tangie Jackson.

Tangie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always loved and appreciated great photography but never thought in a million years that one day I would be a professional photographer, though. Back in 2004, I decided to pursue my photography passion so I bought my first DSLR camera. It took me a few years to teach myself and really dive in before I was ready to take on clients and build my portfolio. By 2011, I was ready and so excited to start my business, Tangie Renee Photography.

I got to where I am today by never giving up. There were so many times that the journey got hard, I cried, I wanted to quit but I would not. I just kept picking myself up, dusting myself off and getting back into the game. I had to remember that this was my dream – my passion – so why quit on myself?? I stuck with it and kept shooting. I reached out to other photographers and thank God they were so willing to help me. I finally improved my skill set, found my shooting and editing style and even gained confidence along the way. It was never easy but it was so worth it.

Now I am in awe of how far I have come being a self-taught photographer. I am so grateful and humbled. I am so excited to see what the future holds for Tangie Renee Photography.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. I wanted to go to school to learn photography and it never worked out for me. Every single time I went to register for school, an obstacle would arise to where I would have to postpone enrollment. I constantly felt defeated and but deep down I knew that God gave me this photography passion for a reason. I also struggled with confidence in my craft and I didn’t even like my work for a long time. I wanted to quit a thousand times. I even posted a “Note of Resignation” on Facebook at one point because I was just going to give up – I was tired. Tired of trying and tired of feeling like a failure. But every time I wanted to quit, something would happen to where I would get right back in the game and give it another go. It was a long, trying road but thank God I did not quit when I felt like all the odds were against me and when I felt like I wasn’t good enough.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career so far was the very first time my photos were recognized and published in a mainstream magazine online. I was absolutely thrilled and I felt like, FINALLY, the hard work and perseverance had paid off. I was extremely grateful yet so humbled at the same time.

Tell us more about the struggles you’ve faced along the way.
There were definitely moments when I struggled along my journey. The main thing I struggled with was confidence and believing in myself. I just did not think I would ever be good enough to be a professional photographer. I always compared my photos to other photographers’ photos and felt like I just did not stand a chance. I had a hard time even calling myself a photographer. It was tough. The more I stuck with photography and kept learning and gaining experience, the better I got. Then finally, I reached a point where I actually liked my work and felt proud of it! It’s the best feeling ever to like your own work after struggling with confidence for so long.

Is there something we can do as a city to improve the outlook for professionals like you?
I think Atlanta is an awesome place for me with my photography career. Atlanta is the new Hollywood! There are so many people here, some getting married, some having babies needing maternity photos, so many models and actors, singers, events… You name it and there is a place for photography here in Atlanta. I would definitely recommend someone just starting out to move to Atlanta. This is one of the major cities of The United States and there is so much opportunity here. What better place to start your photography career than somewhere as up and coming as Atlanta?

Contact Info: