Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamika Thomas-Smith.
Tamika, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I’ve always been artistic and prior to venturing in photography my passion was drawing. I was known for my graphic design and illustration work. Until 2009, photography was just a hobby. I focused my lens mainly on architecture because I didn’t think I could do people any justice. That changed for me when I photographed a friend’s daughter. Those photos weren’t the best, but that one session ignited a passion. I worked tirelessly to hone my skills and today it is now part of business. I love to learn and keep my skills fresh so I will forever be a student of the craft.
It has been amazing to watch a passion project become a vehicle to tell my own stories and those of my clients. I have had the honor of shooting children, families, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and incredible leaders whose work advocates for marginalized communities. I am very proud that my passion is helping to raise awareness and make an impact.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I’m a jack of all trades really. I wear a lot of hats on any given day, but what really inspires me daily is photography. I am a photographer and I love to shoot people. I love to capture moments and tell stories through my photos. My work ranges from shooting a new baby, to a graduating senior to the operations of one of the largest food banks in the country. If nothing else, I hope when you view one of my photographs you feel something. If I shoot a campaign for a charity, I hope those photos pull at your heart strings and compel you to donate or get active in your community.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
I think one of the biggest challenges is determining your niche. Who are you as a creative and what is your message? Is your subject matter or style what people want to see? Is there a market for it? Sometimes navigating those questions can stymie the actual creation of art.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
People can find my work on my website of course or on social media. I hope that my work will be exhibited soon. I would love to see it available for consumption at a show or gallery!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://joujou.photography
- Phone: (404) 474-7547
- Email: hello@joujou.photography
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joujoucreative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joujou.photography/
Image Credit:
Tamika Thomas-Smith/JouJouPhotography
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