Today we’d like to introduce you to Tasj-Mari Myers.
Hi Tasj-Mari, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I was a small child, my parents were really into photography and it was sort of part of everyday life to see them taking pictures and to have our pictures taken. My mom and I are South African and my stepdad is American so I was introduced to candid/street photography as we moved around – from South Africa to Hong Kong and finally the US. This was around the time that Flickr was more popular. As I got older into my tweens, I started experimenting with skits and taking videos. In High School, I started finding my own reasons to explore photography as an actual profession as my interests changed. I was fascinated by biology and history and thought it would be a dream to shoot photos for National Geographic. I joined the photography club at my school and began exploring composition and more creatively styled shoots. I saved up money from working at a nature camp when I was about 16 and bought my first camera. Outside of school, I started taking photos of the things that I knew and the lifestyle that I was in, which was an urban/alternative skateboarding crowd. My photos continue to have an urban street-style feel to them. Today I am venturing into editorial and fashion photography. I’m trying to make more connections with brands and grow my photography business.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think one of the biggest struggles that I’ve had is funding my business; funding my passion. There are a lot of equipment costs and as my vision grew, the tools that I had didn’t quite have the capacity to show what I had in my head. It forced me to work harder. Not just to have more money to buy the gear that I need but to grow my skill set – use what I had and become a better photographer. A lot of people have the notion that the camera that you have is the main thing that produces the best images and puts you ahead but if you don’t know what to do in any situation then the tool itself is useless. I also dealt with self-doubt and pressure from others, which came in different forms. The pressure to do something more traditional and the pressure to perform well socially in the industry. I am still learning and growing when it comes to these things.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a creative director and photographer. I specialize in urban branding, portrait/editorial and event photography.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I am grateful for my partner in life and creative endeavors Perry Williams aka Dj Madd for all the support and behind the scenes brainstorming and seeds sown to help both our businesses grow. Thank you to my regular clients because you guys have been there since the beginning and continue to support and book with me! Your loyalty has given me the space to bring my vision to reality. I’m eternally grateful for the creative network that runs through the city of Atlanta where artists can collaborate and make magic together.
Pricing:
- 30 Min. Mini Shoot $80
- 1 Hr. Standard Shoot $150
Contact Info:
- Email: purplefish.tm@gmail.com
- Website: www.purplefishphotography.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/purplefishtm
Image Credits
Chris Riggs Mazzy Gibons Enderiya Rose James
