Today we’d like to introduce you to Tabby Dotson.
Hi Tabby, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started photography when my first son was born. He was born in August and like any mom, I took pictures of him non-stop. As my love for taking pictures grew, I started learning more and more about the art of photography. My husband first gifted me a point-and-shoot camera and eventually, I saved up enough for a canon rebel series.
At first, I just took pictures of my family members for fun, and slowly, I branched out into taking pictures of friends. As my skill grew and the more I practiced and learned, the more people started asking me for pictures. Building my business has taken years and a lot of hard work. I’ve spent tons of time and money on education and equipment. Every day I continue to practice and learn in the hopes of bettering my skill.
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?
I never let my photography journey stress me out. As someone who started as a mom, and then a hobbyist, it always was and still is a creative outlet for me. I let myself learn on my own and never pressured myself to be the best. I definitely would doubt myself and be overly critical but in the end of they I never quit.
In my opinion, the hardest part of anyone’s photography journey is comparison. It is so easy to compare yourself to other experienced photographers and it’s important to remember that we are all beginners at one point.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a photographer in the East Tennessee area. My passion is so much more than just taking a beautiful image. For me, photography is a chance for family members to put away electronics and the outside distractions and stresses of life and just be in the moment together. As a photographer, it is so important to me to have and practice emotional intelligence.
Learning what makes a family member comfortable or laugh, are the real magical moments that happen. My sessions are very active and fun. I want you to laugh, spin, dance, tickle–anything that is going to bring out real and raw emotion and connection.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is that people leave my sessions and can say they had fun or they enjoyed themselves. Oftentimes, we are so busy with life that we forget to slow down and appreciate all that we have and I think photography allows us to be grateful for everything we have.
Another important aspect of photography is that life is too short and moments are fleeting. Pictures allow us to look back and soak in all the memories with our loved ones.
Contact Info:
- Email: tabbydotsonphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabbydotsonphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tabbydotsonphotography
Image Credits
@tabbydotsonphotography
