Photography Friday is BACK! And, what a way to kick off 2010!
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image c. Sarah Rhoads photography.
I am learning in my artistic/creative journey that I was not made to be someone else. I have been uniquely designed to fulfill a certain artistic influential role. I enjoy encouraging and inspiring people to use their creativity for the greater good in the world. I am excited to see the creativity and the aesthetic of art and ideas take back society and lead it to discover selflessness, humility, healing, health, and joy.
-Promise Tangeman
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These are her words of power written on her “about” section on her (insanely talented and uberly-wonderfully, beautifully designed) website. This is why I knew I would ask her to be my next interviewee for Photography Friday. And, she agreed. Lucky for us!
Enjoy …
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Hi Promise! Thank you for your kindness for agreeing to be interviewed. I am so smitten with you and your work and your words. You are something special. I feel blessed to have this opportunity to get to know you a bit better.
First things first, where are you now as you write? What’s around you?
I am in our family room sitting on our couch. My husband and I are both on our laptops and we are watching The school of Rock movie. hha that is a good one. I think that we need a little puppy dog to lay beside us. 
hopefully soon.
From your website I know you went to art school. Did you always know you were meant to be an artist?
Umm kind of. All my life i LOVED art and creating things. In Jr. high and high school I was into sports until I got an injury. I then got back into creating and I fell in love. I didn’t even take the S.A.T.S because I knew I wanted to go to art school. And the school I wanted judged on portfolios.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I get inspired by my clients and what they are like and how they see life. I also LOVE fashion magazines and creative blogs.
On days (or maybe seasons) when you are feeling “dry” artistically, what do you do to refresh your artistic self?
Haha. I actually have these a lot. I go on walks, I get outside and run my frustration out. I edit/work at a coffee shop, I change my environment. I get away from the computer and do something in real life. PLUS when I am feeling this way I try to not compare myself to other artists.
Are you a Canon or Nikon girl?
I love my canon 5d mark ii. AMAZING!!
Favorite lens?
The basic 24-70mm f2.8L
How do you prep for a photo shoot?
I usually ad my client on Facebook before the shoot so I can get to know them a little bit. After the location is picked and clothing is talked about I rummage through magazines, look at images online and listen to high energy music!!
How do you prep clients for their photo shoot?
We talk about clothing, location, and any other important details for their shoot. I let them know a head of time to be ready to jump, smile, laugh, work it, and maybe even be embarrassed at times. At the location, I meet them for the first time. I schedule in some time to just shoot the breeze, small talk, joke around, and get to know them for a few minutes. This creates a more comfortable and fun flowing environment. Plus, I act a little extra fun and goofy. haha. I want them to have FUN on the shoot.
When you have a shoot scheduled do you map out in your mind how the shoot will play out, or simply let the shoot unfold itself?
I do a little bit of both. I usually have a general feel of what is going to go on. I usually know location and the client a little bit. Then I leave some room for things to unfold.
I saw a photo of you and you were using your flash. I think flash can do SO much for photos when used right. How often do you use artificial lighting?
You know… I dont use it very much.. Mostly at weddings. I usually utilize the natural light…positioning my subjects near sunlight in open shade.
What was your favorite session done to date?
My favorite one was working with model/actress Erin Mahoney this past summer. I LOVE fashion and people that have confidence in their own skin. She worked it and I loved working with her. It was such a fun collaboration between the two of us.
What about your favorite graphic design project?
I just finished a project for an AMAZING children’s clothing brand called Matilda Jane. I did some t-shirt designs as well as her new packaging for spring. That company was seriously great to work with and their clothing is BOMB! I think our styles really meshed well. It is always SO fun designing when I feel extra inspired by my clients.
Do you work from home or do you have office space elsewhere?
I work at home for now. I would LOVE to eventually get a space with a few other artists or photographers. I LOVE creative community and working together.
I honestly cannot remember how I first stumbled upon your site, but how did you and do you continue to market yourself?
Totally by word of mouth and by my blog. I LOVE networking with other artists and making new friends with creative people. I think that when you truly care about people… it really shows in your business and it goes a long way.
What are your biggest struggles as a self-employed artist?
Ahhh.. The thing about being a freelance artist is that you have to be so many aspects of the business. I have to be the admin, the sales rep, the idea girl, the art director, the production artist, and the person in communication with the printers. I struggle with the admin side of my business. And especially the pricing aspect.
What do you hope to accomplish within the next 5 years?
I hope to be able to collaborate with a group of artists/entrepreneurs in some kind of crafty artistic venture. maybe a design/ creative firm.
If you were standing on a stage in a room filled with 500 aspiring photographers (some who have yet to take the leap, others who have just started out) what three things would you say to them?
hmm great question!!
1. Be a self starter! You are the only one that can get you where you want to go! Go after your dream
2. Soak up information like a sponge. Always be learning from other great photographers
3. Invest in good gear!!
And, just for fun …
What’s your favorite thing about your husband?
AHH there are soo many things i love about him. I love that is ALWAYS so positive. I LOVE that he loves people SOOO much and takes time to listen to everyone.
Your favorite drink:
water // sugar free soy vanilla latte
One country you’d like to visit:
Europe
If you could no longer work in the art world, what would you like to do?
I would like to be a cop and run around with a walkie talkie fighting crime.
One celebrity you’d love to photograph:
hmm wow. i have never thought of that. I love gwen stefani’s style and personality.
One company/organization you’d love to do a project for:
urban outfitters or anthropologie. Or any of the surf or skate brands would be fun: volcom, obey, etc.
Promise, you are wonderful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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For more of Promise, make sure to check out her fabulous website and stalk-worthy blog (both designed by her!).
Readers, make sure to leave a comment … what did you think of Promise’s interview? I’m curious to know. Are there any photographers you’d like for me to interview? I’d LOVE ideas!
jc
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for past interviews click below …
Jasmine Star | Jesh de Rox | Jose Villa | Cheryl Muhr | Becky Earl | Sheye Rosemeyer | Michael Wilson