Movers & Shakers Q&A Series: Tiffany Farley

Hello Friends,

Tiffany Farley is, in a word, effervescent. She is full of life. She is full of Love.  Her passion is infectious & palpable, and it’s evident when you look at her photographs. Tiffany was gracious enough to participate in our Movers & Shakers Q&A Series, and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce y’all to her! 

TWT: First things first, can you explain to our readers what made you want to become a photographer?

TF: I could probably give the same answer as most…picked up a camera when I was little and never turned back. But it really wasn’t that way at all. Yes, I loved it when I was younger, and even took a film photography class in high school that really sparked a passion in me, but I never thought I would do it as a career. It wasn’t until I had almost completed my Masters degree, when I realized I wasn’t living the life I had been created to. I wanted more, and I wanted a life that I loved and was passionate about. It was then I knew I had to pursue it.

TWT: Why did you put the break on traditional wedding photography, and focus on Connection Portraits?

TF: Oooh good question. Many reasons really. This time last year, I sat down and looked at the body of work I was creating, both weddings and other events. I asked myself the hard questions, like, ‘What images am I most proud of? What makes me feel fulfilled?” And weddings weren’t in there. It was the portraits of two individuals, with a deep, unique connection that I was most drawn to. I wanted to create a deeper experience for my clients, and really focus on what no one else seemed to be capturing? 

TWT: What are the top five things that excite you, that warm your heart, that gives you butterflies when you look through the lens of your camera?

TF: Hmm…capturing secret glances a couple gives each other in the in between moments, capturing “the look” from my subjects, when they just know how to stare straight into my soul and it results in the most stunning of portraits, seeing laughter…I love it when my clients are themselves and play with each other, both young and old. And of course dreamy light makes my heart swoon.

TWT: We’ve never met a photographer who wasn’t enthralled with taking pictures 24/7.  Our founder often says that if she could get paid for taking pictures for a living, she would. In your opinion, what is it about photography that makes one so passionate?

TF: There is something magical about seeing your vision come to life. To recognize a gift that God has given me, and having the opportunity to show His glory through photographs never gets old.  Specializing in portraiture, means I get to do this while cultivating relationships with my clients, and impact their lives with photographs of their loved ones that will grace the nightstand for generations. That never gets old.

TWT: If you had to give a student in high school advice about becoming a photographer, what would you say?

TF: I wish I had gone to school for both photography AND business. Being a self-employed photographer is 90% running a business and 10% taking pictures. Can you become a photographer without going to school for it? Sure. People do it all the time. But I wish that I had.

TWT: Here at The Write Teacher(s), many of us work with “at-risk” youth.  These students are recovering drug addicts; struggling drug addicts, teenage parents, and almost all of them come from broken homes. The struggles, demons, and anger that our students face is often a hindrance to their progress in school and life in general.  Do you have any words of wisdom to offer these students?

TF: I came from a broken home, and it’s the absolute grace of God I can even have the honor of responding to this interview. Without Him I would not be here, pursuing my dreams.  Work hard, dream big, and don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. And without God, everything means nothing.

TWT: In today’s economy, arts programs in schools are being cut. What reasons would you give a politician for preserving the arts? 

TF: Looking back at high school, my film photography class is all that I remember, and the only class I loved there.  Without that opportunity, working in a dark room and learning about my first camera, I don’t know if that passion would have stayed with me.

TWT: Here at The Write Teacher(s), we believe that art drives life, and theatre transforms lives.  Would you agree or disagree with those statements? Why?

TF: Hmm. I definitely believe that both are incredibly important and have the ability to transform the way we live. For sure. However without God, the Creator of the Creative, I would have nothing. I passionately pursue the opportunity to rock the world of portraiture- but to do that I need the function of my eyes, my hands, my feet…without those things I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. Not in this way. I am grateful everyday that God blesses with me with the ability to do it. He drives my life, and His grace has transformed me. I can’t give anything else credit.

TWT: Just for fun, what’s your favorite movie?

TF: Oh, The Notebook. Hands down favorite.

TWT: Who is/was your greatest teacher?

TF: Pam Astbury, my eighth grade teacher. She believed in me when I didn’t, pushed me, inspired me, and drew me out of my comfort zone little by little. I had the honor of photographing her beautiful family this past year. 

Thank you, Tiffany!

Live, Love, Learn,

The Write Teacher(s)