Today we’d like to introduce you to Trent Tidmore.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got my first photography job as a 16-year-old staff photographer at the Gallup Independent in Gallup, New Mexico. I was also in the marching band, so during the football games, I would run up and down the sidelines in my uniform, photographing the plays for the newspaper. At halftime, someone would hold my camera gear, and I would perform with the band. The next day I would develop my film and got a kick out of seeing my work in the paper.
After graduating high school in 1981, I went to East Texas State University and studied photojournalism for two years. I switched majors and schools and graduated with a business degree from University of North Texas. Towards the end of my finance career, I decided to get more involved with my passion for photography. Now, I live on a 45-foot Jeanneau Sun Odyssey sailboat with my lovely wife, Jennifer.
A couple of years back, I joined the Professional Photographers of America and became a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP). I spend a lot of time pursuing continuing education and regularly attend meetings, classes, and workshops, always looking for new ideas and techniques to bring more value and talent to my clients.
When I have a family portrait session, I rent out local studio space for a few hours. This gives me the flexibility to meet my clients at a convenient location. My favorite genre is maternity and families. I also do senior portraits, headshots, and a few weddings each year.
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 think my social skills learned in my job have enabled me to navigate through the challenges I have faced. I think the biggest mistakes were early on in my photography career. My best advice is to set clear expectations. This is the best way to avoid any misunderstandings and eliminate miscommunication. Also, charge what you are worth. I have had some great mentors along the way, and it pays to heed their wisdom.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I mainly create family and maternity portraits. There is something about capturing the love among family members that they can visually appreciate and hand down to generations long after we are gone. I am proud of the portraits I have created and am rewarded when I see how emotional people get when they see the finished wall art.
I give 100% to my clients to ensure they not only have beautiful portraits but have a really enjoyable time creating them together.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most important thing is doing what I say I am going to do. Unfortunately, a lot of folks in this line of work can be unreliable. I explain what the steps are to my clients, walk them through each step and meet deadlines. I deliver what I say I am going to deliver. I am completely transparent up front on the prices and deliverables.
It isn’t hard. Just be honest with your clients and yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TidmorePortraits.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Tidmoreportraits
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tidmoreportraits
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tidmoreportraits
Image Credits
Tidmore Portraits
