Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Darin Liskey.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Tom. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I spent most of my professional life working as a journalist, with a focus on Latin America. I used to do my own photos for the stories, so I’ve always been interested in an image that helps to the story. But, given the changing landscape of journalism (my career shifted gears, too), I began using the camera to document the people and places I stumbled on during my travels. Little by little, and thanks to friends of mine working on the creative side of business, I started getting offered small commercial jobs. But, my time in Latin America, particularly where I lived in Brazil, Venezuela, and Argentina, still influence my “eye.”
Great, 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 the hardest thing for me was money. Early on, people would offer to pay me for a picture or shoot, and I really didn’t know how to react to that. I’d kind of scratch my head and throw out a figure. I probably lost some jobs because of that — not because I was too high — but because my prices were too rock bottom. I think for any top line business, folks will pay a premium price for a premium product. I learned not to sell myself short.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Tom Darin Liskey photography – what should we know?
I think I feel most inspired doing portrait and lifestyle photography. I really like it when a picture tells a story. The human face — and form — can tell one heck of a story. My experience as a journalist (I’ve done more interviews than I can remember) taught me how to talk to people. And that skill still helps me to put the people I’m photographing at ease. I talk a lot during my shoots. My clients get to know me in the process. I use mainly fixed lens, meaning I focus on my feet. Sometimes, I need to get in close for a shot — and closeness entails a certain intimacy. That’s not something you get shooting from across the street. I often tell my clients that: “I want to capture the real you — and not some photoshopped version of you.” The human face is a wonderful landscape to work with.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Not being fake and consistency of character. If I promise something, I want to deliver.
Pricing:
- Individual Headshot/Portrait Packages start at $200 for a one-hour session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tomdarinphoto.com/
- Phone: 832 244 6600
- Email: tdarinliskey@gmail.com
- Instagram: tomdarin.l
- Facebook: Tom Darin Liskey Photography https://www.facebook.com/tomdarin.l
Image Credit:
Tom Darin Liskey
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