Today we’d like to introduce you to Tessa Talbot.
Tessa, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I am the owner and primary photographer at Talbot Photo + Co. Prior to becoming a full-time professional photographer 3 years ago, I was a nanny for 8 years – caring for children of all ages. Ever since my parents purchased my first camera, a $12.99 Walgreens special, when I was very young, I have always been behind the camera – at every family function, every birthday party, even random Friday nights at home to the point where my aunt would finally have to say “Okay Tess, put it away.” Everyone always joked around about there being like 23 pictures of me and over 9,000 of my little sister Railey, who is 10 years younger. When I was in middle school, I had several photographs published in the local library magazines.
I have always had a love and an eye for photography. And most importantly, a passion. After buying a new Nikon camera 3 years ago, I decided to start doing free photo sessions for people in the area – to practice, build a portfolio and mostly to interact with others and make friends. I am originally from New Mexico so I did not have any friends or family here at the time and I just wanted to connect with people in the community. After spending countless hours learning new things, attending webinars, mastering editing software, learning my cameras inside and out – I am now shooting 15+ weddings a year. When I am not shooting and editing weddings, I am spending time at engagement sessions on the weekends with my soon to be brides and grooms. There is never a slow season and I love it – people are always falling in love and getting married but don’t get me wrong however, in the spring I make special openings for all of my gorgeous graduating seniors and I am definitely available for my family holiday sessions in the fall, you can ask my yearly returning clients. If you are reading this, you know who you are. Love you guys!
On a serious note – yes, we run a business, but we pride ourselves on the relationships we have and hold with each individual client. I truly believe we are hired for three things – the quality of our work, our style and our personalities. And when I say we/our, I am also talking about my boyfriend Hunter. He is the secondary photographer here at Talbot Photo & Co. It is so weird to call him my boyfriend because if you know us, we are like an 80-year-old, married couple. We always poke fun at the fact that we don’t have time to get married because we are always shooting other people’s weddings!
When I am not editing or learning new things – I am loving on my doggies. I have two English bulldogs and a Labrador. I love to crochet! I am working on making afghans for all family members. I am a total foodie! What’s your favorite place to eat? Let’s go grab lunch and chat! I wear makeup about one day a month. You will see me in a messy bun 95% of the time. I live for black sweatpants. Whoever said leggings aren’t pants is lame. Life is great!
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am a self-taught, natural light photographer that specializes in wedding and engagement photography – photographing people primarily outdoors. My art is unique. It is bold, modern, rich and crisp. Raw and real. There is nothing like it! I don’t just take a photograph, I make it. Here at Talbot Photo & Co. it is simple – we love, love. We don’t shoot what it looks like, we shoot what it feels like. Give me all the emotions! I love unposed photography. I always tell my couples “Laugh, love, kiss, dance – be who you REALLY are and pretend like I am not here.” And then I get these awkward looks like “Wow, this chick is pretty weird.” Then I give them an awkward look back and then that’s when the real laughter begins. I must share – 99.9% of the men from our engagement sessions leave saying “Geez, that is the most I have been kissed in a long time.” It’s great, you should try it! The images you receive will make you cry. Happy tears of course.
I strive to capture portraits that people can cherish for a lifetime. For that reason, in my wedding galleries – I over deliver, giving every single photo to the bride, groom and family. I cannot stress to you enough how important it is to have photos of you and your family. This is the most beautiful time of the year, before it gets too hot. I don’t care which fantastic Houston photographer you go to, but make sure you get a QUALITY photo of you and your family every year. Tomorrow is never promised. Unfortunately, I had two situations happen last year. One where I captured photos of an individual who had passed away not long after the photo session. The family was so extremely thankful for the images I had captured. Not only did they have the photos they purchased, but I gave them everything I had stored.
Candid photos of everyone interacting, laughing, talking during the session. At that point, it all became priceless. And then I had another situation where a close friend passed away unexpectedly and the last photo they had of her was an old cell phone picture from when she was a senior in high school – and that is what they displayed on her obituary. Photographs are a personal story, a timeline of our lives. Once you put them all together it’s like they make a narrative of the journey you have taken thus far. These “stories” will be passed down for generations to come and that is how you will be remembered. How do you want to be remembered?
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
Speaking for myself, as a photographer, our market is extremely saturated. But that’s ok – stand out! Be a distinct individual, be confident and never compare yourself to others. Comparison is the death of happiness. While sometimes people can feel like they are not good enough to become the artist they want to be – it can be a total bummer. I feel that way often. However, I love that feeling! When you don’t feel good enough then you constantly have that desire to improve, to be better, to learn new things. This art is always changing, there is always new trends arising. What is most important is how you deal with these feelings. You can either beat yourself up or you can set specific goals to further improve your skill. Why be content with where you are in your art and business when you can always get better?
You often hear people say “Everyone is going to Walmart and buying a camera and calling themselves a photographer.” I hear that often, and when I do – it hurts my feelings because I was there once. I walked into Best Buy, bought a camera and then went home and changed my Facebook profile job info to ‘photographer’. Now look where I am at. Anyone with a camera is a photographer, but it is about what makes you a professional. Are you creative with your imagination? Do you have an eye for detail? You have a great camera, but do you know how to use it to its fullest potential? Do you have patience? What about your business aptitude? Are you good with people? Most importantly, you must never give up. As you have probably heard, a camera didn’t make a great picture any more than a typewriter wrote a great novel.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My photos are currently and constantly circulating all over social media and the internet. Stop by my Facebook page, Talbot Photo & Co. If you like what you see, then please like my page. Feel free to comment and like our photos – get involved, we love to hear from you! Send me a message when you get some free time! Let’s meet up over lunch or coffee one day to talk about all the wonderful details for your wedding day. I would love to bring my print, album and canvas samples for you to look at and feel.
There is nothing better than holding a cherished memory in your hands and letting it come to life. Then head over to my Instagram at @talbotphotoco to see all of my latest work. Watch my stories – they are so dorky. Get ready for some behind the scenes! But hey, I hope it puts a smile on your face and my ultimate goal is to be friends and for you to learn more about me. I want to be involved with you as your trusted photographer! When you get some free time check out my website, www.talbotphotoco.com. My goal this year is to put everything out there and more. From large wedding galleries to a blog. Send me an email on the contact form and let me know what you think of my content! I am always looking for criticism and advice. I want to be my best, for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.talbotphotoco.com
- Phone: (505) 419-0156
- Email: tess@talbotphotoco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talbotphotoco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talbotphotoco/
- Other: https://tessatalbot.bigcartel.com
Image Credit:
Personal Headshot and Images by Talbot Photo & Co.
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here. —
