Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanner Garza.
Hi Tanner, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I first learned about photography in a a film photography class at Bishop Lynch high school in East Dallas. I was really drawn to the process both shooting and developing. It felt really magical back then, I didn’t know what I was doing, so every time I dropped a print into the developer it was a complete surprise.
Later I went to college at Texas A&M and somehow found my way into the student newspaper The Battalion. I met some really amazing people there and continued to build on my photography skills leading a small team of photographers. I also lucked my way into working with one of the most talented photographers to ever come from Texas A&M, Andrew Hancock. He brought me to shoots with him for a few years and working with him I learned more and faster than I ever had before. He helped me build a base of technical knowledge and also taught me to push myself creatively.
After finishing school and moving back to Dallas, I began working as a freelancer and for People Newspapers in Park City and Preston Hollow. I worked with a wide variety of clients in everything from fashion and architecture to products. I loved the variety and continued to work this way for a few years until covid hit. When things got really quiet I decided to find something more stable and moved into a marketing role for a few different companies in Irving for the next few years.
Working in marketing showed me that what I really wanted was to be back out in the world of photography, so I returned to freelancing. I decided that this time around I would spend more time learning and building on my skills while also trying to narrow my focus. I have been back on my own for over a year now, working with photographers all over Dallas as a lead assistant and photographing portraits, editorial and interiors for different clients as well. Portrait photography is where my heart is right now. wether its headshots, branding or editorial; I love the challenge of telling someones story with lights and my camera. I have also been exploring interiors photography for architects and interiors designers, I love lighting a space and have always been interested in interior design and architecture.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think anyone would say they have had a smooth road, no ones life is without challenges. I think the hardest part of being a photographer and maybe a professional creative in general, is being confident and proactive in the down time.
There is a cycle in creative work that repeats: every time I shoot the highs are really high and people love the images and I feel really great and then there is a period of quiet. During the quiet periods my mind really runs away with reasons my phone isn’t ringing. At first it was so difficult to weather these periods, it still can be, but I have different tools that I can turn to now.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think what sets me apart right now is work ethic and dependability. I may not have the flashiest portfolio like some creatives, but I work hard to make sure I deliver great work to my clients. You will never catch me ghosting an email, delivering work late or having some kind of ego crash out on set. I do what I say I’ll do and I bust my butt to make sure my clients are happy.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Probably perseverance, there are so many times when we all feel like quitting and the only thing separating a lot of the successes from a lot of the failures is the people who never stopped trying.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tannergarza.com
- Instagram: @tanner_garza
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannergarza/
