Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Tinsley.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My photographic journey started when I was about eight years old. My grandparents had a large collection of old issues of National Geographic magazines at their house, in what my siblings and I affectionately dubbed The Library. I spent many summer days reading books sprawled out on a couch in The Library and was always hunting the shelves for something new to read. One day, I pulled out the stacks of magazines and started flipping through them. As I piled them beside me, my breath caught when I pulled out the June 1985 edition, which featured a photo entitled “Afghan Girl” on the cover. I remember gently holding that issue in my hands, entranced by the haunting green eyes staring straight into the camera. She has stayed with me. Even now, all these years later, I can still feel the memory of the weight of her gaze. That was the first photograph that really made me feel something. It was intense, undeniable, and left a lasting impression. At the core of it, the memory of that photograph defined what my goal is when I’m behind the camera: to create images that linger.
As I got older, I dabbled with a variety of art forms and was always drawn to the idea that art has a narrative quality. For many years I searched for the voice with which to tell my story and the stories of those around me. It was only after a few international trips that I realized that photography opened up the world to me in a unique way and that my camera broke many barriers.
When my husband and I had our first daughter, I realized that there were stories that I wanted to be able to tell for my own family, and for other families, photographically. It was that realization that pushed me to open Brittany Tinsley Photography, which allows me the honor of being invited into the lives of families all over the North Dallas area in order to tell their stories.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a natural light family and lifestyle photographer. My goal behind the camera is to freeze time in an authentic way.
I want to capture the way that your children smile, noses crinkled and heads tipped back in laughter. The way their eyes light up with joy and curiosity and mischievousness. The way they look at each other, and at you. The way you look at them.
I want to capture those first fresh, wrinkly newborn moments, full of wonder and goodness and newness of life. The slow blinks and soft breaths, and the delight a tiny bundle brings.
I want to capture the way you love each other in this season, maybe before marriage, or maybe with fifty years under your belt. The way sparks fly when your eyes meet. The unspoken connection you have.
I want to capture milestones: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays. I want to capture adventures and excitement. I want to big moments and little moments and just-because moments.
I want to capture life.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
My biggest piece of advice for other artists is to stay true to yourself. It’s easy to get swept up in the comparison game, but trying to make your art like someone else’s art only does you a disservice. Art is unique because artists are unique, and that’s a wonderful thing. Trends come and go, but being true to your own creative spirit will last much longer.
Also, don’t forget to create art that fuels your soul. Do projects that make you happy and that reignite your love for your art.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find my work on my website, www.brittanytinsleyphotography.com, or by searching @brittanytinsleyphotography across social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brittanytinsleyphotography.com
- Email: brittanytinsleyphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/brittanytinsleyphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/brittanytinsleyphotography
Image Credit:
All images courtesy of Brittany Tinsley Photography
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