Today we’d like to introduce you to Tessa Thewes.
Tessa, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am a wedding and elopement photographer based out of the rad little community that is South O aka Oceanside, Ca. I knew the second my dad gave me a copy of Robert Mapplethorpe’s portfolio book at age 15, that I wanted to be photographing people and real emotion. I have tried every type of photography but fell in love with love and all the powerful emotions that come with it. I always joke and say that I am basically a professional third-wheel. More importantly, I am the weirdo that will be crying as you walk down the aisle, laughing while your best man embarrasses you during toasts and running to get a piece of cake! I am the person by your side from the moment you inquire to the big hug I will give you at the end of your wedding day. If you want a photography to just be a fly on the wall capturing your day from the outskirts, I am not your girl. I will be there laughing with you, dancing to 90’s throwback songs and capturing every moment that means the most to you.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I photograph people in love, whoever you may be. I get to know you and your individual love story so that your session can be a reflection of you. I wait for those moments of laughter, or the way your partner looks at you while you’re not looking. I become not only your photographer but your friend, we will probably even end up grabbing drinks or pizza after our session. I once had a bride text me and say that her husband told her, “it felt like Tessa was an old friend from high school that we have known for years.” That is what I want my clients to take away from the experience working with me.
How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
I thought success was the total amount of bookings per year or how much money you made, but the moment I realized I had succeeded was when I got an email from a client and at the end of her message she said, “Tessa, I want you to know how special you are.” That made me burst into an ugly cry. Success is when not only the people you work with are happy but you yourself are too. It is so easy to compare yourself to others, especially with how much social media is involved in businesses now. The second I was able to step back and realize that everyone’s success is different, I was able to move forward with my business.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My website is www.tessathewes.com and you can follow me on Instagram @tessathewes for the most recent session updates.
Contact Info:
- Address: Oceanside, Ca
- Website: www.tessathewes.com
- Email: hello@tessathewes.com
- Instagram: @tessathewes
Image Credit:
Tessa Thewes
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