Today we’d like to introduce you to Tisdale.
Tisdale, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a kid, I always took a liking to photography. Started out with taking photos of mushrooms in highschool on a small digital point and shoot, and it evolved. Like most, I did put my camera down for a while, until college. I went to school for technical theatre.
I was encouraged by my wonderful and talented professor, Robert Anthony Terrano. During his instruction of theatrical lighting, he would have me go around during the full stage rehearsals and take photos for the shows promotional material, using my knowledge in lighting.
During early 2020 I decided to go full force back into photography only to be swiftly halted due to the world stopping or what I like the call, “the dark days”.
After everything opened back up I was encouraged to apply as a photographer and media personal for a convention. I got turned down a few times but Metrocon in Tampa was my first convention I was accepted into.
I found passion in capturing photos of cosplayers and their own creations, bought or made. I was sold. Since then I’ve been working full time as a photographer, covering conventions and specifically cosplay competitions.
Today you can catch me anywhere around the United States; Supercon in Miami, Anime NYC, Katsucon in DC, Momocon in Atlanta and even right here in Orlando at Holiday Matsuri and Megacon.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
With the pandemic and those struggles alone it was definitely disheartening.
As a female photographer I found a comfort in giving all creators of cosplay a safe space, and I was swiftly met with a heavy saturation in male photographers, some gatekeepers, and some who still attempt to tear me down.
Every critique and closed door I’ve met has always created a challenge to overcome, understandings to be had, and offered a place of growth. I always remind myself not everyone will like my work, but as long as my clients are satisfied, that’s enough for me.
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?
As a photographer I’ve learned that everyone is different. Everyone has things about them that they critique harshly whether it be body image, confidence, or even a terrible little voice in their head that was planted by someone in their past. I try to work with every client individually, I identifying their hesitations, and insecurities and capturing them in the best light I can. I want people to see themselves how I do.
I am very proud to say I do not use AI in any of my photos. I am hell bent on capturing YOU. The you I see. Everyone is beautiful because they have differences. please everyone, cosplayer or other side, you don’t need to look a certain way to be beautiful, you just need the reminder that you are enough.
How do you define success?
Success for me is knowing my clients are comfortable and confident at the end of the shoot. It’s so simple, but I feel like I’ve succeeded when my client uses the photos I took as their profile photos. It means they appreciate the way I see them and can understand the beauty in themselves, what I see through my eyes. It’s very silly but that’s when I feel a pang of success.
Pricing:
- ✨Mini✨ 30 minutes, 4 final edits ~$60
- 💅Full💅 45 minutes, 7 final edits ~ $100
- 🔥Extended🔥 60 minutes, 12 final edits, plus one additional composited image ~$145
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tisdale-photography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tisdale_photography?igsh=MTF6dDN3NWxuYW1zMg==
- Other: https://tisdalephotography.wordpress.com/
Image Credits
First image @dylankmedia
All others, captured and edited by myself
