Meet Tyrese Singleton | Tee Shotz Photography | Photographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Tyrese Singleton and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tyrese, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned from owning my own photography business is to be patient! As entrepreneurs, we have to build our name, and that takes time. Don’t give up! When I first started shooting, I had no clue what I was doing, and I wasn’t confident behind the camera. Instead of giving up, I focused on what I needed to learn to be better. After gaining the knowledge that I needed, I felt a lot more confident. My pictures started coming out cleaner because I took the time to learn. If I were challenged to give a 5-minute rant on photography, I could talk for days. Rather, someone asks about cars. There would be a lot of hesitation. Patience goes hand in hand with confidence. If you practice perfecting your craft, you will get better! Be patient, and you will see your dreams come true. I’m not at all where I want to be, but I am closer than when I started. Never give up!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The part that brings me the most joy about my work is that it will last forever! Pictures are timeless. I like to say “Let’s make moments into memories”. There’s a feeling that’s invoked every time you see a picture. Some photos might make you feel sad, and some might make you nostalgic, but that’s the beauty. I remember when I was young, I would go to my grandma’s house, and she had books and books of photos. When the photos came out, everyone in the house would come down to look. Sharing a laugh or a good story over images makes me feel proud every time I attend an event or capture life moments that I know will be shown for generations. I am still growing, and I always feel like there is more to learn. My student mentality has made it a little easier to get where I am professionally because people notice hard work. My biggest challenge is self-doubt. Sometimes I see other photographers pictures and it makes me feel like I’m not where I should be, but the best thing I taught myself was to not compare myself to anyone, because there is no one like you and there’s no one like me. The main focus I put on my brand is feeling good. I call myself a luxury photographer because I present an experience. When you leave shooting with me, I want you to feel so good about yourself. When I first started shooting, I never imagined that my photos would be in so many people’s lives.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Chicago for a week, we would have so much fun. First, we would have to go get some Harold’s chicken or Uncle Remus, because those are Chicago staples. Then we would relax for a little before going to do a photoshoot downtown on Michigan Ave. After that, I would probably be hungry again, so we would have to find an elote man or lady for a quick snack. Then probably chill until dinner and eat again. If you can’t tell, I love to eat! After that, we would have to pop out on the town, so I would call Jade and see what was jumping for the night. Of course, we would be drinking my favorite drinks, Hennessy and Red Bull, and for the rest of the week we would simmer down. I would probably be working 5 out of the 7 days because I don’t like to miss money. In our free time, I would make sure they saw the Shed Aquarium because that is my favorite sight-seeing place in Chicago. Near my house, there are a lot of trails, so we could do some walks and outside activities, and of course, eat some more because Chicago has every food you can name.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out my uncle Damsenze and aunt Deja! They have been willing to model for me since I got my first camera. I would call and text them my ideas, and they would go buy outfits or get their hair done for a practice shoot. Without them, this process would have taken longer. We have been through many trials and errors, and they give me feedback that helps me improve. Even now, they always check in with me, and you need people in your life like that who are just there for you! Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed. I love you guys and thank you so much! You will always be a Tee Shotz original.
Website: Teeshotzphotography.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/teeshotz_photography?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tee.shotz.524?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Tee Shotz Photography
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