Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Rolli.
Hi Tess, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I first picked up a camera in seventh grade and ever since have been obsessed with freezing moments in time for my friends, family, and community. From using a lil point and shoot camera and graduating to a DSLR in high school for the yearbook to studying photojournalism in college and starting my first photography business six years ago, my mission has always stayed the same: To document the stories unfolding around me.
After running a photography business that specialized in events and concert photography for three years, I began to try out working with couples and families in 2018 and quickly fell in love with documenting the lives and milestones of people in my community. I launched TLC Photography — a photography business that specializes in weddings and documentarian photography — at the beginning of 2020. Although 2020 was quite an interesting year to start a new business, I have enjoyed every moment of building a business that helps my community curate a visual record of their family history. From engagements and weddings to newborn and family sessions, the work I create documents my clients’ legacies and allows them to have photos that will show future generations who they are.
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?
Ha! After launching and surviving almost two years of a pandemic, I can say that it has definitely not been easy.
Although marketing a photography business was a struggle, I think my biggest struggle when I started TLC Photography was staying true to myself and figuring out my place in the Austin photography industry.
When I first launched TLC Photography, I tried to fit into the wedding and lifestyle industry by doing what I thought everyone did: manufacture moments for my portfolio and my clients. Like a lot of photographers, I put all the pressure on myself to create and direct the memories I was trying to capture. It wasn’t aligned with the reason I got into this industry in the first place: to capture people as they truly are.
This all came to a tipping point and I asked myself when I feel most fulfilled. I realized it was during weddings when I’m capturing joy as it happens. When the emotions I’m capturing feel sincere and like I’m actually freezing a moment in time.
Now I’ve replaced posing prompts with candid moments. What’s the result? Photos that document the most powerful element in all of our lives: Connection. A photography brand that preserves real memories and helps people feel at home in themselves.
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’m a narrative-driven photographer. TLC Photography serves families and couples by capturing images that encapsulate connection, preserve memories, and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera. I have a documentarian-style approach, warm editing with a full range of colors, and offer a luxury customer experience.
I like to say that I don’t do photo sessions, I create photo stories. I specialize in storytelling sessions and day-in-the-life sessions. These immersive sessions follow you for a period of time — from one hour to a full day — and capture the authentic joy that you find on an ordinary day.
I am most proud of the elevated experience I offer people who work with TLC Photography. Whether you’re booking a storytelling session or a wedding, I work hard to provide a white-glove experience that includes top-notch communication, gifting, a fast turnaround, and high-quality physical products. I focus so much on client experience because it builds stronger relationships with my clients that cultivate vulnerability and comfort, which has, in turn, led to better sessions and photos.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to stay true to your calling. Follow your gut. Stay authentic. And build a business that honors your core values.
I have received some terrible advice since starting my first business six years ago, and I’ve taken some of that bad advice even when it didn’t sit well because I didn’t trust my gut. Experience has shown me that you know your business best, and when it doesn’t feel right, you should listen to that instinct.
Also — a successful business is built on 20% strategy and 80% mindset. You have to build your business with confidence.
Pricing:
- Storytelling Session – $400
- Slice of Life Session – $800
- Day in the Life Session – $1900
- Elopement – $2000
- Wedding – $3500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tlcphotographyatx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlcphotographyatx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tlcphotographyatx
Image Credits
TLC Photography
