Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanezha Guilmet.
Hi Tanezha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into photography started when I was a little girl. I’ve always had an eye for aesthetics and naturally gravitated towards creating beautiful visuals through drawing, painting, and styling. During my first year of college, I bought my first DSLR camera and used it for a photography course I had originally taken just as an elective, not realizing it would spark the start of my career. I still remember my professor telling me, “You have an eye, and that is something I cannot teach.” That moment gave me the confidence to trust my creative instincts, and it’s a quote I’ve held onto to this day.
After earning my associate’s degree in communications and social media marketing, I started freelancing and building my portfolio. Eventually, I began working for a photography studio in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, that specialized in school portraits, which gave me hands-on training with professional equipment. After moving to Texas, I started working for a second studio, continuing to build my skills.
I moved to Texas looking for a fresh start, a new market, and an opportunity to expand my business. I wanted to grow in a bigger city, where I could be part of a broader creative community. I was eager to pursue my passion in a new environment, where I could challenge myself and take my work to the next level.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, and one of the biggest struggles I’ve faced has been maintaining focus. Coming from a small town, work opportunities for a photographer were limited, and it was easy to get distracted. At a certain point in time, I was focused on financial stability. I found myself working more in fields that were unrelated to photography. It was tough to keep pushing forward with my passion when I wasn’t seeing immediate results, and during that time, I put the camera down and focused on other jobs.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in portrait photography, and I’m known for the quality and beauty of my images. As a creative, I take pride in my ability to truly capture the essence of the people I am photographing. Each photoshoot I do is tailored to fit the unique vibe and personality of my subjects, making sure every image feels true to who they are. What sets me apart is my ability to connect with people, making them feel comfortable and building a relationship before they even step in front of the camera.
I am proud of the growth I’ve made in such a short period of time. I moved to Austin less than a year ago, and I’ve done more photoshoots in the past six months than I did in the past two years back in my hometown. I’m proud of myself for diving right into my work and creating just for the sake of it, rather than waiting for opportunities to find me.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like best about Austin is the vibrant creative community and the opportunities it offers to connect with like-minded people. I love that there’s always something going on—whether it’s an event, a festival, or a new restaurant to try. The city is super engaging.
What I like least about Austin is that while the Black community is definitely here, it doesn’t always feel as visible as in other places I’ve lived. It often feels like I have to seek out spaces that are truly reflective of our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tanezhaguilmet.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanezhaguilmet?igsh=MW5ta2o1eHFoZW9kZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
