We had the good fortune of connecting with Tremaine Weir-Gaines and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tremaine, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Since the age of 16, I have worked in the medical field. I knew my niche in life was to help people whether I was on the forefront or working behind the scenes. Helping people is what I love to do. Whenever I was out, and about, attending events or running errands, someone would always ask me to take their picture. I always found enjoyment in seeing their reaction! Before snapping the photo, I would make sure that I was not just capturing the people on camera, but their overall moment. I wanted to make sure the background, angle, and lighting was right, and this was all with just a cell phone LOL. Even though people said I should start doing photography professionally, I always got nervous and didn’t know where to start. My mom gave me one of her cameras and I started shooting any and everything possible. In 2018, I decided to pursue my passion. This is when TWPhotography came into fruition.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from other photographers is that I don’t like being stuck in a box or have one type of photography style. When I started TWPhotography I dabbled in shooting all types of photos. I realized that I liked doing it all. My main goal is to make sure that the client or model loves the final product. When it comes to my proudest moment, I can’t pinpoint a particular moment. I would have to say that when I would witness a client going through their photos and they say “I love this one, I love this one” and it continues, it makes me feel great as a photographer. Because I can remember my first very photo versus today and whew, there’s a big difference! The beautiful part is that I am still growing and looking forward to see where my photography takes me in the years to come. If I could tell the world something, I would say, never let anyone dim your light. If you want something, go after it! One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to never compare your craft to anyone else. Your talent is unique and appreciated by people who have yet to see it.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my best friend to my favorite restaurant Two Urban Licks or STK Steakhouse, (Yum!). For drinks, we would go to Hudson Grille. The “ATL” and “Game Day” punch will get you right! If they were visiting Atlanta for the first time, I would always say the Aquarium and Coca Cola Factory would be the first place to visit. Also, for the history buffs, I would take them to the Civil Rights Museum and High Museum of Art.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I first want to give a shout out to my husband, Jarvis and our dog, Bentley (RIP our sweet dog), for being my first “potential clients”. I love and appreciate one of my best friend’s Roxy for letting me shoot her wedding. I want to shout out some of the models who worked with me from the very beginning while I was still getting acclimated to photography: Tone Lewis, Bronzell, Chico, Kentrate and baby Lawrence (Thanks Roxy!) I want to give a shout to my friends who supported and gave encouragement from the very start: Jason A. & D. Mathis-White (Street Ministry), Aaron Brown (AROtography), Laura Bennett Moss and Jocelyn Wiltshire (Unforgettable Events ATL).
Website: www.booktwphotography.com
Instagram: @Twphotography18
Facebook: www.facebook.com/booktwphotography18.com
Image Credits
Tae Wright – IG: @Kyng.rebel Tone Lewis – IG: @Iam_tonelewis Jarvis Weir-Gaines – IG: @Aquariusdrip_24 Cherrelle Maines – IG: @Sunnycher87 Kentrate – IG: @Kentratethemodel Cornell Garner – IG: @Ny_fame91 Laura Moss Ro Bredwood of Reaux Woods Photography): Took photo of Tremaine Weir-Gaines