We had the good fortune of connecting with Tashamonique Puckey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tashamonique, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was newly married to my husband for about 10 months when I quit my 6am-2pm job. The position I was in didn’t bring me joy. I was around at minimum 60-70 females all day long, sewing hotel curtains together. Funny thought, when vacation, I always check to the curtains to see if the facility made them. Anyways. I was sick and tired of making a company millions of dollars and having nothing to show for it in return. I originally wanted to be a stay at home mom but quickly put the flame out on that idea. My husband Corey made the suggestion that I put up my camera and put it to good use. I thought ” well why not, I have a black and white film degree from college, it might work”. When I tell you digital is a lot weirder to learn that film… wooooo, barf! I Jumped in and got right down to business. I shot my first wedding for $100 ( please don’t do that). I actually shot some of the details on my iPhone because I didn’t have my 35mm but to this date, those cellphone images were my favorite from that wedding. The end thought results were so my children would know that they don’t have to settle for a job, a career, position, life that doesn’t make them happy. They can create their own version of happiness and make a life out of it.

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.
I am a wedding and boudoir photographer. I like to think of myself as my clients hype person/bestie. MY couples/clients walk away with a friend for life and a special experience throughout their time with me. I am their day organizer with a plan, their go-getter for whatever they need.

To get to where I am right now, it took a lot of hard work! A lot of people turning me down and a lot of education. Photographing weddings and intimate details of a woman’s body isn’t something that you can do right out of the gate. You have to perfect your craft with on-going education. For me, the hardest part is living in a white majority community. With me being multiracial – mostly black, it took a lot for a couple to trust me. I still get turned down when clients find out that I am black.

Moreover, in my 7 years. I’ve been published 31 times (The Knot, Big Day Made, AisleMemories, PA Unveiled). The affirmation from those publishings made me realized that I found my gift and I am on the right path in my life.

Lastly, my brand is fun, empathic, bright – I love bold colors, I love love and I just know that it demands to be felt. <3

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ahhh this is so fun! I would definitely start my day with my bestie at Rise + Shine with my girls Hannah + Lindsay. Rise and Shine is a Herbalife Shake and Tea bar. I usually go for the Megas – you can find me with a Williamsport Millionaires or a Billtown Berry. However, Have such a fun selection and great tasting shakes. We’d then head to Rider’s Park for hiking or Rose Valley Lake for kayaking. Williamsport is known for Little League Baseball, so unless they were coming in August, we don’t have much to offer. For dinner, I’d give you two options, because no other options add up. Barrel 135 – Our downtown, whole in the wall – warehouse-chic atmosphere that offers a variety of amazing Americana food. or Franco’s. The most authentic Italian food that you can get- this side of the Susquehanna.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh my gosh… how far back can we go? Does the person have to be alive? I have 4 people that I would love to give a shout out to. I hope that’s okay. First and foremost, God. I know typical right… nope. my life would be hell if it wasn’t for God getting me out of the crappiest situations. Harriet Tubman for her determination + dedication to serving others and not stopping until the sacrifice was complete. My Grandmother Gladys Beatty for making me promise that I would be successful in my own right and never taking no for an answer if the situation was meaningful. Lastly, I would like to thank Katelyn James. Katelyn’s wisdom and education courses have launched my business into a realm that I could never image being possible.

Website: www.tashapuckeyphotography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tashapuckeyphotography

Twitter: www.twitter.com/tashapuckey

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tashapuckeyphotography

Image Credits
Headshot – Alexis Brooke Co
All other images  – Tasha Puckey Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.