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

Hi Tina, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success has been knowing that I don’t need what I think I need to succeed. I used to be envious of others and wish I had the best gear, the best lighting set up, you name it! But the minute I realized none of that would make or break my photography, I was able to get creative and resourceful. This lead me to grow my business faster and reject many limiting beliefs that I had previously let hold me back.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I got started in photography while I was studying photo journalism in college. However, I had always loved photography. As a child I would love capturing images with fujifilm disposable cameras. Working with these types of cameras taught me how to get the shot right since there wasn’t many more opportunities once the film ran out. When I decided to get serious about my photography and pursue it as a career, I was very nervous in the beginning, not knowing what would happen or if it would even work out. But with every session (whether it be a passion project with friends and family or paid client work) I realized that my name started to get around and I started to build up a clientele that referred me! My confidence would build more and more as time went on. I am so happy that I didn’t have the most up-to-date camera equipment or a full studio when I started. This allowed me to become an expert with the little things. Which showed greatly when it came to the bigger things. I want the world to know, if you can focus on what you do have and not on what you wish you could have, you can build something great!

I also just started a Facebook group for female entrepreneurs looking to build a tribe of like-minded women. We talk all things marketing and business: https://www.facebook.com/groups/308802083833762/

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my friend to Ponce City Market and take them on the rooftop. It has an amazing view of the city! Then we would walk the beltline. I would take them to dinner at Superica one night and another night we may hit up Inman Park and see what they’re interested in eating (there are so many delicious spots like Barcelona and Bar Taco to eat at, plus great places to grab a drink.) I would take them to grab coffee and desert at Cafe Intermezzo. There is so much to do in Atlanta! We would need a week!

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 want to shoutout my parents! They have taught me to be resourceful and creative.

Website: www.tinajsmith.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinasmiff/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinajsmithphotography/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqzAZe5EeLnxAIjZhUOHylA?view_as=subscriber

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