As the ball starts rolling

If you had asked me in the beginning of October if I would have my own business by November I probably would have laughed out loud, in fact I thought anything but that.

Yes I've had the intention of going on my own (eventually) and we all know that what you focus on expands as you're supported by God and those around you. My lesson - faith and focus!

My website will be launched this evening and has been made possible by the endless nagging and occasional prodding by my friend Colin, who has opened my eyes to the benefits and necessity of having your own online portfolio. I welcome all your input, criticisms and feedback!

As Cape Town calls in December for a work assignment, my pamphlets that Craig designed are being printed in time for next weeks collection and distribution. This is no rocket science approach or pioneer strategy for marketing but if you take action you WILL be supported. In my attempt at proactivity this week I landed up in the office of a recruitment agent for temp work as I fill up my photography calendar. She basically told me that my endeavour to go out on my own into a "feast or famine" industry would mean that "creative people" who, "cannot save money" such as myself, should be prepared to "Do whatever work" she gives me, "..even if its R30 an hour".

When I got back to my car both completely deflated and pessimistic, I slumped behind my steering wheel digesting this information. "Everyone wants me to fail", I heard myself say, "Everyone thinks I'm not good enough to succeed". And as I talked myself into a state of mild depression I questioned my thoughts - Who is "everyone"? Has anyone told you you're doomed to fail? No. Have you ever received feedback that indicates you're a loser? No. There is NO "everyone", its a perception that exists in our preconditioned minds. There are no limits, there are no rules, there is just faith in yourself and as Rosslyn Carter said, "You have to have confidence in your ability and then be tough enough to follow through".

Your value and self worth should never be measured by someone elses standards or lack thereof. I have decided that I'm worth more than R30 an hour, that I'm more than capable of making people smile at their memories I've saved onto disc. There is no hourly rate high enough to keep me in an office or to compare to my LOVE of photography and what it represents in my life.



See you through the lens.

School Fees

So there are times when things don't go according to plan, or perhaps you have to learn the hard way, some call it "school fees'.

Last week I learned the difference between standing my ground as a professional versus buckling under pressure, followed by "sometimes it isn't about you" versus "its all my fault".

While my diary fills up with random photographic requests such as music video documentary type photography to family outings at the park, I'm realising a lot about what this whole "self employment" thing is about. Ironically the one thing I've feared the most (being unable to pay bills due to lack of work) isn't an issue anymore, I have been filled with a serenity while I trust in the beauty of abundance.

My friend Colin Griffiths helped me register my website domain on the weekend and www.tophoto.co.za will be launched by Mid November latest. This is very exciting for me and I owe him a great deal of thanks for motivating me while I've been lax and made excuses for not having a site. I thought tophoto would be a lot easier than tanithoramphotography.co.za - what do you think??

My pamphlets are also being designed by my ever amazing graphic designer boyfriend and love of my life : Craig Herzberg - whose also been hectic with his freelance work. Natasha Alexander and myself are going to be distributing our dual full colour pamphlets from next week - so shout if you would like a couple for your store / showroom / guesthouse.

Much love!
See you through the lens.

New Beginnings

Hi friends,

I've been MIA for a couple of months, sorry about that...I'm not as dedicated as some of my fellow bloggers.

If you haven't already heard I'm going solo, a daunting and apparently "brave" thing to do.
Sometimes though, like myself, there is no time to be brave, you just gotta do it.

I must thank all my wonderful friends and fans for their outstanding support and encouragement. It means so very much. In the last couple months heading up to this point I've managed to shoot Multichoices Amazing Race Teambuilding events run by Jonny Lechtman of Max Group - he organised the event from start to finish and a great time was had by all - if you need a corporate events co-ordinator with experience and flair he's your go to guy.

On the wedding front I've shot a gorgeous wedding with Kat Forsyth, who probably thinks I'm both nuts and mentally unstable. Kat has been such a wonderful friend and we've had fun sharing with each other.....best wishes with Shauna's wedding this weekend - drive safe!

Natasha Alexander is another lady I'd like to mention, who referred me to my 2nd wedding client with whom I shot her pics at the Westcliff last month. Natasha is owner of The Flower Station specialising in flowers for all occassions. Thanks for your support my friend.

Finally, Kirstin Rowe of Cheeky Chicks and I went down to Richards Bay where I took photographs for her event. Kirstin does ladies parties, lingerie and adult toys. It was such a blast and the ladies received Kirstin and her lap dancing lesson really well. Thanks again for the laughs!

I'm getting a lot of couple shoot requests for December - if you're not going away and need me on New Years or Christmas Day I have 1 hour slots available....inbox me : tanith@starmail.co.za for further details.

Much love to you!

See you through the lens.