2011 Dreams

A very happy new year to you all!

There's something about a road trip that just makes my heart burst and as 2010 took a bow, Cape Town greeted us with many beautiful scenarios that spoke to my soul!

I had the pleasure of meeting Zelda and her husband Richard who wanted me to take photographs of their daughter Cheyenne at De Grendel Farm.

The lovely couple dote on their little girl, who has the warmest temperament and sweetest smile. When the shoot was over, Craig and I stood in the baking Cape Town sun chatting away to our new found friends. I hope to see you all again real soon!

Moving into the new year I'm compelled to start my own 365 photography project which I think I'll start today. While going through my pictures from Cape Town it becomes apparent that my love for childrens photography far outweighs the other photographic avenues I could explore.

This year I will continue with my child / family outdoor portraiture, your comments are always welcome and appreciated.

Wishing you all much love, happiness and success in 2011.

Little Love

Every photographer has their niche, an industry that they lean toward and eventually specialize in. For some the reminder of their own wedding day motivates them to re-live the electric nostalgia through other brides, while those who enjoy the structure of studio shooting with its predictable lighting and props flourish when new faces appear for their family portraits.

I've noticed that while I love taking unposed, natural photographs my client base and possibly favourite subject matter are 18 - 24 month old toddlers with their carefree and unplanned moods, expressions and characters. Don't get me wrong, I love capturing people at their most natural and unexpected best, in a crowd of corporate employees enjoying a sing along at a teambuilding event. I appreciate the moments when I can shoot fundraising events and donate my time to causes such as CANSA as I did 2 weeks ago. I thrive on the photojournalistic opportunities of 40th birthday parties and traditional weddings.

There is, however, one thing that cannot be substituted or faked and that is the genuine appreciation parents have for their childrens photographs and the joy it brings them to see their little families at their best, captured forever in time. Its the moments such as their children's laugh captured alongside butterflies and soapy bubbles, or when a little girl shows her parents her newly discovered belly button. :D

Moving onto 2011 I look forward to not only developing my skills overall but meeting a whole new set of growing families and sharing their intimate moments together. For now I've found my niche, although it doesn't define my talents nor is it set in stone. It is the one thing that makes me just as happy and fulfilled taking part in as it makes the family seeing the final results. There will be corporate functions, farewells, launches and product shoots. There will be baby showers and personal profiles but the greatest of all these things, is LOVE.

See you through the lens!

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.

Living your dreams

Wow, talk about busy!
In the last week and a bit I've managed to do 4 shoots.....and I've got about 4 more lined up between now and the end of the month, including more baby birthday parties, an exciting launch of ECLIPZ hair and beauty red carpet event in Northcliff and another engagement shoot.

I really didn't imagine that someone as little as I am could manage to be this busy....what is it that makes me a success?

Well I thank all of you for taking the time to comment, if you're reading this now you're probably one of the genuine people that care, thank you - you are invaluable to me! :)

See you through the lens!

News Update

Hi friends,

I know its been a while since I've blogged and you're all asking where I've been and whats going on with the new job.

Well all is going well, I've been seriously amazed at how many strangers have joined my group and have even taken the time to contact me re: my group, I feel so blessed.

I'm running a sliding scale on my photographs. R350 for 1 hour, includes pics to DVD. R550 for 2 hour shoot (indoor shoots) and R950 for a 3 hour shoot (couples, engagement pics, outdoor stuff) all other shoots are subject to quotation.

* Anniversaries, baby shoots, maternity shoots, just for fun pics, engagements & more*

Your support is amazing, thank you from the bottom of my heart.


See you through the lens!