I Am Real Talk
Tamara Williams is a 28 year old international self taught photographer who specializes in beauty - born and raised in Germany. Tamara’s parents did not like the idea of her becoming a photographer, so she worked as a bank clerk for a few years until she could finally pursue her dreams on her own. Tamara’s style is unique from other photographers because of her personality and aesthetic. When she started photography her goal was to land her first big debut on a well known magazine cover such as Vogue, and she did just that!
1. How did it make you feel having your work showcased on a major magazine cover and featured in Vogue, ELLE, L’Official, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Maxima ect?
I believe I was 21 when I had my first Vogue publication. It was awesome and I felt very honored , but also: what was next? The big goal that all photographers have was achieved... so what was the next big step? It was super overwhelming and I was super grateful but at the same I knew that there had do be more than just that high fashion magazine feature, and that’s when I really began to pursue my vision which brought me to where I am today.
2. We all face adversity as humans, it is inevitable. What are some ways you have overcome various obstacles in your life?
You’re very right, we all face various obstacles in our lives but it’s very important that we don’t let them hold power over our day to day life. I think it’s important to always shift focus to what’s in the present. Yes, my past made me who I am but it doesn’t define me, because maybe I was a this and that when I was younger, that doesn’t mean I can’t change it in my present, if it makes me feel uncomfortable, bad or even sad about myself. You always have a choice. Be the own hero of your story, own your present and don’t fall in the victim trap, cause then you let others, their actions and your biggest demons hold power over you, and you live your life according to others and their beliefs and fear.
3. How do you handle criticism and opinions? What has turned you off the most within the industry you work in?
Everybody is allowed to have their own opinion, because I mean who am I to think to have power over someone else’s thoughts. I don't. Nobody does. As soon as you accept this fact, and you own the fact that criticism and opinions say a lot more about the person who’s giving it rather than receiving it, cause it’s their reality and their horizon of certain things, you’ll be literally unbothered. Try it! It’s so good for your own mental health. Let’s say for example someone’s telling you, you’re never going to be a successful business woman, and that could come either from a lady or a man. You then have to understand that it’s their beliefs or in this case disbeliefs what makes them think that way. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true. If that is their opinion that’s okay, they can have it, but it won’t define me in my path. That’s why it’s also super important to always leave the table if people start talking about others AND if you’re the ‚smartest‘ at the table. You will have to have a surrounding in which you are being inspired and uplifted to try new things, that encourages you, to grow. Not an environment in which you always repeat what you already know & that dims your light in terms of inspiration cause it doesn’t expand your horizon. I hope that kind of also answers the second question: basically everything. People all over themselves, always loved to shit talk about others and gossip and I myself figured that THIS is a very toxic environment I want to distance myself as much as possible from.
4. Has photoshop ever made you perceive yourself differently after using it for so many years? How do you stay true to being your most authentic self outside of editing tools?
Not really, I consider my work as Art, clearly, and I never compare, because of course is it not possible to look like a Computer polished version. But I am very transparent about my retouching and altering, even stating it on my profile description and below all images. I love to just be myself because at the end of the day, if someone’s gonna like me, they’re actually gonna like me for who I am and if not, that’s totally fine, they’re just not my person. I am talking in regards of looks, behaviors, and just general being. Everyone has a right to express their own reality and either one’s compatible or not. Also as Ru Paul loves to say: “If these bitches ain’t paying your bills, pay them no mind.”
5. What would you say was one of your biggest struggles in becoming a successful photographer?
The fact that everybody tells you, there are so many out there. Furthermore the fact that it’s mainly a male dominated industry and a lot people don’t take you serious as a woman.
6. What led you to decide to follow your dreams after working as a bank clerk for a multitude of years? What was the driving force behind this decision?
I always had that vision to create something bigger, plus I am very creative and I only worked at the bank to fulfill my dream if having my own horse. So it was very clear that I never wanted to work for someone else’s dream, I wanted to work for mine!
7. If you had to choose one dream job you could pursue outside of your realm of photography what would that be?
Teacher/Speaker/Educator, which btw, I am currently exploring and can’t wait to share my academy. My goal is to found the best online academy in the creative world end even expand it further, to actually add value and train bad ass bitches, who own their vision and dreams.
8. You take on a very transparent and vulnerable approach as to how you present yourself on social media, through captions in how you speak to your followers. How does this not only impact you but your audience?
I am have been lucky enough to be given a platform and in a world full of hatred and negative things, I wanted to be that one light, that might push someone to pursue their dreams and become happy within themselves. I always say, if I only can touch one heart and change one mind with my captions in terms of self worth, self love and therefore actually following your dreams and what you want, I archived everything I ever wanted.
9. Pursuing a degree at any level can be challenging, but with you studying psychology at a rigorous level being at Stanford University - how do you balance two career paths?
Haha, yeah, don’t even ask about it! It’s a tough one for sure, but I chose this path because I wanted to invest in myself, in my knowledge and in my education to eventually help others with it at the end of the day. Have there been days where I’ve been shooting all day and had to write papers till 3am, sure! Was it worth it? Totally!
10. If there was one place you could fly out to for one day and do a photo shoot where would that be?
Locations don’t really matter to me since I am super up close anyways, however Mexico would definitely be a vibe.
11. Social media can have such a negative impact on one’s mind especially when it comes to self image - how has social media impacted you in ways?
If you compare yourself, you can’t win. Never. If something feels uncomfortable or not good to you, just cut it out of your life instead of complaining about it. That’s my vision towards it. Own it, be the hero of your own story, not the victim. If you feel like SM doesn’t serve you, just leave it. Go out instead, read a book, find a hobby, live in the real world, you’d be amazed how much fun it is. Stop wasting time in the cyber world, go out to explore the real world.
12. We see your goal is to change the industry your profession is in, how do you plan on making that change and what are you trying to achieve?
I want to educate people in the way that they stop underbidding themselves. That they start asking what they’re worth for. That artists , especially female artists are being paid just as male artists are writing their checks. But first and foremost to really make artists understand their value, worth and stand up for their standards and beliefs.
13. Capturing a moment worth a lifetime can be empowering for anyone, even with just a mobile phone or disposable camera. How does it feel capturing someone’s most beautiful moments?
To tell someone’s story through their eyes and skin feels very empowering. Capturing the soul in an intimate moment between me and the model , which best believe it is, if someone’s literally in your face with the camera and you have to be your true self. Just like you mentioned it doesn’t really matter whether it is an iPhone or a professional camera you can capture the beauty of a moment regardless.
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