Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Kania.
Hi Tess, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been interested in photography for as long as I can remember, but my interest grew in high school when I took a photography course. Friends and family saw my passion and asked me to photograph various occasions and I loved it. I considered pursuing photography as a career but was nervous that I would fall out of love with it if I decided to make it a career. Instead, I attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and earned a degree in Social Studies Education. I held on to photography as a hobby and continued to practice my skills. As friends graduated and began to get married, they asked me to photograph their engagements and I envisioned myself filling my summers photographing engagements, families, and seniors. It wasn’t until I was working in the classroom and a few fellow teachers convinced me that I should be photographing weddings that I seriously considered adding weddings to my business.
Photography has always been so much more than a side-hustle for me. Over time, I have worked hard to create a business that is grounded in serving clients and in sustainability. Today, I am happily running a photography business that I am proud of.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Booking those first clients is one of the biggest challenges in this industry. At first, inquiries came in slowly and it often left me wondering if I belonged in the industry. That feeling crept in whenever I was on a call with a potential client. I allowed the rejections (mostly in the form of ghosting) to get to me and it compounded the sense of imposter syndrome. As I gained more experience, that feeling went away.
By far, the biggest struggle has been convincing myself to get out of my comfort zone. When I was in college, I dreamed about what my photography journey would look like and I told people whenever I could that it was too much pressure to photograph a wedding and that I would never do it. I kept that door closed because I convinced myself I wasn’t capable of taking on whatever was waiting for me behind it. I’ve since learned to keep doors open, even when the opportunities behind them aren’t the right fit for me at that moment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in outdoor lifestyle and wedding photography for adventurous, outdoor loving couples. Over the years, I have worked hard to create an experience for clients that allows them to relax in front of the camera. I spend time getting to know my clients and their vision for their wedding day which allows me to create a timeless, authentic gallery filled with genuine interactions between the couple.
My love for photography began with a love for the natural world. As I started to explore photography at a young age, I captured the beauty that surrounds us. As my relationship with photography has grown, so has my appreciation for the outdoors. I am proud that I have created a business that demonstrates responsible stewardship. My clients share a love for adventure and nature. Each client agrees to practice Leave No Trace during their sessions with me. As the world pivoted during the pandemic, more people began choosing to spend their free time in state parks and national parks. I have seen a desire from clients to find beautiful landscapes for their photos while also becoming more aware of their impact. When we integrate these principles, we ensure that we can return to these meaningful locations year after year.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
It can feel lonely when you are getting started as a small business owner. Finding others who have been in the same boat as you that are willing to help you learn from their mistakes can be intimidating. In the Twin Cities Metro, there is a great community for business owners and creatives who are excited about building their community and helping others through networking events and industry-specific events like styled shoots.
As an introvert, I have learned that, personally, networking in those settings is not all that effective. For me, the most valuable learning experiences and mentorships have been through second shooting. I was able to learn from more seasoned photographers along the way and I have been able to build a network of other photographers that I can connect with.
Contact Info:
- Email: tessenderphotography@gmail.com
- Website: https://tessaender.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessenderphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tessenderphotography
Image Credits
Tess Ender Photography
