Today we’d like to introduce you to Tia Benson.
Hi Tia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got my first camera in 6th grade, the only thing I had asked Santa for. It was a Nikon D3200. I took photos of everything, from nature to family portraits. Fast forward to 9th grade, I joined Edina High School’s yearbook, Whigrean, as a student photographer. I fell in love with football games and the fast-paced buzz of high school life. Junior year, I got named Head Photography Editor for my senior year. Unfortunately, this was peak COVID times and we had to adapt and overcome through lots of challenges. Our school days consisted of half the school alternating which days they could come in, divided by first half and second half of the alphabet. I was apart of the A-K group, so I went to school on Mondays and Tuesdays. Our homecoming was cancelled and school days were covered by masks on our faces. We dealt with many struggles, but I fell in love with the challenges around being Head Editor. At the end of senior year, my friends asked me to take photos of them with their college t shirts. This is where tiabensonphotos began. I made an Instagram, and posted the best photos from football games and pep rallies. I posted my friends in their shirts, and soon more and more people asked me to take theirs. I kept posting on Instagram and gaining traction for my business. I then created a website and email, and the bookings kept rolling in. I take graduation photos at Miami University, my now alma mater, graduation and senior photos in the Minneapolis area, family photos and anything else you could think of! I am extremely grateful for my community and the word-of-mouth that got me to where I am today.
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?
Like any business, communication is the most important aspect to keep everything running smoothly. When your inbox has hundreds of emails, it can definitely get overwhelming. I try to respond to everything as quick as I can but of course, life gets in the way. I’m so grateful when my clients are understanding and flexible with life’s ever-changing plans. I try to make every photoshoot fun and different and always put the client at the center of my attention. It has been a busy couple of years but I wouldn’t change anything about it!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a lifestyle photographer in the Minneapolis area. I love taking photos of fashion, seniors, sports, families, friends and more! I am known for creating a fun senior photo experience and getting my hands on anything creative. I am an introvert, but thrive in my element taking photos. When I break out of my shell, the photoshoot is sure to be a crazy experience! I am extremely proud of how far I’ve come since high school and I am excited to see how much I grow in the next 5 years.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe that everything happens for a reason and happens how it’s supposed to. Whether luck has played a part in my journey or not, I am where I am because of hard work and determination.
Pricing:
- Mini Session: $200
- Basic Session: $400
- Fancy Session: $650
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tiabensonphotos.com
- Instagram: tiabensonphotos
