Tanner Thibert is a landscape and travel photographer, videographer and designer with an entrepreneurial spirit and creative passion. Through navigating between Washington, California and settling in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (not to mention during the pandemic, when traveling brought its challenges), he's learned how to build a growing photography business along the way. Below, we list 6 takeaways from Tanner's unique journey in photography.
1. Tap into your inspiration, find your passion, and work to your strengths.
"I primarily shoot outdoor related subjects. I am inspired by nature, outdoor sports, travel,
and different cultures from around the world. My work is a mix between documentation
and creative expression. I started during the boom of digital media when I realized I
could start creating my own projects with a camera and potentially turn that passion into
a business! I take inspiration from my experiences in my life as well as the work of other
creators, I aim to build community in my work and surround myself with like-minded individuals."
2. Use the power of print to your advantage, and choose the best mediums for your work.
"I have bought and also sold various Bay Photo products. My most commonly ordered products are the Photographic Prints. Bay offers a wide variety of paper options but I love the classic Lustre and Glossy papers. They always comes out so beautiful. I also love Canvas and MetalPrints - they are perfect for stunning images that are meant to be in the spotlight on the wall."
3. Market your photography and print products with a strong foundation.
"I run my online store through my website. There I sell prints, books, and in the future
will be adding clothing products and digital downloads. I am always open to custom
requests that can be made through me directly! My online store serves as the base
foundation from which to grow, ideally expanding into more products also more widely
available, once I find a more permanent home base I hope to add a physical storefront as well."
4. Streamline your workflow and watch the income stream in.
"In the past, I used the online platform SmugMug. They have an amazing platform for photographers who wish to effortlessly link their online print store to be fulfilled by a few of the best printing companies in the US including Bay Photo! Recently I have switched my website to be hosted by Squarespace mainly to include other aspects of my business such as graphic design. I have set up my print store to showcase all of the prints I have for sale with custom sizes and paper styles I have selected. Once an order is placed, I
fulfill the order through Bay Photo online. One benefit to this method is I can either
choose to have the product sent to me first to add some personalization, or directly to
the customer as I have been doing since relocating internationally. I have carefully
considered my product's value combined with production and shipping costs to sell my work for a great price."
5. Never stop evolving!
"My plan has always been to build a strong foundation to grow. I have revised my business many times in the past. It is essential to be confident in your products and services. This is one reason I chose to have Bay Photo as my sole printing partner. They have enabled me to share my work as a photographer and guarantee a great product for my customers. I will most definitely be adding new products to my store as it evolves. One day my dream is to open an in-person gallery full of all my products from over the years!"
6. Stay true to your vision and pass along the insights as you learn.
"My advice is to not get caught up in trends! Some believe it is an essential part of the industry
but honestly, I think after a while this will kill many people's inspiration to create, and more of
your time and energy will be spent figuring out how you can keep up as opposed to creating
meaningful work. The truth is times will be hard and if you're in it just for superficial reasons it will be very easy to quit. Platforms will change, technology will advance, and even your own
business may fail... But if your passion is what drives you, there will always be a place for your work."
Special Thanks to Tanner Thibert!
Tanner is a Graphic Designer, Photographer, and Videographer originally from the Pacific Northwest USA but currently based in Barra Da Tijuca, Brazil. In 2017 he started his studio primarily shooting photography, specializing in outdoor & commercial work eventually working with some world renowned clients. He is most passionate about the outdoors, action sports, travel & different cultures, which heavily influences his work. To view more of Tanner's work, visit his website.