DWF – Let’s start off with a little bio, tell us a little bit about yourself.
TARA - I spent the first 18 years of my life in a town of 250 people somewhere in Nebraska. I cut my teeth in a tiny darkroom processing black and white film for my high school’s yearbook. My love for photography started there. I got out of the cornfields as soon as I could and moved to Denver to study photography at the Art Institute. Not too long after college, I got my (then) dream job photographing bands and concerts for a short lived magazine. But as soon as I got pregnant with my son, my career path did a 180 and now I live in Tennessee shooting weddings and portraits.
DWF – How did you become a photographer?
TARA - Does anyone dream of becoming a wedding photographer? Just like 99% of wedding photographers I know, I became one against my will. I went to college knowing I wanted to be a photographer, but I NEVER wanted to be a business owner.
When I was 21 years old I had a college degree, but I was homeless, jobless and pregnant. I shot a wedding for a friend who was desperate. I was then hired by a husband/wife team as an associate photographer, shooting film at weddings, but making pennies. My husband and I eventually scraped together enough of those pennies for an apartment of our own (just in time for baby) and a small wedding at a Gatlinburg Chapel. Luck would have it that this Gatlinburg Chapel was looking for another photographer. I swallowed my pride and agreed to shoot 30 minute weddings for $100 a piece. Knowing that Cathy from accounting would be in charge of the post processing of my images really lit a fire under my ass to get it right in camera. Eventually, I was becoming more and more requested by their clients and finally realized that I was worth more than $100 a wedding, and that wedding photography didn’t have to suck. I remember the first time I saw JMC’s Joan of Arc. I remember thinking to myself, “you can do that?” I think that’s when I became excited about wedding photography, and Dixie Pixel was created. It’s definitely been a long, hard journey. I’ve done my share of crappy post processing while not charging enough for my talent, but at least now I can say I know better. I’m freaking thrilled at the fact that people are willing to pay me to do what I do. We closed on our first house this September. My photography is my family’s sole income. It’s so rewarding knowing we started with literally nothing, and have come so far by ourselves.
DWF- Who or what inspires you as an artist?
TARA – Anything, if you look at it the right way.
DWF- If we needed a photographer in Tennessee today why would we book you? What makes you unique?
TARA – I hear it from my clients all the time: “your photos are just . . . different.” I don’t know how I do things different. I just take the photo as I see it through my lens. I’m extremely humbled at the thought that someone . . . hell, ANYONE besides my mom thinks that the work I’m producing is worth a second look. Oh yes, and I shoot Holga. My first love was film, and while I shoot digital at weddings, I can’t quite let go of film and shoot with a Holga at every wedding. I began shooting Holga at weddings when I made a bet with myself that I can take good photos with the cheapest, crappiest camera. The results ended up being my client’s favorite images from their wedding day. Finally, I’m in love with off-camera flash. I love transforming the scene. I love to hear “where was this taken?” and seeing their reaction when they learn it’s from the most popular venue in town.
DWF - If you had to pick a favorite “Tool of the Trade” what would it be? and why?
TARA - My camera . . . for obvious reasons.
DWF – Care to share your favorite photographs?
TARA -
(see the gallery below for larger version)
DWF – How about some final words to live by?
TARA - Be what you are. I came a long way once I stopped trying to please everyone.
Location – Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Business Name – Dixie Pixel
Websites - www.dixiepixelphoto.com
Blog - www.dixiepixelphoto.com/blog
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19 Comments at "One-on-One with Tara “Dixie Pixel” Kneiser"
Cool work, great story!
Love your work, Tara! Plus you`ve got a good attitude
I just have to give props to Tara again… Not only is she a kick @$$ photographer, but she’s a great person too. A year and a half ago when I fractured *both* my elbows right in the middle of wedding season, Tara really saved our butts by photographing an out of town wedding for us that following weekend. In my mind, she is the epitome of a great photographer. Thanks again Tara and congrats on being featured!!
Tara, you final thoughts, “Be what you are. I came a long way once I stopped trying to please everyone” really hit home with me. I struggled for a long time trying to develop a style that would please everyone. Once I started shooting for me and how I saw life everything settled nicely into place for me. Thanks again for those wonderful words, be what you are.
The photos of the brunette in the trees with the light coming in from the left, is just stunning! It made me say “wow” out loud! Nice work!
Love your attitude!
Tara is one of those emerging photographers on the DWF that seems to fly under the radar, and whose modern and innovative style doesn’t get the attention it deserves from others here.
So this Featured Member interview is a solid choice! Well done.
Neil vN
Tara,
This is GREAT! So very cool. People this chick is the real deal. Down to earth, very cool, and so deserving of the attention she is getting. You ROCK girl!
Tara, you are a rockstar! Your talent is beyond words!
I’ve 2nd shot for Tara quite a few times and it’s always been a great experience. She’s professional, easy going, and it’s obvious she knows what she wants to capture throughout the day. Stylistically, she makes it appear so simple during the day, and then I see the stuff on her blog and say “oh…. THAT’S what she was seeing through that lens of hers”. All I can say is that if I were to renew my vows, I’d hire her in a second.
She’s easily first on my list here in TN.
Daryl is right- Tara is the REAL DEAL! She is a real, honest person… the two characteristics I admire most in someone. I’ve always thought of her as a Rockstar photographer and I am so glad she is getting the attention she deserves! Congrats darlin!
[...] really, REALLY humbled me. People are so nice, and they don’t have to be. Read it here: DWF Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: holga, personal, random, [...]
That’s some really nice work Tara.
Hey, Tara! Glad to see you getting some recognition. You know that I love your work, AND you’re a super cool person.
Oh Tara…my forever best friend in the whole wide world! Not only do you know that I think your pictures are amazing although I believe you take the pictures you do because of your amazing attitude. Now, the only thing you have to capture is standing up beside me at my wedding (someday) and figuring out how to take the pictures; because you WILL be my wedding photographer! I love you!
You rock Tara!
Tara, I love ya, girl. I love your work and every time I find out you are going to be back into the world of corn I look forward to seeing you. Congrats on the article. You are a positively unique and wonderful individual, it’s no wonder why your clients love your style. Take care.
Congratulations Tara! Im so exited for you! This is a great article!
Awesome Job Tara! I just love your work. Sometimes it really gets to me when a photographer has instant success or at least claims to have risen to the top in months. So to hear a story like this and see you getting the recognition you deserve is a great blessing!
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