Who.We.Are

.TOMME.
the photographer

I’m a woman. I’m a mother. I’m a wife. I’m a friend. I’m you.

I’m ruled by emotion. I also capture that emotion. I’m every woman.

What moved me to be a photographer: The feelings I felt flipping through magazines and books- goose bumps on my arms emerging from a single image. From being drawn to tears by one still frame to smiling so wide my cheeks hurt. All by wonderful photo documentalists that can tell a story without a single word. That’s what I wanted to do. Forever. Tell your story. Eternally.

I have given albums to my brides and they flip through the pages and burst into tears. There were so many things they forgot about. They missed the way their new husband smiled the entire way down the aisle. They didn’t take the time to notice their mother’s tears as they put on their dress. They had no idea their father had to go outside for a few stolen moments to gather the thought that his little girl is no longer little. These are things they now have forever. These are priceless memories. I wouldn’t trade that job for anything else!

My work is complex to summarize, as each piece of art is dissected by the viewer as an individual piece of history.

But since I have to give my own sentiment of my work………

It’s emotional. It’s edgy. It’s raw. It has a flair for drama and fashion (come on girls, it comes with ovaries!). It’s fun and adventurous! It’s you! It’s life everyday. Intensified.

I am photography educated although my advanced degree has been in people. Most of my knowledge and skills aren’t as technical as they are about getting to know the people that hire me. It’s a fusion of my skills and your comfort that reveals the true chemistry of great photography. It’s my job to make it fun, a wonderful experience for you and the pictures just seem to flow effortlessly.

All women should have the experience of feeling beautiful. Being a model for a day. When we work together, that’s exactly what you are. No matter how awkward anyone feels in front of a camera, just a few years from now you will look at those pictures and be so proud you have them. You didn’t look as bad as you thought. You weren’t nearly as fat as you felt. You were beautiful then. You are beautiful now. Stop making excuses. There is no better time than the present! Be ok with taking photographs. I never have problems with three year old little girls feeling embarrassed taking photos! Break out of the mold and let’s have some fun! Dammit!

-Tomme

"As usual, there is a great woman behind every idiot"  John Lennon

.ERICA.

the assistant

I am tedious. I am methodical. I am creative. I am a designer.

I speak with visuals and not with words. I believe great designs say everything without opening the mouth to speak -- as words are not my driven forte. So, I apologize in advance for the lack thereof.

Every genre of art interests me, as I have tried most of them at least once. But Graphic Design is the one that defines me. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication with an emphasis in Graphic Design from Winthrop University and have enjoyed every moment of being a designer. Creativity is what I thrive on  -- new day, new idea. I create designs that build off the client, that express who you are or who you want to be. Tell me what you want and I shall deliver.

 - Erica

"Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless."
Jamie Paolinetti