Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Jueckstock.
Hi Tara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I got my start as an illustrator, was always drawing, especially in class. I would later get into photography because I was working retail and wanted to catalogue the outfits I came up with, so self-portraiture was where my photography journey started.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The smoothest!
That was sarcasm.
But really, the road to where I’m currently at has had its challenges, mostly with people who either gatekeep or “don’t get it”. It’s taken me years to get to a point where I feel I don’t or won’t explain myself to people who aren’t worth my stress or energy. In the earlier self-portrait days, I remember my mom actually saying “it looks like you’re stuck on yourself because you take so many pictures of yourself.”
In truth, it was good practice. I was trying to get into modelling at the time and didn’t have a regular rotation of work, so self-portraiture was how I bridged the gaps between shoots. I would later get into photographing other people and I’ve found the practice that self-portraiture gave me enabled me to hone my skills regarding photographing others.
It’s had it’s struggles. For one, I’m terrible at directing people on how to pose, and often resort to the “I’m going to do the pose and you copy me” method. Sometimes I’m able to explain what it is I’m going for. Also, trying to build a brand and rapport with folks to hopefully lead to more work. I struggle with promoting myself and talking myself up to strangers, and have been making strides to get better at it. I even started a podcast to help me with my communication skills!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Photographer, self-portraitist, new podcaster…. I do a lot of things. A Jill of Various Trades, if you will. Photography has become my passion over the past few years and I love the freedom and creativity it brings me.
My main genres of photography, besides self-portraits, are boudoir, engagements, and product photography. I love being able to create still lives from objects, and being able to style shoots based on a theme. It keeps me on my toes!
I’m most proud of my curiosity and flexibility. I often will say “Embrace the Chaos!” when it comes to shoots if something doesn’t work out exactly according to plan.
What does success mean to you?
Success is honestly different for different people. Being able to do what I love on a daily basis, I would consider that a success. But being able to create a community where people can come together and create, or creating a vibe or atmosphere that others feel comfortable in where they can be themselves…. that floors me.
Pricing:
- Weddings start at $800
- ‘Miniature Musings’ Mini shoots – $200
- Product photography – $100/hr
- Boudoir starts at $700
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crestwoodmedia.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/crestwoodphotography
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/crestwoodphotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Clickwitch
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/32RcUJegiCWEzfCtZqClah?si=1a8604c1bf0444b0
