Tiffany Harston Photography
Portrait Photographer Houston
We’d like to introduce Tiffany Harston, from Tiffany Harston Photography. Tiffany is a portrait magic maker based in Houston, TX, and has years of experience in portrait photography. Tiffany believes that every family needs a large family portrait on their wall and that it will bring you joy every day when you look at them. To learn more about Tiffany and her photography company check out our interview with her below.
Tiffany, what is your background?
I have a degree in communications and worked in hospital marketing departments for four years writing, designing brochures and fliers, and taking photographs. I have experience taking photos of professionals for marketing, websites, and more. I also have photographed about 50 weddings but my passion is photographing families with small children. I also specialize in Houston special needs family photography as I have a son with severe autism.
Why should a customer choose Tiffany Harston Photography?
My business focuses on finished, quality artwork. This means that not only will I work with the client to figure out what to wear, a perfect location for their family shoot, play with their kids during the shoot, and utilize photoshop to make perfect family photos, but I will also deliver and install the finished artwork on their walls. Clients love my service because I truly think of everything to make the process painless and to save them time. They not only have beautiful images from their family session but they have quality pieces of art that will last over 100 years. These prints and wall art will bring them joy every day.
Another big difference with me is that I am a mama to a non-verbal autistic boy. I would be the perfect choice for any family looking for a Houston special needs photographer. I work with special needs families to make the family photo session as successful as possible. Some strategies we use are a visual board, a practice or get to know me session, and patience.
I am a lover of stories–reading them, hearing them, and telling them, I came to photography for that very reason. I believe that everyone’s story is beautiful and worth telling. A photo session with me is much more than standing you up in front of my camera and getting you to smile on the count of three. I want your photos to tell the story of this particular season in your life. Is it chaotic with two kids and an occasionally obedient pup? Then I want to capture the beauty in the midst of that chaos. Do you and your partner love playing board games? Cooking dinner together? Snuggling on the couch? Love it! Here for it. Let’s document this season, capture the beauty in the seemingly ordinary. If you are looking for posed and perfect, I am probably not the photographer for you! But if you want real, genuine story-telling, I’m ya girl!
What made you want to start your photography business?
I discovered I love working with and photographing people in my hospital marketing job so I started my business on the side while working full-time. Then when we adopted our son and he had significant health needs, I quit my full-time job at the hospital to care for him. I was so grateful I had my own business with flexibility so I could take my son to numerous doctors and therapy appointments.
I shot a lot of families and weddings in Midland, Texas and when I moved to Houston decided to specialize in families.
What are the advantages that come with owning your business?
Again, the flexibility with owning your own business is great. I can set my hours and work around my son’s needs. He is severely autistic and requires very specific care. I cannot just hire a teenager to watch him. So I generally am watching him when he is not in therapy.
I also enjoy giving back to different organizations. Since I am the business owner, I can decide that I want to donate my time and services or even money to an organization. I volunteer at SIRE, an organization that provides horse riding lessons for the special needs community and that brings a lot of joy. There are a lot of kids like my son who ride there. I also did a fundraiser with them last year where a portion of my unicorn-themed-shoot proceeds went to them. I love having the ability to give back when I can.
Where do you see your business in the following years?
I am working on building my family photography business this year. In five years, I hope to open my own commercial studio space and hire an associate photographer.
What are the biggest issues for running your business?
I would say marketing is a challenge. Learning how to find and speak to my target audience. There are so many options these days with social media and paid ads, networking, etc. It can be a challenge to figure out what works.
How is your team structured?
I have contract employees who help with family photoshoots and hold lighting.
