Welcome to the May 2018 edition of the Sarah Ellis Coaching Career Inspo Blog!
This is a monthly interview with someone who has followed their passion, dreamed big and now has a successful and exciting career. Whether you are searching for your passion or looking for guidance and insight from those in your chosen industry, the Career Inspo blog will have something for everyone. From Chief Executives, to inventors, from property moguls to artistic entrepreneurs, the 2018 line up is certainly set to provide plenty of inspiration and motivation!
For this month’s edition it was an honour to interview Tigz Rice. I have been a fan of her work for a long time and she is the wonderful photographer behind the photos on my website! Tigz is a Lingerie and Boudoir Photography Specialist, based in Hertfordshire, and uses her skills as a kick-ass female photographer to help women feel empowered, sexy and beautiful. Tigz has been running her business for just over 8 and a half years.
Sarah Ellis: Thank you for featuring on my blog Tigz! Why don’t you start by sharing what initially led you to pursue this career?
Tigz Rice: I actually fell into the job by complete accident! I knew I loved taking photos and had recently discovered an affinity with the burlesque scene at a time when the industry was still very underground. Photographing women, making them feel great about their bodies and empowering them made me feel amazing too, so I kept at it for a while as a side hustle until 2011, when I was able to make photography my full time career.
SE: How did you make your way into this career? Was there any particular training or experience that helped you?
TR: I have a degree in illustration, but my photography and retouching skills are all self taught through Google, Youtube and asking as many questions as possible. Definitely not a traditional route, that’s for sure!
SE: What are your favourite things about what you do?
TR: I think my absolute favourite thing about what I do is hearing afterwards how photo shoots have empowered other women to take the next step in their own personal journeys. Whether they’ve used the images to help promote their new business venture, or boost their confidence levels, or simply to celebrate achieving a life milestone… its amazing to be a part of that journey with them.
SE: What have been your biggest challenges/learning curves? And what reignites your passion on the tough days?
TR: I think my biggest challenge as a freelancer was developing a work/life balance. I do all my editing from a home studio so its far too easy to just keep going for an extra hour or two after dinner. I don’t think I really nailed the balance until last year, when I built some regular exercise into my routine. As for re-igniting my passion on the tough days, I have a folder of kind words from my clients that I keep for when I need that little extra boost!
SE: What are your key moments/most memorable experiences in your career so far?
TR: Most memorable would probably be the Scantilly #TheNewSexy lingerie editorial I shot in 2016, which went viral after Facebook banned it! The campaign was described by the Huffington Post as ‘one of the world’s most inclusive underwear campaigns’ – you can read more about it here – https://www.tigzrice.com/lingerie/most-diverse-lingerie-campaign-scantilly/ – spoiler, Facebook did eventually retract the ban!
SE: What key strengths do you have that make you great at what you do?
TR: For a little while I actually performed as a burlesque performer, so I have experience on both sides of the camera. I know how daunting it can be standing in front of a camera, so I make sure that the process of having your photo taken is as relaxing as possible. I’ll demonstrate poses and guide you into them, so you don’t have to worry about looking awkward. I’m also a perfectionist, so your hair and make up will be flawless – as will the lighting – meaning you’ll look great straight out of camera rather than relying on heavy photo shopping.
SE: What advice would you give someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
TR: Absolutely go for it! It doesn’t matter what camera you have, pick it up and start shooting every day. You will learn something new from every photograph you take. Stretch the boundaries of your comfort zone regularly and be open to constructive feedback from your creative peers.
SE: What are the top 3 things to consider when choosing and pursuing a meaningful and exciting career?
TR: 1) You will not be the master of everything in your business. Know your strengths and outsource everything else where possible.
2) Only take on work that you really love and want to do more of. The projects you work on now will likely define your client base for the next 6-12 months.
3) Remember that you are working to live, not living to work. Constantly evaluate your career – if its not making you happy, take the necessary steps to make it your dream job again.
You can check out Tigz’s work on her website www.tigzrice.com, and follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!
