Meet Tiffany Crenshaw | Lifestyle Newborn and Family Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffany Crenshaw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tiffany, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I actually didn’t set out to start my own business. Photography sort of found me.
When I had my girls I started taking pictures just of them. It was honestly just something fun to do with my kids. I started testing the waters of brand repping-exchanging pictures of the girls in the clothing of handmade shops in exchange for said clothes. Doing that prompted me to upgrade from using my phone to buying my first DSLR camera. Slowly, people started noticing my pictures and asking if I was doing photography. My answer was always no, this is just for my kids.
Then, a very wise coworker said to me, “Why do you keep denying the gift God has given you?” It was that statement that made me realize I needed to at least try.
So I did. I tried. And it took off faster than I could even keep up. This simple,, sporadic hobby became a thriving business just like that.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I became a photographer I had no idea what I was doing. I had. a pretty good eye for things but had no idea exactly how to execute concepts, and certainly had no idea how to run a business. My images were all over the place and I had no idea who I was as an artist. Finding my voice was a huge part in building the brand I have today.
What sets me apart in my industry is my ability to tell a story and capture true emotion in images. To create art that makes you feel something in the deepest of places. It was not easy getting here, and I am in no means finished growing. But I’ve learned to be a student of human connection and translate that into my art.
Over the last few years I have had to learn how to not only be an artist but to be an entrepreneur. Running. a profitable and sustainable business is not easy, and has been something I struggle with daily. Separating the art from the business can be so hard. I’ve learned that if you are running a business than you have to treat it like a business. You have to have a sustainable salary that would provide for you just as with any other full time job. Conveying your value and standards to others is something that will also set you apart in my industry.

When the world sees my art I want them to see themselves. I want them that their story in unique and meaningful and beautiful, and that it deserves to be told. I have build my brand around motherhood. And although I do photograph families and other genres, i weave motherhood throughout every story.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our city has so much to offer! It was actually voted best city to live in in the country for the last two years. Huntsville is known as the Rocket City. People love coming here to visit the Space and Rocket Center! We also have so many amazing hiking trails like Monte Sano! If you’re hanging out with me in Huntsville we’re going to be foodies! There’s such a culture here of small business and we like to keep it local! Some of my favorites are The Curry, 1892 East, Jack Brown’s, and Domaine South. There are so many others but that’s just to name a few. Also be sure to check out the Camp at MidCity. It’s an eclectic little area filled with locally owned businesses.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout goes to my husband who has never stopped being my cheerleader and follows me on all of my whimsical dreams and ideas.

Website: animalhouse-photography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/animalhousephotography

Facebook: www.facebook.com/animalhousephotography/