CREATIVE CONNECTIONS: SPOTLIGHT
When connecting with other creatives, as women entrepreneurs, we first look to connect with other boss women that are just as passionate about their careers as we are. So, when seeking to collaborate with other creatives for our upcoming event, The Kings & Queen Soiree , we were especially excited when Tashia Harris, owner/photographer at Purplei Potion responded to our call for sponsors.
photo courtesy of Tashia Harris www.purpleipotion.com
Though Tashia was inspired to be creative at a young age and always had a wanderlust spirit, she established Purplei Potion photography in 2012 after working with a group of youth that were learning to see the beauty in themselves. That experience helped her to understand her true purpose as a photographer.
From family portraits and major life events to professional head shots, Tashia enjoy's working with people from all walks of life and welcomes any opportunity to work abroad.
We had an opportunity to sit down with Tashia and this is what she had to say...
Who or what influenced you to become a photographer, and how did it influence your thinking concerning your career path?
Since I can remember I was surrounded by art. My mother was an artist and my stepdad was also an artist-both were painters and sketchers. As a kid, I remember seeing things in pictures, it was strange-but I could look at something and frame it in my mind. My mom gave me a camera when I was about 6 so that she could draw and paint and not be bothered. I remember taking pictures of everything. So without a doubt, my mother was and is my inspiration. My grandmother too. She was able to transform from a housekeeper to a lounge singer on Friday nights without effort. That transformation was something to behold. Her colorful costumes and wigs left me mesmerized. She was amazing.
What was your career path? How did you get from being an aspiring photographer to actually doing it full time, for a living?
I received a Masters in Criminology/Correctional Rehabilitation, but for 20 years I’ve worked in clinical research in HIV, Pediatric Cancer/Immunology, Pediatric Psychiatry, and Emergency Medicine. Some of the most famous drugs, I help bring to market. As I grew up I was kind of told what I was going to do and it had nothing to do with art and my career took a different path. For over 20 years I worked in the medical field, but I still took pictures. Over the last 5 years I began to care more about photography then clinical research and just this month decided it was time to do this full time.
What motivates you to continue taking pictures?
People motivate me. People are interesting subjects-how they move, what makes them laugh/cry/scream. Taking pictures is simply telling a story and storytelling is a lost art form like true photography not from a phone. And the eyes always tell the truth, which is fascinating if you think about it.
What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?
My advice would be to shoot everyday. It doesn’t matter what the subject is. Use your camera daily, be a student, and stay curious. Those things will keep you on the right track and keep you honest and pure in your art.
You’ve traveled the world. What are your top three destinations?
The 3 places I want to go: an archipelago off the coast of Morocco, but considered apart of Portugal called Madeira. Cape Verde, Senegal, and Norway/Finland. They are some of the most beautiful, but less traveled places that I haven’t been yet and can’t wait to go. The places I’ve traveled to I would have to say that Cape Coast, Ghana is one of the most intriguing and beautiful places I’ve seen. A lot of people travel to Europe, but they don’t go to Luxembourg or Belgium which are also very beautiful, quiet places to go.
For additional information or for booking, Purplei Potion can be contacted here.
Remember to grab your tickets for The Kings & Queens Soiree here.
See you all on October 28th!!
