"When you love something so much it's easy to become completely consumed by it."

Tammie Pittwood was always the one with the camera at school. She had a thing for capturing moments, and from early on a passion for photography. But was equally as good at painting and decided to take a Fine Arts degree. She loved it but after graduating realised it wasn't for her. She loved the creative process of painting, and still misses it sometimes, but as a career it didn't inspire her as much. 

Throughout university she photographed a few weddings for her friends, and so began her natural progression into the photographic industry.

 "My husband hates wedding season, but I love it. I have a terrible work/life balance – something I definitely need to work on. But when you love something so much it's easy to become completely consumed by it." 

I asked Tammie what she looks for when taking photos. Connection and light were the two most important. Connection between the subjects, and between them and the environment. She loves to manipulate their environment to frame the subjects. And she loves light. Her style strikes me as organic, vintage, very natural.

"I love to learn, and keep growing as a photographer. When you stop being interested in your job, you don't show up the same way. I am always practising, trying new things and seeing what works for me.

"Go to workshops, play, practice and strive to get better."

Tammie says she wishes she had focused more on her own journey when she started out, rather than focusing on and comparing herself to other photographers. "Of course you can look at photographers and be inspired by their work, even find mentors. But I find that when you compare yourself to other photographers you never really create work for you. It becomes a competition and you get disappointed. Work on creating your own brand, practise a lot and never stop. But don't focus too much on what people are doing around you."

"Why photography? I love my job, everything about it. I was once passionate about painting, sewing, renovating, but photography seems to have become this all encompassing thing."

I love Tammie's attitude. It reminds me of an article I read, or it may have been a video, about the importance of not starting out doing something for the wrong reasons. Of course we all want to make money, and that may be a goal. But let your passion drive you and the money will come.

Many years ago Tammie worked for a photographer who was using Queensberry. When it came to her own business she describes offering albums as a "no-brainer". We love seeing Tammie's work come through the Bindery. This particular 44 page 10x7 Q-Book is of Larrah and Brady's beautiful wedding day. The incredible venue called The Barn, the family's attention to detail, and an hilarious bridal party, all made for a fantastic day, and Tammie shot twice as many photos as normal.

Larrah and Brady, we hope you love your new album as much as we do. 

Alexandria x