The Gift is in the Giving

Self Portrait | Tamarah Ellen

We all want recognition and praise and deserve to be appreciated, but what, if it doesn’t happen? I remember when I was going full force as a hair stylist, I became the top income earner at the most prestigious salon in Greensboro, NC.  There was instant gratification, for my clients would see their results right away as they looked in the mirror. It feels wonderful when people are excited and praise your work, but how do we keep motivated when it doesn’t happen?

When I transitioned into a professional photographer, it was a wake-up call from being a hairstylist.  As a hairstylist, I worked with back-to-back clients; the praise came before me at that moment, and when my client left, I was paid, and my work was done.   As a photographer, my clients don’t see my work right away, and when they leave, my work has only just begun.  The countless hours of editing and retouching, cropping, and allowing my inner da Vinci go to work.  I am an artist. In the studio, my Da Vinci is working with my lighting and then my perfect capturing of the right moments, often before my subject strikes a pose.  It’s the un-posed moments that create art. The edited photos are placed in a gallery, sending a link via email to my client, and voila, if I am lucky, I will get a response.  Sometimes, there is no response at all. I know other photographers who experience this, but the years of instant gratification as a hairstylist it was a big change for me.

First Issue of "Tamarah's Closet" Magazine

What I am still learning, is the gift must be in the giving. I learned many years ago to give more than you get, and success will come. This is what I do.  I remember that the extra miles I go for my clients, sending more edited photos than most and working longer than most, would eventually pay off in the long run. Therefore, the gift is in the giving, meaning knowing I worked hard and gave them my all is the gift of appreciation to myself. The outside appreciation will come. There will often be a complete stranger whom I’ve never photographed who will honor or praise my work. This is where we find the motivation to keep moving forward.

"Tamarah's Closet" magazine | Photographer Tamarah Ellen

World Renowned Neurologist, Dr. Richard Bedlack at Duke Hospital

 Whether you are a photographer or in any trade, your praise will often come from the strangers I call angels from God.  Out of the blue, they will appear and lift you, and your shoulders will pull back, your head will hold high again, and the day will seem brighter.  Joy comes once again, and there’s a skip in your step, and your creativity will flow again. When things appear gloomy, I remind myself of my talents by looking at my work. I keep things that represent my accomplishments around my home, visit my website, or look at my photographs on the wall to remind myself, “I am an artist.”

Reserve Champion Half-Arabian Native Costume | Quentin, PA in 2000

Tamarah's National Show Horse "Key Reflections"

With my magazine, it's often a complete stranger who will come up to me when I am out in public, recognize me, praise my magazine, and encourage me to keep up the good work.  That’s the icing on the cake that we hear about.  The real praise for me comes from God, for I remind myself that only God determines my value, and my work is a gift from God and no one else.  The more I praise God and thank God, even in tough times, the more my miracles come to me.  I have kept my faith through the toughest times, for I know these tough times are making me stronger and better.

Former Mr. Universe and Trainer Quincy Roberts, Congratulating

me at the Charlotte Cup 2011

Give More than You Get, But Not to a Fault

While the gift is in the giving, I have also had to learn not to give too much, for there are bills to be paid, and mostly, because I deserve to be paid in abundance.  Being a giver is good, but one must remember, “A fool with his money will soon be parted.”  Time is money. 

Turk and me at an Agility Trial 2016 | Phyllis Ensley Photography

Enjoy being a giver, yet remember the world and life isn’t free. Appreciation and praise often come from strangers, and God determines our value, not people. Never give up on your dream, and remember to look at the amazing things you have accomplished, and the future will be brighter than ever. Keep things around that remind you of your accomplishments and review them when you are down. Lift yourself up, and lift others.

The journey is the important part, and celebrate even the smallest of victories along the way!

To your success, rock it!

Tamarah Ellen

Turk and Me at an Agility Trial in 2016 | Phyllis Ensley Photography

Tamarah's Closet Live Interviews streaming on Canyon Star TV