Tell us, Who are you and what do you do?My name is Christina Trammell, and I'm the photographer at CT Photography here in the Upstate (Clemson, SC). I do any type of sessions, including: weddings, modeling, themed sessions, engagement, bridal, couples, pregnancy, events, prom, pageant, bands, and more. To sum it up, I'm a girl just living my dreams.
Why do you do what you do?
I have always loved taking pictures ever since I can remember. I always had a Polaroid or a disposable camera in my hand growing up. After doing so many things in college that I didn't want to do, I finally realized it was time to take on something that actually meant something to me, something I actually enjoyed. Photography is definitely my favorite past time.
Tell us a little about your background?
I grew up in Woodruff, SC and moved to Pickens County when I was 12. I graduated from Pickens High School in 2008 and now attend Tri-County Technical College for TV and Radio Broadcasting. I started CT Photography in June 2010 and have devoted my all to it since. I originally was going to be an architect student before realizing my passions were more oriented around the photography field. Best decision I have made so far I must say. :)
Who are you most inspired by?
To be all honest, I am inspired by my own thoughts and feelings. I have never had a real true role model in my life, so I had to grow up learning things on my own. It made me appreciate myself and how I feel more often. I am also inspired by the world around me.
What work do you most enjoying doing?
I enjoy photographing people the most. I love meeting new people. I have the most fun when I'm laughing along with my clients and working with them to create a beautiful image. It gives me a sense of accomplishment when I see the smile on peoples' faces when they love the way they look in a photo. To hear them say, "Wow, I look great!" makes me feel good about myself. I try to make people feel amazing about themselves because every single person on this world is beautiful.
What themes do you pursue?
I really don't have a particular theme I want to pursue. I do tons of themes with my work, actually two a month. Whatever pops into my head or whatever interests me shows up in my work somehow. For instance, this coming month I'm doing a Barbie theme, and in April I'm doing a Fairy theme and a Celebrity look-alike theme. I love doing themed work. I hate the ordinary. I like to put a twist on things to make my portfolio stand out.
Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
The life I lived growing up inspired me to really strive to succeed. I had a really rough childhood that limited me, and I always told myself that when I grow up I wanted to go big with my creativity. I was always a creative child, winning tons of art and writing projects and winning several awards. For the longest I didn't think I would be able to achieve success with art because it's a hard field to be successful, but I just went for it. Now CT Photography has been a huge success. I have to say if I did not go through the hardest points in my life I wouldn't be where I am today.
What song/songs/music genres inspire you?
The one song that has really inspired me recently is "Across the Universe" by The Beatles. The line, "Nothing's gonna change my world" really helped me push through some bad situations in my life. It helped me realize that nothing should change who I am and the way I live my life.
What do you dislike about your work?
I dislike the fact that I need more equipment to achieve a lot of the looks I'm going for. I'm constantly buying something to help with my work. My main problem is I'm never satisfied (haha). I want to achieve more and more.
What do you like about your work?
Really, I like everything else. I love the different personalities brought forward to my work by the people who work with me. I try to achieve seeing not only the model, but the motel's emotion during the session. Every time I work with a client I get some of that emotion brought forward during each shoot, which makes for a beautiful photo.
Name something you love, and why.
My life. Everything about it. There's not a day that goes by where I don't think how much my life has given me. It's made me who I am today. It has lead me to meet all the people who have been introduced to me, it's brought me the ones I love most, it's brought me to where I am at this point, and so much more. I'm very content with what has happened in my life and the opportunities offered to me.
What is your dream project?
My dream project is to tour around the world taking pictures. Not just of scenery, but of daily life. I want to go around and take pictures of people, average people like you and I. I want to take pictures as people carry on with their day. I think it would be amazing. I'd probably start off with a road trip around the United States. I would love that more than anything.
Favorite or most inspirational place?
So far, I would have to say the most inspirational place for me is Charleston, SC. I went there this past New Year's Eve and didn't want to leave. I felt artistically inspired. I have been telling myself I am going to move there in my near future (haha).
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Hmm...this one is tough. I'd say the best advice that was given to me is, "Be yourself." I have learned to live for me. I'm always trying to better myself and my work because it makes me feel good about myself. I am not wanting to fit in. I want to be different, a creative individual.
Professionally, what’s your goal?
Oh I have a long list of goals, but to save you guys some reading I'll list a few. One of them is to have a studio and more lighting. I am achieving this goal through booking photo shoots. Also, I want to meet more people. It's the most rewarding feeling in the world to work with others. Also, I want to build more of a portfolio and take more classes.
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Christina Trammell
CT Photography
Want to book a session?? You know you do!! You can catch Christina on her FACEBOOK, Take a look at her WEBSITE, or check out her BLOG!!!
XOXOXO- Trashy Betty
-Special Thanks to Christina from CTPhotography for sharing with us -
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