Today we’d like to introduce you to Tirzah “Tizzy” Kohler.
Hi Tirzah “Tizzy,” thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve loved photography since I was a kid, but my love for weddings didn’t only happen once I moved to Charleston in 2016. I met some friends already in the business, and they believed sincerely in the community over competition. My first Nikon body was gifted to me (I know, read that twice), and in return, I would make an effort to do a second shoot with this Charleston-based photographer. I quickly found love in all the elements that lead up to a wedding day. The details, the families, and the deep love of the couples were all the perfect storm for my passion to root deep. It took years of second shooting and slowly branching into heading my weddings, leading me to where I am now. I have cried both frustrated and happy tears, but capturing people amid passionate emotion is everything. I get to see humans be their most human; it’s addictive.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No road is ever perfect. One hurdle was Covid-19; then, I thought I was about to go full-time as a photographer. More was in mind for me. We had fewer weddings and on more minor scales that year, so I was scared to pull the trigger and leap into full-time. Though a new outlook on weddings came, I saw small families come together and refocus their attention. I started adapting my craft to real moments, not “perfect” ones. It was a time to change my attitude and capture how it occurs, not how we think it should happen. Another struggle I’ve experienced is the “imposter” syndrome. Every creative has to endure that. Our job is not a job; it is an art, which means opening up ourselves to critics who may not see our vision. It is scary to think someone may not love your work. Not loving your work feels like they don’t like a part of you, your mind or heart.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in weddings and couples portraits. I photograph families, graduates, and anyone else documenting a life change. I’m most proud when I can step back and watch people be themselves and capture them for how their loved ones view them. I want to trigger emotions from my clients, prompting them so they remember spending time with those they are with and don’t remember my camera in their faces. I am a mix of documentary and editorial. I love a moment of drama and beauty, but not any more than I love capturing a moment of belly laughs and embraces. I also want a timeless look. I embrace color in photos but never alter the images to give a fake appearance of what that moment honestly looked like.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory, wow, why is this a hard one? It goes back to when I was 16. I have a deep love for horses, and I got to care for one for about a year. I grew deeply attached to Scout, a quarter horse, and couldn’t stand to be away from him for more than a day. When it was nice weather out, and he would rest in the barn, I would lay on top of him for a cat nap. I took every chance to brush him, just for him to roll in the dirt, waiting to see if I would brush him again. He taught me discipline and to work hard for something I want. When I had to say goodbye, I remember taking photos with him. I climbed up bareback and rode through the field while my dad snapped pictures of us. I love those photos; I can see how much I cared for Scout and his trust in me. I’m forever grateful I have those pictures.
Pricing:
- Weddings starting at $4,000
- Couples & Families starting at $500
- Solo Portraits starting at $400
- Elopements starting at $600
Contact Info:
- Website: www.renphotosc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renphoto_sc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renphotosc/
Image Credits
REN Photography
