National Geographic photographer Tara Kerzhner on increasing diversity, defining success & hustling

Welcome to Photo Talk! In this episode, Julie Ellison speaks with Tara Kerzhner, an award-winning photographer, director, cinematographer, and accomplished rock climber with over two decades of experience.
Tara and Julie talk about Tara’s roots in photography, her transition out of a full-time career and into freelance life, how to define personal success, shifting out of a “FOMO” mindset and into one that is more self-focused, gender inequality in the photography industry, marketing and hustling as a freelance photographer, and so much more.
This is one conversation you won’t want to miss, so settle in and enjoy!
▶️ In This Episode:
0:00 - Introduction
1:10 - Welcome
2:50 - Transitioning out of a full-time career
3:03 - Tara’s roots in photography
4:21 - Getting a job at Ruffwear
5:12 - Working remotely in Spain: A turning point
7:08 - “Wow, I’m a photographer!” Tara realizing what success looks like to her
10:19 - Experiences with gender inequality in photography
16:35 - On shifting mentality to overcome feelings of inadequacy and jealousy
18:01 - Thoughts on being a woman in the industry & frustrations with brands not working with female photogs more often
20:18 - Tara’s conversations with photographer Will Saunders
21:19 - Marketing & hustling as a photographer
23:37 - Dealing with the financial ebb & flow of freelance life
27:49 - How Tara does photography, filmmaking, and climbing at the pace she does them
31:00 - On putting filmmaking aside to focus on other things
32:49 - On intentionally hiring and supporting other female professionals
37:50 - Rapid-fire questions
38:52 - Outro
Tara Kerzhner
Tara Kerzhner is an award-winning photographer, director, cinematographer, and accomplished rock climber. With two decades of experiences in adventure sports and rock climbing, she has established herself as one of climbing’s most sought-after visual storytellers.
Tara’s work spans multiple mediums, including high-angle adventure, editorial, and commercial photography/filmmaking.
➡️ Website: www.tarakerzhn...
➡️ Instagram: / tarakerzhner
Julie Ellison
Julie Ellison is a photographer and director with 15 years of storytelling experience. She creates dynamic imagery for commercial and editorial clients that has meaning and impact. Specializing in agriculture, travel & outdoor lifestyle, her favorite stories focus on the intimate connection between humans and nature.
💻 See more on her website: www.julieellis...
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