Spark Spotlight Artist: Cinematic Photographer Tia Corbin
Hailing from Sylva, North Carolina, 27-year-old Tia Corbin is an artistic, experimental, and inclusive photographer whose work draws from authentic feelings and real-life experiences. She received her Associate’s Degree in Advertising and Graphic Design from Southwestern Community College in 2018 and has been working as a photographer ever since. Tia describes herself as “a genuine person just creating what comes to mind during the random parts of the day.” She finds inspiration for her work from people and things she observes in everyday life. Just as much as she is a participant in her own work, she considers the models in her photo sessions to be creative participants, too. She describes her style as cinematic, evoking feelings of movement and fluidity, leading the viewer to ponder the story behind the image.
1) How did you become interested in photography?
When I was young, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. My mom encouraged me to explore advertising and graphic design. In that program, I got to work in a dark room. I just fell in love with the concept of photography, and I started falling in love with taking photos, so I decided to pursue it. I started with landscapes and objects, like old antique doors – just anything I could find. Then my dad bought me my first camera when I was 21.
2) What is it about taking photos that interests you?
I’m just so passionate about my photos. In my creation, I feel very liberated and “me.” When I got into portraits, I was taking pictures of people who didn’t necessarily like the way they looked, so I would take pictures of them in certain lighting, and they would fall in love with how they looked. And that is something that I am really passionate about. They’re beautiful through my eyes and through my camera. We are our own worst critics of ourselves and our bodies. I want the models to feel comfortable because it’s their art as much as it is mine. I like to get to know someone before I take photos of them. Your natural movements are who you are.
2) What is your favorite part about taking a photo of someone?
It’s the creativity behind the actual photo. When I see certain lights, like very cinematic, I create something similar in my head, but I don't copy people. My art is my art. I create something in my head, and actually being able to execute that in one photo, that’s my favorite part.
3) What would you consider your photography style to be?
Film, cinematic. I’m obsessed with the film concept. I usually like to recreate film through digital photography. I think it has something to do with my love for the 70s, just the colors and how effortless it looks. I have a certain respect for film because it’s so difficult. To be a film photographer and actually be good at it, it’s a skill.
4) Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My dad is my biggest inspiration. He believed in me. He believed in my work, and he believed I could become a photographer. When he died, I found all of his polaroids from when he was younger, and it kind of lit a fire in me. And it’s like a part of my father still living. His creativity is running through my veins, so he lives on through my work. The name of my company, Jhawke Photography, is inspired by him. J is for “James.” “Hawke” is because my dad always thought his own father came back as a hawk because he would see hawks in strange places. After he passed, I started seeing them, too.
5) What is most important to you as a photographer?
I think it’s extremely important to build a safe space for the models that you work with, regardless of race, religion, identity, or sexual orientation. Just being there, with open arms, for anyone who wants a portrait.
6) What do you think makes you different from other photographers?
My work is different from other photographers because of my range of creativity. I can work in many different environments and make a whole story behind one photo. I can use vibrant colors in a studio or use natural light to create feeling.
7) What are some of the challenges that you have faced in your work?
I think one of the biggest challenges I face is that I’m a perfectionist. I love being able to create and make my art come to life, but I can be quite hard on myself. I hold myself to such a high standard sometimes that it’s hard to achieve the goal. I also live in a very small town, so I have to travel to studios to be able to create certain lighting looks.
8) What are your goals for the future as a photographer?
Having my own studio, and being able to help people on a bigger scale. It would provide me with more exposure so I could take photos of more people. Some people I grew up with had autism. I also want to create a safe space for people on the spectrum who are artists because they’re looked at differently, especially in their work fields. I would like to help create a safe environment for them to be themselves. In five years, I want to be a full-time photographer and be able to expand my creativity in different ways.
Instagram @jhawke_photography
To book, visit www.jhawkephoto.com
