Tina: Finding Motivation, Creating Through Photography And Growing Up In Miami

If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be?

Caring

Name 3 things you love

Michael Jackson, Camera, portable charger

Who or what drives you?

The outcome of my work.

What is your passion?

Photography 

When did you realize it was something you loved to do?

Ever since middle school I would carry around a little point and shoot camera, I would take pictures of anything and everyone around me, my friends would get super annoyed. But I got serious about it right after high school ended.

What do you do to better your skills?

Learn from my mistakes.

Who do you look up to in your line of work?

Begoña Seijas (my high school photography teacher)

How do you deal with self-doubt?

You recognize it, understand that they’re just thoughts and that you are not your thoughts and most importantly move on.

What or who inspires you?

Any successful photographer making a living out of their passion.What do you like doing in your spare time?Eat, sleep, and go on Tumblr.

Where did you grow up?

D TOWNN (Doral, FL)

How did your environment influence your ability to express yourself as a creative?

Growing up in Miami, being exposed to so many artists, and art events really influenced me as an artist in the sense of truly allowing myself to express who I am through my art. So many artists in Wynwood create amazing things that are completely out of the ordinary. Growing up with that definitely influences your ability to do the same. 

How do you feel about society teaching women to constantly compete one another?

I don't think society has taught women to compete with another. Yes, it has influenced that, but really I think competition is engraved into our DNA. It's survival of the fittest. You have to be the best at what you do or you won't survive. I don't think it's a gender issue, I think that it's simply part of how we were created.

When do you think female competition can be considered healthy and motivational?

I think competition in general, can be healthy and motivational until it reaches the point where you're hurting other people or doing whatever it takes to get what you want even if it means bringing others down, and most importantly when it's not making a positive influence in your life and relationships with other people.

Have you ever experienced cattiness from other women in your field?

No, I haven’t and I hope I never do. I’m always around creative and powerful women and they always have the best energy I hope it stays that way.

What do you think we can do as women to begin changing the narrative?

I think that as women, we shouldn't separate ourselves in an egoistic power-hungry way. I think we should go back to the fundamentals of sticking together, and that's not just for women, that's for all humans.

If there was one message you could tell the world, what would it be?

Be yourself. Fuck what people think of you, just stay true to yourself and know who you are.

What is the best way for people to see your work?

Instagram: @tinapphoto Tumblr: tinapphoto.tumblr.com  

The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect Cat Lantigua's positions