Meet Rithy Tamba | Wedding & Family Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rithy Tamba and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rithy, what is the most important factor behind your success?
A successful brand is one that represents the business in the most fundamental way. It provides a cohesive experience for the clients, it attracts specific clients and customers that are excited to work with you. Achieving this does take time and work, but I have found that the most important factor is to stop mimicking those around you. Stop copying and comparing yourself to your competition. Instead, dig deep and ask the tough questions: what about the brand that draws you to them, what is it about their business that attracts you? Once you start to narrow the answers down, you can begin to create a brand of your own, one that represents you and one that attracts your ideal clients. Start creating ideas, products, agendas that align with the core values for your brand. I’ve learned that I may love the aesthetic of my competitors, but when I create my own art, I’m pulled in a different direction. I use to fight that and try to be like the other creatives in my area of business, but I wasn’t happy. I was never satisfied. It wasn’t until I stop the mimicking, and started asking myself the tough questions; that’s when I found my own flow, my own truth, my own brand. A true representation of my business and what I now consider a successful brand.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a photographer. I shoot both film (analog camera) and digital, but my film is definitely my favorite. Nothing compares to the way a photo comes alive through film. However, a camera is still just a tool. The way it is used by each person is what makes a difference. My focus is to draw from the emotions, to tell a story through my lens. Work doesn’t feel like work when you’re doing something you love. Documenting someone’s story can be challenging if you’re not vulnerable yourself. Allowing myself to feel what my clients feel, to celebrate with my clients, to laugh and cry with them. If I cannot tell their story genuinely then I did not serve them well. So the most challenging part is creating that trust that will allow me to become a part of their story.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh boy! My husband and I have multiple lists for this in Portland! Where to eat, where to drink, coffee spots, and adventure/exploring spots. Portland, Oregon has so much to offer and I’m always excited to show people around. Some local spots I love to frequent is Screen Door, Salt and Straw, Pips Donuts, and multiple food trucks like Cartlandia.

Visiting the Oregon Coast and the Columbia River Gorge is a must.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes yes yes! My mentors have been so helpful in helping me get to where I am today.

My first mentor is Mike Zaragoza of Freehope Photography who encouraged me to pursue my dream in photography.
My second mentor is Mylyn Woods who brought me back to where my roots in film photography.
My third mentor is Carlos Hernandez who helped me to remember that my business is not my life and reminding me of my work-life balance.

Of course, I can’t leave out my husband and family who supported me in every way possible. Without them, I wouldn’t have the courage to leave my 9-5 and pursue my passion full time.

Website: www.rtfaithphotography.com

Instagram: @rtfaithphotography

Facebook: @rtfaithphotography

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