Meet Tiffany Hartmann | Principal Assessment Specialist & Photographer

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

Hi Tiffany, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe some of the most rewarding moments in life are due to the risky nature of whatever goal you wish to achieve. I was a teacher in my 20s, but quit my job twice without another one lined up because I wanted, no, NEEDED something more. Each time, I got the job I wanted at the last possible moment. Had I played it safe, I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am today.

I approached professional photography with that same obsession. I bought a decent starter camera kit and read everything I could and practice what I learned to the extent I could in an amateur lane. I took jobs with which I had little to no experience and I took shots that were more on the creative side instead of the traditional in many cases. I steadily upgraded my systems (equipment is expensive and you have to believe in yourself that the jobs you will get will pay for it!) and aggressively learned new levels so I could explore the more challenging aspects of the art.

For landscapes, I travel as much as possible and perch myself in precarious spots, solo hikes, and hours chasing storms and lightening to get that nicer composition, or more interesting angle. Wildlife is always risky; there is a plethora of flora and fauna that is out to bite, sting, cut, or bruise you as you position yourself to capture that moment.

All of these “risky” experiences came with sacrifices and bruises whether it’s a job change or that perfect lightning strike. But once you get your “shot”? It’s simply divine.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a young girl, I did not dream of the day I could become an assessment specialist in a large corporation. It is a career that I never knew existed until late in my teaching. What started as a job fair flyer in my mailbox took me into a corporate world that taught me new technologies, honed my craft of writing, and expanded both my social and travel experiences. Once I gained the tools to excel, I discovered I actually really loved my job. I think that’s the secret. You have to love what you do because you are spending the majority of your life actually doing it. That’s why becoming successful in my career and being promoted to the top of my field felt natural. Were there times that were difficult or days that I cried with frustration or in defeat? Absolutely. If you care about something, then you care when you struggle or fight with it. I suppose it’s a bit like any relationship; there are peaks and valleys and, yes, sometimes, pits.

A lesson I have learned is that if I am not accomplishing something in one manner, then I need to re-evaluate and try a different approach. Sometimes, that approach is uncomfortable or alien to my personality, but you have to be a bit of a chameleon in a career where other people and business politics are involved. That said, you also have to maintain that sense of honor. If you achieve a goal in a dishonest or ugly manner, it will come back to bite you. And, when you find that you no longer love the job, you make a change. Life is truly too short.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Fredericksburg, Texas started out as a sleepy German community with beautiful architecture and a nice place to live and raise your children. In the last 10 years, it has exploded into a prime tourist destination! Places such as the Nimitz and George Bush War of the Pacific Museums, Lyndon B. Johnson’s ranch, and Enchanted Rock are musts. I would take my friend horseback riding through the Texas Hill Country, kayak down the Guadalupe, and visit several of the hundreds of prime wineries in the area. We would eat at establishments such as The Ridge outside of Kerrville and Los Potrillos in Harper, as well as Pasta Bella and Crossroads in Fredericksburg. To complete the trip, we would eat burgers at the Alamo Springs Cafe and watch the Mexican Freetail bats leave nearby railroad cave.

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?
My mom and stepfather raised me to be responsible, be respectful, chase my dreams but find the reality to support them and use my outgoing personality to pave the way. My leap from teaching in a small town to a big city and then later from teaching to assessment work made them nervous as it would for all concerned parents, but they still encouraged me in my chase. My stepfather particularly would tell me that “If this path doesn’t work, then try another one.”

Still, it takes a village. I have also had a small cadre of friends in my life that have always encouraged me to pursue my interests. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had that emotional support system.

Website: www.firerockphotographyllc.zenfolio.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/firerockphoto

Facebook: www.facebook.com/firerockphotography/

Image Credits
firerockphotography (which is my personal llc brand)