Tanner Wages, a junior journalism and mass communication major at Samford University, is the owner of Tanner Wages Photography. Her business is dedicated to capturing meaningful moments and telling stories through authentic, timeless imagery.
What is the story of your company? How did it start?
Five years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic took over my life and the lives of many others around the world. We all had extra time on our hands, and it seemed like everyone was looking for a hobby or a project. Our first project as a family was getting a Cavapoo puppy to help make the days more enjoyable for my siblings and me. Soon after Milo’s arrival, I picked up my mom’s camera and began photographing him. Gradually, the most challenging months of my life provided the opportunity to turn my photography hobby into a passion and, ultimately, into a small business.
Now, I specialize in capturing “end of an era” photos for high school seniors and college graduates, the seemingly mundane moments of daily life for young families, updated headshots for young professionals entering the workforce, and promotional content for various sororities on Samford’s campus. I have served as the second shooter for two weddings since I began taking photography more seriously, and last April, I shot my first solo wedding. That experience, along with numerous others, solidified my desire to be a photographer for the rest of my life.
Why did you want to join the Samford Startup?
While I am more established back in my hometown of Auburn, I am actively working to broaden my business in the Birmingham metro area. Since coming to Samford, I have been able to expand my clientele to Birmingham families as well as the Samford community, but I would like to see my business grow even more. Recently, I have been able to work with sororitiesand fraternities on Samford’s campus and would like to also be able to work with area high school students as well as with UAB students.
I wanted to join the Samford Startup because I am continually working to grow and improve my business. My desire to tell stories through photography is my talent and my calling, as much as any major that I could choose. As I work to solidify my academic foundation with a journalism and mass Communication major and general business minor, I want to take every opportunity I can to develop my business so that my passion can become my job.
How has the Samford Startup program supported your business?
As an entering Samford Startup student, I am looking forward to seeing the various ways that my business can be supported by and expanded through the program.
What has been the most challenging part of launching your business? How did you overcome this?
The most challenging part of my business is learning to manage slower periods while staying focused and not getting overwhelmed during the busy season. Additionally, I want to learn how to market my services most effectively and differentiate myself from the many photographers in the area. As this is my first year in the program, I believe I will gain valuable insight into both of these challenges through the guidance and experience of seasoned small business owners.
How has the Samford Startup program helped you grow professionally?
As I begin the program, I am looking forward to growing as a photographer and an entrepreneur during my time in the Samford Startup program.
What do you envision for your business?
As a member of the Samford Startup program, I want to learn how to combine my passion and talent with the skills necessary to run a sustainable business. Too often, people start businesses without understanding how to manage them, which can lead to failure or make the work feel more like a struggle than a joy. I want to be well-prepared for both the daily challenges and rewards of running a small business. Additionally, I hope to connect with established photographers in the Birmingham area and learn from other small business owners. Ultimately, being a photographer and capturing someone’s story is what I want to do with my life, and the Samford Startup program offers guidance and opportunities to make that dream a reality.
How is your business redemptive in a Christ-like manner?
In his book The God of the Mundane, Matthew Redmond says, “There is a God delighting in the ordinary existence of the unknown faithful doing unknown work.” As a photographer, my role is often behind the camera, capturing the stories of God’s children. Some moments are extraordinary, while others are ordinary, but together they create the tapestry of our lives. Through photographs, people can reflect on how they’ve grown, remember those they’ve lost, and recognize God’s grace throughout their journey. None of my photos feature my own face; I am the unseen collector and recorder of these stories. I believe God uses me to help families preserve their memories and, in doing so, reveal His glory.
How do you see your company having an impact on the Samford and Birmingham communities?
Samford has a story to tell, both here in Homewood and throughout the greater Birmingham community. Much of Samford’s impact comes through its students, and I want to showcase to Birmingham, the state of Alabama, and beyond how remarkable Samford students and families are. Additionally, I hope to collaborate with established photographers in the Birmingham area to provide quality photography services to more people throughout the city.
Why would you encourage other student entrepreneurs to join the program?
The Samford Startup program gives students the opportunity to learn how to run a business and gain a deep understanding of the day-to-day realities of small business ownership. Learning from Dr. Matt Mazzei and other experienced entrepreneurs is an incredible opportunity that can have a lasting impact on the future of businesses that begin on Samford’s campus.
Learn more about Tanner Wages Photography
