Read what one of our clients, Tanya, had to say about her experience with the 40 over 40 Campaign and why she wanted to be part of this confidence-boosting experience!
A Little About Tanya’s Background And Life
Tanya was born into a loving military family at Oakland Naval Base in California. Her father volunteered to go to Vietnam while her mother was a stay at home mom. Unfortunately Tanya’s father was not home much during her childhood as he was often deployed overseas while in the military. While her family did not have much money she recalls wanting for nothing and has fond memories of being raised in a loving home by two amazing parents.
Tanya is a first generation college student who dropped out of college as a teenager to care for her mother until she passed away from cancer. She then went back to college while working full-time and raising five children much later in life, and obtained her Bachelors degree, masters degree and PhD.
Tanya is of Greek and Italian heritage.
She is a former Firefighter-EMT.
Q+ A With Tanya
Why was being part of the 40 Over 40 Campaign important to you?
At the time of the shoot I was preparing for surgery due to a health issue. I was also traveling back and forth out of state to spend time with my father, who was dying of cancer. I was struggling with worry, impending loss of another parent and feeling a loss of myself overall. That year had taught me to appreciate life, make sure the people you love know how you feel about them, and to not let the important moments pass you by.
Seeing the photos helped me get back in touch with myself. I feel that society needs to redefine beauty, as it is often equated with youth exclusively. Beauty is ageless. Wrinkles, scars, freckles, stretch marks and gray hair – are symbols of a life well-lived and should be celebrated.
What is your profession?
Healthcare Leader / College Professor / Author
What are your achievements and hobbies?
My hobbies include reading, writing, music, cooking and spending time with family.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Being a wife and mother. All of the professional accomplishments in the world would not matter to me if I did not have my husband and children by my side!
What is your personal motto?
Be intentional with yourself.
This includes what we spend time on, how we choose to act and react, what we eat, what we spend money on, and who and what we surround ourselves with each day.
What is something that matters to you?
I am passionate about women’s and children’s rights. I have sat on several non-profit boards, including a domestic violence and sexual assault center, and a non-partisan association for women’s equality. My focused areas of research and publication include women’s equality, domestic violence and sexual assault prevention, emergency preparedness and prevention of child marriage.
When you look at your final portraits from the 40 over 40 campaign, how do feel about yourself? What words would you use to describe the woman in the portrait?
Confident and happy.
What quote defines you?
Do one thing every day that scares you – Eleanor Roosevelt
What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Stay focused on the long-term goal.
What would you like your legacy to be?
I want my friends and family to know how fiercely I loved them! I want my legacy to be a life spent in service to the people I love, my community and to the greater good.
What are 3 words that define you?
Loving, protective, intelligent
If you’re ready to book your photoshoot, you can start the process by sending an inquiry here.
Or you can see more of my Portrait Photography photos here!
Leave a Reply