Today we’d like to introduce you to Teal Moss.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My parents gave me my first camera in the third grade, just before we took a European vacation. I’ve had a camera in my hand ever since that family trip. Once I moved to Los Angeles, my love of music and photography went hand-in-hand. After my music career didn’t pan out as I had hoped, I spent more time on my photography. I’d pick up my camera and I would just go to places that were of interest to me. That ranged from museums to public events like concerts, festivals and some sporting events. Eventually, people started to come up to me at those events and asked me for contact information to get copies of the pictures.
In some instances, they just assumed I was part of the photography staff that was hired by the event producers. They spoke to me as if I was supposed to be there. They had no idea it was more of a hobby and personal thing for me. Before you knew it, my hobby turned into paid gigs. Motown Records was the very first label to hire me. That job soon led to another and then the referrals came over and over again. From working with Quincy Jones to private events for celebrities, movie premieres, music industry listening parties and so on. My work and reputation spoke for itself; and for that I am grateful. For that, this interview wouldn’t have been possible.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Yes, there are definitely obstacles and challenges in this field of business. Both on the creative side as well as the business side. As a business owner, for me, the challenges are finding the time to balance all of the functions required to operate a successful business. The ability to maintain administrative duties like accounting, responding to inquiries in a timely manner for existing and potential new clients. The long hours can be taxing. The ability to give the time to manage the business, all while staying focused and giving 110% to the creative side. The creative side is what keeps the business moving ahead and growing. The creative keeps me going.
You cannot predict a traffic accident when you are trying to get to an outside shot that requires the sun and natural light at a specific time of day. As a matter of fact, you cannot predict that a sunny forecast won’t turn into rain or clouds on the day of a shoot. Thank God for great artificial lighting that can nearly recreate the sun at noon! Other obstacles like unexpected emergencies that require cancellation or going from three (3) photographers down to only two (2) for an event that needs three. Or wishing you can be in two places at once, can really be draining.
Although I am a student of the old school techniques, I still keep up on the new technologies, and that is always changing and improving. So, I read, study, and keep my equipment current. As a business owner, you have to make sacrifices. You cannot always hang out late or connect with friends or family when you have early morning shoots. It is such a blessing to have the problem of having a full calendar….but a full calendar means juggling commitments and still giving 110% to the client projects. Sometimes I need more than 24 hours in a day.
Creative Challenges: The creative challenges are some of the simplest yet fleeting moments. What I mean by that is capturing that perfect shot, at that perfect moment. You know the one that will not see the light day if I do not get it on film…the shot that cannot be recreated again, because it is a priceless ‘one of a kind’ moment. A baby’s smile, a bride and grooms first kiss as husband and wife, the model moving into just the right light that captures the perfect gleam of the sun at the tip of the eye-lash…yes, it is just like that! Those creative moments are what I live for. Those unpredictable, magical moments that allow me to use my God given gifts to capture something so sweet, so special and yet so simple.
It may sound really cliché, but “a picture does speak a thousand words”….and no two pictures are alike. I love that I can capture those moments. I love that I can be a part of those moments. They give me air…they give me energy that I cannot explain. But my passion for what I do makes it worth it. I love what I do. Some days I cannot imagine doing anything else. My commitment to the work and the client keeps me motivated. I really do have to pinch myself sometimes, because I am doing a job that I love. I feel honored to be entrusted to deliver their memories.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’ve been taking photos as a paid professional for over 20 years. It is a small business that has taken me around Los Angeles, across the US and even to a few destinations outside of the country. I am the sole proprietor and the primary photographer with a team of secondary but amazingly talented men and women. The types of projects span across a few industries and genres. Our services are active within the Entertainment events (Red carpet, wrap-parties, award shows, and movie premieres), Diverse groups and organizations (Specialty events), Weddings/ Receptions, Music/ Album covers, Corporate events (conferences, luncheons, dinners and executive headshots), traditional model shoots, personal/intimate shoots, and even headshots for aspiring creatives. We are equipped to take on destination shoots outdoor and indoor. We are open to going to where our client wants us.
I have an ongoing working relationship with a creative super star by the name of Kim Williams and Inkspot Entertainment. I get to work with both of my passions…I create original music and photography for some of the productions, and this has been the best of both worlds. For the last several years I have had ongoing appearances that include but are not limited to the Essence Fest (many may have been introduced to it by the Girl’s Trip movie.). The annual BET Experience, SESAC and SESAC Latin Awards, several OUT Magazine events and even the NBA All-star events.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Professionally I am working on expanding my business offerings…no details yet, but stay tuned!
Also my passion project is that I am gearing up to put out a concept book of my photography. I am very excited about this project. It has been a long time coming!
Contact Info:
- Website: tealster.com
- Email: teal@tealster.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tealmoss
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tealmoss
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/frenchtelefone
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