Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Garner.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Tara. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I come from a multi-generational Iron worker family. At a young age, my father was involved in the Local Union politics of his trade. From there our family worked together to support my father’s political career. We worked picnic, rallies, elections. As the years went on and my familiarity grew in the construction industry I obtained employment with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 11. After 7 1/2 years, work had slowed down and I was laid off. Three days later my father passed away suddenly. my life as I knew it had changed. I took a year off to help my family and myself cope with the tragedy of losing him. My father James Garner was our rock. He was my mentor, my idol, I admired everything about him. He worked so hard to support his family and now he’s gone. After a year passed I obtained new employment with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 45 in Hollywood, Ca. During that time work was booming and my high-rise office was located in a construction “HOT SPOT” Tower cranes were being constructed all around me. On a lot next to my building one was going up. I was so fascinated watching the construction, and at times completed scared for them. I grabbed my iPhone and began documenting the Iron workers building this tower crane. hundreds of feet in the air it was amazing to watch. It made me proud and it made me realize how much I missed my father. They were a pure reminder of who he was and what he stood for. After work, I went down to show the guys the imagery I captured of them working. One of the workers I hadn’t seen since my father’s funeral. They loved the images and I enjoyed hearing the stories of my dad. From that point, I saw the work from a whole new perspective. I had a new passion and outlook for construction photography. Honestly it was a bit therapeutic, and I needed that too. I created a Facebook page and eventually a website advertising my imagery. Suddenly people were noticing my work and appreciating like I do. Fellow construction workers from all over the world were viewing, liking, and sharing my imagery. I wanted so bad to show the world what this trade does and who these brave fearless individuals are, and now it’s actually happening. Higher ranking people started to hear about and see my images. I was contacted by a gentleman who works for the International Ironworkers encouraging me to submit my images for a contest of which I won. it brought me to Ann Arbor Michigan to the Iron Workers Training Seminar. My image was picked for the design that was used on the shirts given out at the seminar. I was so honored and thrilled to represent my work and my family history in this trade. After Michigan, I decided to brand my own apparel for the ironworkers using my images from the job sites. The workers loved it! I began selling t-shirts at job sites, union meeting and via my website. Soon they were all over the country. By May 2016 I was hired to document the Women Build Nations Conf. in Chicago Illinois. I was documenting the women Ironworkers of California. This event inspired and empowered me to keep pushing forward, and that I too can make it in this male dominated world.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a deep journey into the core of who I am and what I represent in my imagery. I try to capture the blood, sweat and tears of Union Iron Workers. my struggles have been personal and hurtful at times. I carry a heavy family name in the trades. My father was viewed as legend. A force to be reckon with. I had a standard to live by and a name to honor. Being a woman in this type on industry has been a struggle in its own.
Under Construction Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My company Under Construction Photography is about documenting the progression of Union construction. On a personal level for the workers, and promotional advertising for the Local Unions and contracting companies. I’m know for my perseverance in trying to capture the image. I’m most proud of the inspiration I can give others who are looking to join, or in the trade or have been injured or retired from the trades. To be able to reach thousands of people who appreciate and see the love in what I capture. That’s what I’m proud of and that’s what sets me apart. My deep connection to the works, and the art of what they do.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is to be inspiring….to make people feel a connection. an emotional connection to my work. I have been very successful at obtaining that goal or level of success that I set out to do. From the beginning, I’ve been emotional attached to my images, Part of my criteria has been to pull that emotion out from the viewers. I have received hundreds of messages from my viewers telling me how seeing my images gives them the strength to keep pushing forward, That they’re not alone in this journey. We are in this together. We are stronger together.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.underconstructionphotography.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucpbytara/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TAG.under.construction.est.81/
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
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