Meet Tessa Ringlein | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tessa Ringlein and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tessa, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Hey there! I am Tessa – the face and creator behind R + T Photography. I am just a girl who loves hard, eats way too much chocolate, and is completely fascinated with learning about, well, everything. I am a proud Mama to my sweet boy and enjoy going on runs with my fur baby, Sophie Grace. My journey began when I was just eight years old from a small town in Northeastern Colorado. Photography has been apart of my family for as long as I can remember. I grew up playing with my grandfather’s old cameras and film. Growing up on the farm, I was raised with a, “don’t give up”, kind of attitude and that same attitude has really been the backbone of my career. I can’t count the hours I’ve played with my camera so I can effectively achieve my creative visions during my sessions. There’s many long days and late nights but I absolutely love doing what I do.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It definitely has not always been a smooth road. I think one of the most difficult things about being a creative entrepreneur is finding my own style while offering a style to target a broad spectrum of people. I am such a free spirit and love doing the unexpected – but finding those clients that can really jump in front of the camera with confidence can be difficult at times.
I have also been challenged with my own self-confidence as a photographer and business owner. I used to struggle with directing my client’s poses and feeling confident in my style. I really overcame this by following a lot of photographers that I felt sparked my creativity and one day, it just clicked. Dare to be different. I appreciate when I can pose my client’s a way that is completely unorthodox.
This past year has been a huge journey of awakening for myself personally and my business. I often wish I could look back to my young self and tell her, “do not be afraid to be yourself.” Completely cliche and we hear it all of the time. I’ve heard it all of my life, but it really did not resinate until this last year.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you know what Northeastern Colorado looks like, you’d know there’s not much more than farm ground and pastures with grazing cattle. One of my favorite places to visit is a little town East about thirty miles. There are some beautiful bluffs with a river that runs throughout the town. In between some of the bluffs, you can view little caves. It’s really fun to imagine what life was like two-hundred years ago out here on the plains. Some of the old farmsteads still stand to this day. Back home, there’s a great brewpub that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a cold craft beer and an evening out on the patio. If you’re in Yuma, be sure to check out Tumbleweed Brewing and Wine Co.
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?
I am beyond grateful to have many friends who have continuously supported me through this journey, but my greatest recognition goes out to my clients. Without them, I would have no story to tell. There is nothing I purely enjoy more than showing up to a session with clients who are not afraid to be themselves. My creativity thrives off of the raw and genuine emotions of my clients.
Website: https://www.rtphotographybytessa.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rtphotographybytessa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rtphotographybytessa
Image Credits
Tessa Ringlein of R + T Photography by Tessa