Meet Tooney White | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tooney White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tooney, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As a photographer or creative person in general, I believe risk taking is vital to growth. I’ve been in the business for about 12 years, and just deciding to make photography a full time career was a huge risk. When I first started I didn’t know much about how a professional camera worked or lighting or editing but I knew, or maybe felt is a better word, whether a photograph of mine was worthy to be hung up on a wall or would forever be lost in the rejected pile on Adobe Lightroom. The joys of connecting and being creative and carefree in my approach is what made me fall in love with the work I was doing.

Throughout my professional journey I’ve come to realize, taking risks always leaves me feeling a little vulnerable. However, I’ve also come to realize that when I embrace my vulnerability, it usually leads to my best work. And that in turn gives me a little courage to take more risks. So it’s okay to be scared but it’s important to keep pushing on.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It was a long journey to get where I am today. I started out as a family photography at a Mall studio. I then was offered an amazing opportunity to second shoot on the team of a talented luxury wedding photographer. That experience was amazing because I not only learned the most important aspects of being a wedding photographer but I also got to travel to gorgeous locations around Asia. After about 4 years, my sister and I opened a Boudoir Studio in the Philippines and this was a pivotal moment in my career. Culturally, majority of traditional Filipina women are expected to be conservative. So we adapted and became known for taking timeless, classy, AND sexy photos while at the same time NOT showing a lot skin. The feedback from our clients was amazing, they felt confident, beautiful, and empowered, which in turn empowered us! Then COVID came.. and everything shut down for months. We had to give up our studio, I moved back to California and decided to buy a laser cutting machine, and start a small business. It was great to be creative again. But after a year, I knew I had to get back into photography. So here I am putting my whole heart into my work. It was scary to take this leap again because the industry has changed since the pandemic but if you want to grow, you have to take risks.

I love color, black and white shots, symmetrical details, telling stories, real emotions, and breaking the rules. I love cliffs and stunning landscapes, but I also absolutely love quirky spaces with lots of character. I think my dream locations are Santorini, Greece, The Dolomites, in northeastern Italy. Places like those remind me of something my dad would paint so I can just envision in my head the most beautiful elopement photos. I recently started working with film again too and it has been so inspiring. Film helps me slow down and be more present in the moment, and be more creative as well. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that its important to never stop learning because there is always room to get better and find your voice in your creative work.

I view my art as a collaboration between me and my subjects. It’s imperative for me to connect and get to know my couples and their vision before a photoshoot takes place. I’m very involved! Lol after answering my first questionnaire, I help conceptualize the shoot with mood boards and location and styling options. When it comes to weddings, I will happily help you with your timeline and find awesome vendors, or answer any questions you have. By connecting and becoming friends before a photoshoot, our collective output is always pretty epic. And I think that’s one thing I’m really proud of, the experience as a whole.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take them to Fox Theater in Oakland and catch an intimate concert. I would also bring them to San Jose Improv for a fun evening. We recently watch JR de Guzman there and he was seriously funny. We didn’t stop laughing all night. I would then take them to check out some cool wineries in Lodi, CA. And definitely a road trip to LA or San Diego.

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?
That’s easy, my dad. He was a talented self taught painter, who taught me how to pause and see the beauty in EVERYTHING. He inspired my love of color, sunsets, landscapes, and good music. He inspired me to always take creative risks, to not be afraid to switch up my style, and to always view life through different perspectives. Second definitely has to be my kids, Ava & Kaleo. Those two are so much more artistically talented than me that sometimes I ask for their advice! They 100 percent inherited my dads drawing and painting talents so seeing them grow as artists continually inspires me.

Website: www.tooneywhitephotography.com

Instagram: @tooneywhitephotography