Lisa Tanner, Rock Star Photographer
If you want a rock star headshot, then get your picture taken by someone who has photographed rock stars. And if you hate having your picture taken (like I do), then get your photograph taken by someone who has not only photographed rock stars, but also started her career in the era of film photography – ‘cause those photographers know how to get the money shot, fast.
A good bet: photographer Lisa Tanner, who was a photographer and publicist for Atlantic Records during an iconic period for rock music: the era of AC/DC, Springsteen, Bob Seger, The Stones, Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, YES, Roxy Music, Bad Co.…the icon list goes on.
Lisa chose her career path early, and this may be a case where the spooky side of genetics played a role: at age seven, she took her first photograph with her father, famed jazz photographer Lee Tanner, while he was on the PBS set. As Lisa told me: “I remember him photographing the great jazz and blues musicians, and would shoot alongside him with his old Mamiya twin lens reflex camera. So I decided to follow in his footsteps. I have brought my own unique perspective to photography, and I like to think that I will never stop seeking innovations to keep my craft fresh and compelling.” When she’s not creating beautiful portraits, Lisa is busy on film sets and from time to time indulging in a personal project.
Who are your heroes?
Women who put themselves out there and don’t let conventional boundaries get in their way.
What is your current challenge?
Growing my photography business to include interesting magazine work.
Your greatest achievement?
My kick-ass Navy JAG daughter!
What is your motto?
“Whatever it takes.”
Why are you an entrepreneur?
It’s so much more fun than the 9-5 world.
What problem are you solving?
Bad head shots on social networks (seriously, really I wish I was solving something important!).
What problem would you like solved?
Hunger in America.
Biggest regret?
That I didn’t use more sunscreen.
What mobile device do you presently use?
iPhone 5.
Which talent would you like to have?
A knack for languages.
Advice you wish you’d had (or had followed)?
“Save money.”
Are you on Twitter? Is there a Twitter follower you can’t live without?
I really should start this tweety thing…
Your nails on a chalkboard moment is?
Everyone staring at their phones when they could be chatting and experiencing the world.
The J.O.B. you’d actually like?
Running a B&B in the wine country.
Biggest misconception about being an entrepreneur?
You work all the time.
Inc. or Rolling Stone or…..? Which magazine cover?
Let’s see, I kinda did the Rolling Stone thing, so I’ll take Vogue (Interviewer’s note: prints of Lisa’s images of Peter Gabriel that appeared in Rolling Stone hang above the interviewer’s sofa!).
What are you reading?
Ireland travel guides.
What book is your must read?
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles.
If I wanted to do what you’re doing…what’s your advice?
Ditch art school and go assist a bunch of great photographers!
What conference would you like to keynote?
None — I hate to speak in public.
Guilty pleasure?
Great red wine.
Short cut, long route, road less traveled? What’s your roadmap?
Wherever the road leads.
What makes you laugh out load?
Cards Against Humanity.
Your Ferris Bueller moment: if you could goof-off/skip out for a day, what would you do?
Head to a Korean Spa for a scrub and massage. or check some fashion prom dress store like instyledress
One place in time you’d like to visit?
The Wild West.
Part of the trick to staying focused?
Do the hard stuff first.
One last thing: what’s the question I should be asking you?
“Where do you see yourself in ten years?” Answer: Opening a dude farm on a vineyard — it would be half B&B, and half go-work-the-farm-and-pick-your-own-vegetables-for- lunch!
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