Meet Tonya Gibson | Photographer, Brown Butterfly Photography

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

Hi Tonya, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are. – Brene Brown

I find this quote incredibly empowering as it reminds us of the intrinsic value of our individuality. In a world that often pressures us to conform, I love that it’s a reminder that our true worth lies in embracing our unique qualities rather than striving to fit a mold. As I get older I appreciate more my experiences in which I’ve shown up as my authentic self, flaws and all. When we stay true to who we are, we not only find genuine belonging but also create space for others to do the same.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

My career journey has been a rich tapestry woven from diverse experiences across various industries, each contributing to the unique story of who I am today. As an Associate Tv Producer, Real Estate Broker, Community Engagement Director, and Photographer, I’ve traveled different paths, embracing the challenges and opportunities they presented, enriching both my personal and professional life.

What sets me apart is that I take pride in my ability to leverage my background in media production, community engagement, and real estate to inform my approach to photography. Each role has equipped me with a unique perspective and skill set that enriches my storytelling capabilities. Whether it’s capturing the essence of an event or bringing a brand’s vision to life through imagery, I approach each project with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. It’s through the lens of a camera and strategic media planning that I hone my craft, weaving together narratives that speak to a varied audience.

Getting to where I am today has been a journey marked by both challenges and triumphs. Through resilience, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace change, I’ve managed obstacles and have grown both personally and professionally.

Throughout my career, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about the power of storytelling, adaptability, and the importance of fostering genuine connections. These experiences have shaped me into the versatile and forward-thinking professional I am today.

What I want the world to know about me and my journey is that I am driven by a passion for making a positive impact. My story is one of leveraging unique experiences, fostering authenticity, and continuously striving for excellence.

As I continue to evolve as a photographer and storyteller, I am excited about the opportunities to leverage my skills and experiences to craft narratives that inspire, inform, and empower.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If my best friend was coming into town, she would already know that I’m an introverted foodie so good food and hangouts with good vibes will fill the itinerary for the week. We’ll definitely check out breakfast at First Watch, Scrambles, and maybe the Grandover Resort. You would also see us at ‘Cill and ‘Scoe and the historic Magnolia House, a Green Book site that is still open and operating in Greensboro, NC.

The Comedy Zone would make the list of things to do along with some adult playtime with a great group of friends at Boxcar + Arcade. Sometime during the week, we’ll make our way down to the Tanger Outlets to pick out an outfit or two for our visit to the Icy Rich Girl Selfie Museum for a little fun.

Of course, my girl can’t leave town before I give her her very own cover girl photoshoot, I’ll make sure she’s camera ready and her LinkedIn headshot, branding photos, and portraits are up to date and showing that beautiful smile.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There is definitely a list of people who deserve credit for not only where I am in business but in life. For this moment, I would like to shoutout my dad, Randell Brown, who is my first photography mentor. For as long as I can remember, he’s had a camera in his hand and made sure I had a camera in mine and provided me with a great foundation to build on. He’s one of my biggest cheerleaders and greatest support in my photography venture. I would also like to shout out Toni Shaw of Shaw Photography Group. She welcomed me with open arms and has mentored me through rain or shine or better yet, smiles and tears. lol. She encourages me and pushes me to be better and believe in myself and my work.

Website: www.brownbutterflyphotography.com

Instagram: @brownbutterflyphotography

Facebook: Brown Butterfly Photography

Image Credits
Toni Shaw, Shaw Photography Group