Photographer - Tat

Coffee Shop - James Oliver Coffee

City - Detroit, MI

Date - May 29, 2023

Q - What camera did you use for Cameras and Coffee?

A. - Canon R5

Q. How long have you been taking photos?

A. 7 years

Q. Why did you start photography?

A . I started photography because I was growing unsatisfied with the degree I was pursuing. Buying a camera and photographing things going on in my life, people, and places all felt really good. And with the emergence of social media I wanted to entertain the idea of changing careers if it allowed me more freedom and ability to travel.

Q. What motivates you when it comes to photography?

A. As cliche as it sounds, capturing the moment always motivates me to want to shoot more. Being the person that captures that ONE moment is always so fulfilling and I seek that feeling with every shoot I do.

Q. Describe your photography style.

A. I would say my photography style is diverse & inviting. I like shooting everything from portraits, landscapes, street, commercial, and more. Truly I think my style is ever-evolving and I can’t quite relate to a specific style, yet.

Q. Explain your Instagram name. 

A. My Instagram name - @TVTSVMI - stems from a funny story about not being able to own the account name @Tatsumi. In 2016 I started reaching out to whoever owns this handle for my actual name and every time I responded with a message to reach out via the messaging app ‘KIK’ until I was eventually blocked by the user. Maybe one day I’ll obtain it lol.

Q. What are your photo goals for the next year?

A. I have two major goals I want to accomplish in this next year. One would be to get hired on as an NBA team's main team photographer. After this last season with the Detroit Pistons, it’s become evident that I would enjoy a career in the NBA and that I would love to entertain for at least a small period of my life. The other goal would be getting the small agency I’ve worked on with my best friend up off the ground and building clientele. Besides those two career-related goals, I really just want to continue pursuing a healthy and fulfilling life filled with valuable connections and a good community of people.