Editor’s note: Regular readers may have noticed the consistently gorgeous photos gracing Sheila Shupe’s Locavore column over the past year. We are pleased to introduce photographer Tammy Horton, whom we have to thank for all of them.
I spent the first half of my career living in Los Angeles supervising scripts on film and TV sets. I studied photography in school but was scared to make it my job. When a show I was working on got canceled, it pushed me to take my dream off the back burner and see what could happen. I answered a Craigslist ad for a wedding photography studio, and I fell in love with photography all over again. There was the connection, substance and real emotion that had been missing from my Hollywood gigs. It’s profound to be let into people’s lives like that and to experience their biggest moments alongside them.
I spent 13 years in Los Angeles photographing couples and families. I built a business through referrals and was traveling domestically and even internationally at times. It was incredible. I had a business that fulfilled me creatively and captured people’s most treasured moments. But while LA had been good to me, I wanted to get back to my rural roots and slow down a bit. I had been coming to Penngrove to visit my best friend for years and always felt a pull. So in 2015, I gave in and moved my business to Cotati where I’ve been ever since.
The Sonoma coastline and cliffs, the redwoods, the rolling hills have all reinspired and reinvented my work. Not only do I get to capture human connection but also the connection with this beautiful landscape. Sonoma County is a magical place, and I’m learning how meaningful the land is to so many people. Whether I’m in a redwood grove, in the headlands, or on an ocean cliff, I’m left feeling connected, grounded and more fulfilled than I could have imagined.
Photos: Tammy Horton Photography
Social Sparks
Knife’s Edge
A fundraiser for Sonoma Family Meal. Three chefs will compete for the title of Star Chef and Food Waste Warrior! Includes an auction and a delicious whole pig dinner.
Sunday, Nov 13 | 5pm-9pm
Moose Lodge, 3559 Airway Drive, Santa Rosa
Tickets available at: sonomafamilymeal.org
Nightlight at the Imaginists
A walk through the woods. A winter’s tale.
In this show, spectators walk into the story. Each walk-through performance is 30 minutes long. There will be up to six showings each night.
Featuring Sorry Not Sorry & other performers
December 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 | 7pm-9:30pm
Imaginists Theater Company
461 Sebastopol Ave, Santa Rosa
WinterBlast!
SOFA (South of A) Arts District’s annual winter street festival featuring art, food, music and the sofa parade!
Saturday, Dec 10 | 4pm-8:30pm
441 Sebastopol Ave, Santa Rosa