Meet Tara Garner | Construction Photographer

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

Hi Tara, what role has risk played in your life or career?
We can’t seem to comprehend what it is about taking risks that includes opportunity, possibility, and prospect, alongside danger, hazard, and uncertainty. The creation of Under Construction Photography started with many risks, and taking chances continues to be a constant in my career. From stepping on site of that first job and asking permission to photograph alongside the workers, to climbing to the top of the 1,070 ft. Salesforce Tower documenting the construction of the tallest building west of the Mississippi; my willingness to step out of my comfort zone has allowed for many rewards. My career has been built on calculated risk. It requires the ability to jump to action when an opportunity is revealed, literally. My first tower crane climb was not planned for that day, but when I was offered the chance to climb 250 feet to the top, I wasn’t going to let it pass. risks I have taken to get hands on experience and to be able to document from within the inner workings of each job, have paved the way for future opportunity. My next tower crane climb was twice as tall. It was topping off the second tallest building on the west coast, the Wilshire Grand in L.A. when I climbed up to the top document its construction. Building my business from the ground up has taken extreme courage and dedication. The risks have been mental, physical, and economic. There have been times in the beginning that I questioned myself, but with each new experience I make connections and I learn. Every accomplishment provides fuel for the next adventure. My quest to tell a story and connect with my family legacy, inspires me and I continue to use my intuition as my guide.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I started Under Construction Photography, there was no one else in the region offering the services I provide. My images alone represent vantage points not commonly seen and they speak the stories of blue collar America. My art represents more than the machines used and structures built. I seek to open eyes to the humans of construction and reveal the inner workings of the community. It hasn’t always been easy, but my father taught me to never give up. My work started as a way to connect with him and his lifestyle after he passed. This way of linking myself with his legacy has been a constant inspiration. I have found that the challenges I face are really opportunities for growth and if I don’t overcome the challenges, the challenges will overcome me and I won’t be able move my business forward. I want people to see UCP and my story as an inspiring example of what having a dream and a tenacious work ethic can accomplish.

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 I were to host my best friend on a week long trip, We’d start in San Diego to visit Sea World and hop on the first roller coaster that I documented the build of. After that we would take a ride on the MCTC rail line to Downtown. Our next stop would be Long beach to drive the iconic Gerald Desmond bridge. For lunch we will visit Berth 55 Fish market and Seafood Deli while enjoying the views of the bridge. We’d hit the Mini Monster Café in Belmont for a delicious dessert before stopping at the Aquarium of the Pacific to take in a show at their newly built theatre. Our next point of interest would be Inglewood. I’d plan to take in both a concert at the Sofi stadium and a football game at the Coliseum. A visit to the top of the Wilshire Grand for drinks and dining would not miss the list with an amazing view of the whole L.A. skyline to enjoy. We would make it a point to stay a few nights at the Dream Hollywood Hotel as that was the very first job that I documented and it has a luxurious roof-top lounge. The places that I chose for the itinerary are all places that I have documented the build of or have found while working in the city.

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?
I would like to extend a shoutout to my first client, Red Wing Shoes. I’ve been fortunate to represent and promote their product. Not only have I been wearing Red Wing shoes from the start of my business, but all five generations of my blue collar family have relied on their quality boots to support and protect their feet through long hours on the job.

Website: www.ucp.photos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucpbytara/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taragarner81481/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCPbyTaraGarner
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheTmaster30/videos?view_as=subscriber