Meet Atiyeh (Tiya) Amiri | Founder & Lead photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Atiyeh (Tiya) Amiri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Atiyeh (Tiya), we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I am known between my friends as the risk taker. I do not think I would have been where I am without taking risks and fail in some of them and succeed in others. At many points I said I have to see if this route will work and what if I lose everything and have to start over? and I did, I had to start over at some points because the decisions I made were not right. I had a lot of “told you so”s by my people around me but the ones who believed in me never doubted me and told me to go for it and they supported me when I failed and helped me pick up the pieces and go even stronger and bigger.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started my photography journey while I was struggling with PPD after my first child was born. I got a camera as a gift and I dived into it.. I always loved taking pictures and finally I had a DSLR where I could forget about the world around me and just keep shooting and practicing. Very soon I realized this is an expensive hobby and to be able to buy accessories and all the other goodies, I need to make money.

With help of my instructors I started getting agencies interested in my photos and started from there.

I never quit learning, and never quit working hard to get what I want, through 3 pregnancies, and a divorce and depression I kept going because I knew this business is my passion and is the pillar of my livelihood. I remember being 8 month pregnant at a wedding taking photos and guests were worried because I was standing on a chair! they asked me to come down and I insisted “but the photo I need is from this vantage point!”

I am proud of not listening to nay sayers. I am proud they kept trying to bring me down and I went higher. I am proud I asked for help when I needed it. I am proud of my circle of friends. They were sent to me for a reason and I am proud to call them my friends and family.

There are a lot of technical things I learnt during years. But the most important thing I learned and felt with all my heart is the saying ” Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” Each time you have to catch your breath and go after the next challenge. The challenges are inevitable. It is how you deal with them that matters.

How I overcame challenges? I am human after all! So I cried a lot! I had lots of staying in bed days. But ultimately, I believed in myself. I believed that I have a responsibility and I am not a quitter! as the saying goes: Successful people never quit and quitters never succeed! So keep on swimming!

I have expanded my in house mom business to a big LLC firm now with more than 10 photographers and videographers working for us. We love catering to families with little ones in our Studio in Mission Viejo for magical fairy sessions. and We love our bride and grooms and capturing their special moments. We become friends with our clients and are not just another vendor. We are also a nationwide team and have covered events and weddings from New York, Chicago, Texas and South and north California. We are expanding even more in 2024 and can’t wait to meet so many amazing people this year.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is no way you come to South California and I do not show you Laguna beach. Being a photographer I know some secret spots in laguna for that perfect picture. but do not forget Crystal cove and top of the world when you are in Laguna Beach.

One of my other favorite spots is Old town Orange. One of those spots that doesn’t close early and you can walk at night and enjoy beautiful boutiques and lovely restaurants.

Next stop would be the amazing Palos Verdes. Many trails and Parks to enjoy the amazing scenery from top.

We also have to stop by at LosAngeles Disney Concert hall. Love the vibe there. and lots of walking in the downtown are.

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 am a firm believer in community support and we would be nothing without their support. I have been blessed to have support of some of the most amazing people in the industry such as Saadia from “Hello Kismet” and Amana from “Bloom Espresso” . I also need to give a shoutout to Masih from “Delnavazan Daf Ensemble” who stood by my side each time I fell and picked me up. If I have to name names we have to write a book. but my circle of friends know how much I appreciate them and I try to mention it to them as much as I can.

Website: Tiystudios.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tiya.studios

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYnKCEX6QytbpnWiVtcBpWQ

Image Credits
Photo Taken by my own team. Tiya Studios!