Meet Tamara Knox | Trauma Informed Photographer/Storyteller and Associate Clinical Social Worker

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

Hi Tamara, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
In 2010, I took a photography class as a way to heal after leaving a domestic violence relationship. As part of the class assignments, I began capturing my son’s everyday moments such as playing with his favorite toys and getting ready for school. Before I started taking photographs, I felt isolated and anxious. This practice gave me a reason to leave the house and allowed me to rewrite my own story by taking photographs. It helped me recognize my resilience and build my sense of empowerment. Most importantly, it was therapeutic in helping me to heal and feel free.

After experiencing the benefits of my photography practice, I began photographing survivors of domestic violence and other forms of trauma. I found solace and inspiration in the stories of survivors who had, like myself, risen above their pasts. By collaborating with fellow trauma survivors to capture their power and resilience, I embarked on my own journey of healing and self-discovery.

My current series of portraits, Surviving to Thriving, Narratives of Community Thrivers Surviving Traumas, is a testament to the resilience and transformation of trauma survivors. Using trauma-informed photography and ethical storytelling, I strive to share, amplify, and preserve their stories of triumph. Each portrait celebrates the subject’s strength, empowerment, and their indomitable human spirit.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love creating Portraits and projects through Trauma-informed Photography and Ethical Storytelling. I am excited about the Surviving to Thriving, Narrative of Community Thrivers Surviving Traumas Traveling exhibition and companion book. It started as an exhibition at Sacramento City College and now resides at Sol Collective until June 4, 2024. The book itself was created through a Seeding Creativity grant received from the City of Sacramento Sac Arts and Culture.

Surviving to Thriving: Narratives of Community Thrivers Surviving Traumas is a book and an accompanying exhibit that consists of portraits of individuals who have survived traumatic experiences and have achieved success in personal, familial, professional, and social realms. I refer to these individuals as “thrivers” because they have all flourished in their communities by turning their traumatic experiences into a source of support for fellow survivors.

This series evokes the resilience and power of thrivers who hail from various backgrounds and walks of life. In each portrait, the subject sits tall against a richly hued backdrop, gazes confidently into the camera lens, and appears at ease in their environment. Each portrait is accompanied by a personal, handwritten account by the subject about how they rewrote their story. I believe these portraits and their accompanying narratives can be a source of inspiration and empowerment for others, particularly those who have experienced trauma.

With support from a 2023 Seeding Creativity grant from the Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture, I created an initial series of photographs and an accompanying book. Now, I plan to offer this series as a traveling exhibit with accompanying workshops to engage community members.

I am an alumna of the SCC photography and visual journalism program. I have worked as an instructional assistant and student support specialist in the Photography department. I graduated from the CSU Stanislaus MSW program. I am now a trauma-informed photographer and an Associate Clinical Social Worker working towards a licensure in Clinical Social Work to specialize in narrative therapy with images and PhotoTherapy. It’s important to me to continue to do Macro and Micro Social work centered around expressive arts. Additionally, I work at Ethical Narrative as the Director of Ethics and Social Responsibility in Media. My work is based on trauma-related healing techniques of Photo Therapy and Narrative Therapy with images.

My journey was not easy. God and the support of family, friends, mentors and community members helped me to get through challenges.

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve learned invaluable lessons that have shaped both my personal growth and my professional path:

1. Resilience: Adversity is a part of life, and resilience has been crucial in navigating obstacles and turning setbacks into opportunities for growth.

2. Authenticity: Staying true to my values builds trust and fosters genuine connections with clients and collaborators.

3. Community: Collaboration and support from others have been essential for inspiration, guidance, and encouragement.

4. Continuous Learning: Embracing lifelong learning keeps me adaptable and open to new ideas for personal and professional development.

5. Empathy and Compassion: Understanding others’ experiences and showing compassion drive meaningful interactions and create a supportive environment for healing and growth.

My brand is deeply rooted in these principles, aiming to create a positive impact and foster a sense of community and empowerment. I am committed to promoting healing, resilience, and empowerment, standing for integrity, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of growth and positive change.

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?
IIf my best friend were visiting Los Angeles for a week, I’d craft an itinerary showcasing the best of the city. We’d start with a mix of cultural and culinary experiences, like breakfast at République, exploring The Getty Center, and dining at EP & LP for rooftop views. We’d visit photo and art galleries such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Annenberg Space for Photography. Midweek, we’d head outdoors for hiking at Runyon Canyon and a day at Santa Monica Beach, complete with a seafood lunch at The Lobster and a bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach. To capture the local vibe, we’d visit the Hollywood Farmers’ Market, downtown boutiques, and enjoy live music at The Viper Room. The trip would also include a relaxing tour of Malibu Wines, a spa day at Burke Williams, and a floating session at Just Float. We’d wrap up with a farewell dinner at Bestia, reflecting on the week’s adventures.

This blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration would ensure my best friend experiences the best of Los Angeles, from scenic hikes and beach days to fine dining and vibrant local markets. Each day would be carefully planned to create memorable moments and showcase the unique charm of the city, including its rich art and photography scene, luxurious spas, and unique floating experiences.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
After leaving my traumatic environment, I met a remarkable woman who shared her story of abuse. She had overcome her past trauma and referred to herself as a “survivor.” Her strength and the work of another amazing woman, a local fine arts photographer inspired me. I took my first step towards freedom, and I enrolled in a photography class at Sacramento City College. I started taking pictures of her son, which was meaningful to me since I had very few photos of my own. I felt a new connection and a sense of comfort. Viewing the world through my lens made it easier for me, and I began my healing process. Since then, I have met community members who not only rebuilt their lives after the trauma but also used their experiences to uplift their communities. I am inspired by my family, friends, professors, mental health practitioners, community members, and the individuals featured in the “Surviving to Thriving” book. I am grateful to the Sacramento City College Russ Solomon Gallery and Sol Collective Gallery for hosting the Surviving to Thriving Exhibition. I was significantly influenced by the late Gordon Parks, agreeing with Park’s statement, “My camera is my weapon for social justice.” I also was inspired by Neil Gibson on Therapeutic Photography and one of the founding pioneers of PhotoTherapy, Ms. Judy Weiser in regard to my clinical work and expressive arts.

Website: Tamarammsw@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focusedtmk/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-knox-tknox/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmkinspiredphoto

Youtube: https://youtu.be/o-fUlxKPovc

Image Credits
Andrew Nixon

Autumn Payne

Tamara knox

Shamar Knox