Today we’d like to introduce you to Tosha Gaines.
Hi Tosha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t start in photography in the traditional way. My background is actually in occupational therapy, where I spent over two decades working closely with people, helping them navigate life, identity, and healing. That work shaped how I see people. It taught me how to listen, how to create safe spaces, and how to meet people exactly where they are.
Photography came in as an extension of that, not a replacement. I realized pretty quickly that being seen, truly seen, can be just as powerful as any clinical intervention. So I picked up a camera and started creating portraits that felt honest, expressive, and grounded in real connection.
Over time, that grew into Tosha Gaines Photography, where I focus on inclusive, fashion forward portraiture and storytelling. My work centers on people who don’t always feel visible or celebrated, especially women and members of the LGBTQIA plus community. I want my clients to feel comfortable, confident, and maybe even a little surprised by how powerful they are in front of the camera.
Now, I’m expanding that work into workshops and community based projects like The Art of Being Seen, where I teach not just technique, but how to create environments where people feel safe enough to show up fully.
It has not been a straight path, but it has been an intentional one. Everything I’ve done, from healthcare to photography, comes back to the same idea. People deserve to be seen, and I’ve built my career around making that happen.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I think from the outside, people sometimes see the finished images or the highlights and assume it all came together easily, but there has been a lot happening behind the scenes.
One of the hardest things I’ve had to navigate was the loss of my mom. That changed everything for me. Grief has a way of slowing you down, reshaping your priorities, and forcing you to sit with emotions you cannot rush through. I miss her deeply, and there are still moments where that loss feels very present in my day to day life.
At the same time, I have been transitioning from a long career in healthcare into a creative field, which comes with its own challenges. Financial uncertainty, rebuilding from the ground up, and learning how to trust myself in a completely different space has not been easy. There have been moments of doubt, burnout, and honestly just trying to figure out how to keep going while carrying a lot personally.
But those struggles have also shaped the way I show up in my work. They have made me more intentional, more empathetic, and more committed to creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. I understand on a deeper level what it means to carry something heavy and still show up.
So no, it has not been smooth. But it has been meaningful, and I think that matters more.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a contemporary portrait and event photographer, and my work centers around creating images that feel bold, expressive, and honest. I specialize in portraiture that blends fashion forward styling with intentional lighting, but more importantly, I focus on connection. My goal is always to create an environment where people feel comfortable enough to be themselves, not a version of themselves they think they are supposed to be.
A large part of my work is rooted in inclusivity. I work with a wide range of clients, but I am especially intentional about creating safe and affirming spaces for women and members of the LGBTQIA plus community. As both an ally and a parent within the community, this is deeply personal to me. It is not just about taking a good photo. It is about making sure people feel respected, seen, and valued throughout the entire experience.
What I am most proud of is the impact my work has on people. When someone tells me they felt confident for the first time, or that they finally see themselves in a different light, that means more to me than anything else. That is the real work.
What sets me apart is my background and approach. Coming from occupational therapy, I naturally bring a level of empathy, communication, and emotional awareness into my sessions that is a little different. I know how to read the room, guide people gently, and build trust quickly. I am not just focused on the image. I am focused on the person in front of me.
At the end of the day, anyone can learn a camera. Not everyone takes the time to truly see people. That is where I believe my work stands out.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I would not describe myself as someone who chases risk for the sake of it, but I do believe in taking intentional risks when something feels aligned with who I am and where I am trying to go.
One of the biggest risks I have taken was stepping away from a long and stable career in occupational therapy to fully pursue photography. After more than two decades in healthcare, that decision came with a lot of uncertainty. Financially, emotionally, and professionally, it required me to start over in many ways. There was no guaranteed outcome, just a strong belief that this work mattered and that I needed to follow it.
Another layer of risk has been choosing to center my work around inclusivity and storytelling that does not always fit into traditional or commercial expectations. Creating space for people who do not always feel seen, especially within the LGBTQIA plus community, is something I am deeply committed to, but it also means navigating industries and environments that are not always as open or supportive.
For me, risk is less about being fearless and more about being honest. It is about asking myself if staying where I am is costing me more than the uncertainty of moving forward. Most of the time, the answer has been yes. I have learned that growth rarely feels comfortable. The risks I have taken have stretched me, challenged me, and at times overwhelmed me, but they have also led me to work that feels meaningful and aligned with who I am. And that, to me, makes the risk worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.toshagaines.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/toshaphotog
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toshaphotog
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toshaphotog
