Tiffany Kowalsky now dedicates herself to providing stunning photographs for a wide range of clientele, helping them achieve professional looks or family memories while also finding plenty of time to spend with her kids.
But following a passion that allows her to have this balance wasn’t always an option.
Kowalsky, who lives in Adamstown, spent 12 years as local elementary school teacher before getting burned out.
She had planned to take a break before her new career path presented itself. She traded teaching for photography classes, worked hard practicing her craft and now has a successful business and a more flexible schedule to spend with her husband, Joel, and their children, Livia (12) and Adam (9).
She shares how she got from point A to point B, how her years as a school teacher continue to influence her work and how she balances it all with parenting.
Can you tell me about the start of your photography pursuit and why you got into it?
When my son was young, I stopped teaching and kind of fell into photography, and that’s something that I’ve been able to work around my family life. So, I was able to put my family first but still have a little side business. And really, I feel like my background as a teacher and as a mother has really helped me in my photography.
How did your work experience help with your photography business?
Being around kids, knowing how to communicate and build relationships, and patience — [I can] transfer that to photography. I do a lot of family portrait sessions, and it can be very stressful on the parents, especially the mother… I let the kids pose their parents. I let them use my camera. I just include the kids in the process and make them feel important, like they have a decision that they can make, and it works out well… I always try to make it a very pleasant, easygoing, fun experience for families.
How are you able to maintain a work-life balance with this business?
I’m fortunate in the fact that I enjoy being busy. I really try to maximize the time that the kids are in school. And I do a lot of corporate type work—I’ll do headshots. And I do my computer work when they’re at school. And I just have to be very organized in putting my family first with my schedule. And luckily, photography’s a thing where I can really schedule it around family activities. So, I mean, it’s really just that simple as making my priorities. There are non-negotiables [with my time].
Find out what other local parents are doing to protect their personal time here.
What is the personal importance of being able to pursue a passion and have plenty of time left over for family?
[After] leaving my full-time job, photography gave me something to do for myself. Although it is a career, it’s something that I love. I can be creative. I get to go out and meet new people and interact with families, and it also gives me a sense of independence. But then, I still get to have the best of both worlds because I can still be there for my kids. I enjoy reading stories with them at night, going to their events and volunteering in their classrooms.
Family Favorites
Movie: The ‘Burbs
Vacation Spot: Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Family Activity: Hiking
School Subject: Art
Local Restaurant: White Rabbit Gastropub
Learn what Frederick's educators want parents to know here.
