Fall Author Boutique Spotlight: Meet Tina Minshall
- Heather Burkett-Ocasio
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 23 hours ago
A Q&A With Our Mistress of Ceremonies
"A picture is worth a thousand words." It's a phrase we've all heard, but photographer Tina Minshall has built her career proving just how true it is.
As the owner of Tina Minshall Photography, Tina doesn't simply take beautiful photographs—she tells stories. Through her lens, she captures love, family, resilience, celebration, and connection, preserving moments that will be treasured for generations. Like every great author, she understands that the most meaningful stories are the ones that make us feel something.
That's one of the many reasons I'm so excited to have Tina serving as the Mistress of Ceremonies for The Fall Author Boutique on September 26. Her passion for storytelling, her warmth, and her ability to connect with people make her a perfect fit for an event celebrating books, authors, and the stories that bring us together.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Tina about her unexpected journey into photography, what inspires her creative work, the connection she sees between photography and books, and why she's excited to be part of this special event.
Tell us a little about yourself and what first inspired you to become a photographer.
It was a happy accident. My son was taking a class to learn how to use a camera and I decided to take it with him. What happened was a passion inside of my soul came flying out and the rest is storytelling by image history.
What do you love most about being a professional photographer?
Literally being able to be creative in a different way for every session. I do not have a script to follow – every story is different and every session is too.
If someone has never worked with you before, how would you describe your photography style?
I always say my style is where grit meets luxury. You don’t need to travel to far away places or spend tons of money to get that perfect picture – it’s right in your backyard probably – or even your kitchen, who knows.
What's your favorite part of helping people preserve their memories?
This one is hard to put into words because I have a deep understanding of loss. Losing someone ALWAYS brings you back to pictures. It’s part of the process and my favorite part is knowing that I am giving my clients those pictures – for themselves and their loved ones for generations to come.
You've photographed everything from families to special events. Is there a type of session you especially enjoy, and why?
I love them all in different aspects, but as of late my favorite sessions are the ones that celebrate families on a dementia journey. It takes a special kind of heart to see the joy that is still living and I can provide that with patience and integrity.
What makes for a truly unforgettable photograph?
EMOTION! If you look at a picture and you FEEL something, then that is unforgettable.
Many people feel awkward in front of a camera. How do you help clients feel comfortable and confident?
Honestly, I feel uncomfortable in front of the camera too. I don’t think my sessions feel like the average photo session. With me it’s more like playing dress up or hanging out with your best friend from kindergarten or college. The entire goal is to capture the real personality of my client; you can’t do that if you’re not having fun and forget why you are even there.
What's one photo you've taken that has stayed with you over the years?
I can’t pick just one. It’s an impossible task. Every session will stay with me for one reason or another.
Running a creative business takes a lot of heart. What's been the most rewarding part of owning Tina Minshall Photography?
For me it’s knowing that the images I take will affect lives of people I will never meet in a positive manner long after I am gone.
This year you're serving as the Mistress of Ceremonies for The Fall Author Boutique. What made you want to be part of this event?
I believe in storytelling. I believe that is one of the smallest things in this world that modernization cannot touch. Authors have the best canvas for this, and I will support them in any way I can.
As someone who spends so much time telling stories through photographs, do you see a connection between photography and books?
Of course. Storytelling has many platforms and they all matter.
What are you looking forward to most on September 26?
Celebrating these authentic authors that have poured their hearts and souls in words on the pages to help the greater good of this world. They are strong and find courage to put themselves out there in a giant world of noise and judgement. THEY deserve to be celebrated.
Where can people find you online if they'd like to book a session or learn more about your work—and why should they come out to The Fall Author Boutique?
My website is https://tinaminshallphotography.com – Let’s be real here, who doesn’t like to curl up with a good book in the fall season? They should come to get their next book and meet some fabulous writers in a cozy environment.
Coffee or tea during editing sessions?
DIET COKE ALL DAY! Coffee has too many accessories involved. Tea is a backup.
Sunrise or sunset shoots?
I’m still trying to figure out how to charge a “you made me set my alarm” fee for sunrise so my choice is always sunset sessions.
Favorite season to photograph?
Fall, but probably because it’s just my favorite time of year period.
What's always in your camera bag besides your camera?
A big hair clip. Trust me when I say that I am always needing to clip something up or out of the way. A dress needs to be tightened. The backdrop is falling on one side. My handy dandy hair clip will always save the day!
If you could photograph anyone in history, who would it be?
Marilyn Monroe – BUT hear me out. Not because of who she is. I want to photograph her for who SHE is – just her – no fame, flair, perfection. I want to be able to capture her soul for her to see her own beauty because I don’t think she ever got that. I feel the same with Elvis Presley too. So many pictures but where is the ONE that was “just Elvis”?
What's one location in Northeast Florida you never get tired of photographing?
The city parks. We have some amazing backdrops in all the city parks if you just stop and look at them as beautiful and not just a park.
If your photography business had a theme song, what would it be?
"This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman. Mic Drop.
Whether stories are told through words or through photographs, they have the power to preserve memories, inspire hope, and connect us with one another. After speaking with Tina, it's easy to see why she's such a perfect choice to serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for The Fall Author Boutique. Her passion for storytelling, creativity, and celebrating others shines through in everything she does.
If you'd like to meet Tina in person, be sure to join us on Saturday, September 26, from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at The Shanty & Co. in St. Augustine. While you're there, you'll have the opportunity to meet eight talented Florida authors, enjoy live author Q&A panels, Magic Hour Storytime, book signings, a cozy literary shopping experience, and so much more.
I hope you'll come spend the afternoon with us. I have a feeling it's going to be a story worth remembering.
Author H.R. Burkett writes fiction about messy people, complicated relationships, and beautifully imperfect lives.
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