Connecting with a Spokane portrait photographer can be challenging because there are so many options, and it can be challenging to find someone who can consistently produce magazine-worthy images! In the ever-evolving world of portrait photography, few artists capture authenticity and creativity as effortlessly as Tess Farnsworth. Known for her vibrant use of color and intentional storytelling, Tess has made a name for herself by crafting visually striking images that not only showcase her subjects but empower them in the process. Whether shooting for a business brand or an editorial feature, her work is a testament to her ability to blend artistry with strategic vision.
We have worked with Tess with our own team branding session this year, and on two magazine covers from her artfully styled shoots. Her high-impact, photojournalistic style translates beautifully to a variety of mediums, and especially shines in the digital space. Crisp, high-resolution imagery with bold color stories are her signature, and she has a rare aptitude for capturing her subjects in their best, most aspirational light.
Meet Tess Farnsworth
Tess’s journey into portrait photography in Spokane was anything but conventional. Rather than following a structured learning path, she embraced a self-taught approach driven by curiosity and relentless experimentation. “I’m not sure there was a process other than trial and error and literally reading or watching anything I could get my hands on,” she explains. “I took photos of literally anything and everything. I would go through magazines and dissect photos to see how it was shot, where the light was coming from, and why I kept coming back to the photo.” One of the biggest challenges she faced was the gatekeeping culture among other photographers. “No one wanted to help me just learn. I literally had someone tell me (in front of others) that they don’t train the competition,” she recalls.
Despite these hurdles, Tess developed a signature approach to her work—one that balances her artistic instincts with her clients’ needs. She believes communication is key, ensuring that those she collaborates with have seen her work and understand her style before booking a session. “One thing I do is make sure that the client has actually seen my work so that they are sure I’m even the right fit for them because in truth, I’m not for everyone,” she says. By asking clients for inspiration photos and openly discussing their vision, she creates an experience where expectations align with her creative strengths. More importantly, she checks in throughout the shoot, making sure her clients feel confident and excited about the direction of their session.
© Tess Farnsworth – Model: Michaela (@avantsgarde_) Videography: Taryn (@hillsandvalleysmediaspokane)
What draws Tess most to branding and editorial photography is the storytelling aspect. “I love color and light so much and I think that’s what grabs my attention at first, but I also think it’s the intentionality of the photo,” she shares. “All the little details that tell the story within the photo that you might not notice at first, but when you go back and really look at it, you find them.” Whether working on a personal creative project or helping a business build its brand identity, she is always looking for ways to infuse meaning into her work.
Empowering her models is also at the heart of what she does. Tess describes herself as the ultimate hype woman on set, constantly offering encouragement and direction to make her subjects feel at ease. “Probably being the biggest hype woman I can be for them. Telling whoever is in front of my lens that they’re doing great,” she says. Understanding that being in front of a camera can be intimidating, she makes sure to communicate her process upfront. “I like to manually focus and sometimes I don’t trust what my eyes are seeing in camera, so it might take me a minute. I don’t want them to think that it’s something they’re doing wrong, it’s literally me making sure I got it right.”
One of her most memorable shoots took place in a downtown Spokane parking garage during a rainstorm. Instead of seeing the gloomy weather as a setback, she leaned into the drama of the scene, capturing moody reflections and dynamic movement. “It was one of those moments where everything aligned, and I knew I had something special,” Tess recalls.
© Tess Farnsworth – Model: Suhelya Tanak (@suhelya.tanak)
For those looking to book a branding photographer, Tess offers a few key pieces of advice: Find someone whose work resonates with you, be clear about the story you want to tell, and trust your photographer’s expertise. “Branding photography is about telling your story, so think about the message you want to convey,” she advises. “And finally, trust your photographer! Let them guide you, because they see things you might not. The best shoots happen when there’s a balance of collaboration and creative freedom.”
Looking ahead, Tess has no plans of slowing down. She is constantly pushing herself to experiment with new techniques and challenge the boundaries of her work. With several editorial-inspired projects on the horizon and a deepening focus on storytelling within branding photography, she remains committed to evolving her craft. “The learning never stops, and that’s what keeps it exciting,” she says. For Tess, photography is a lifelong journey of discovery, and with each frame she captures, she continues to redefine what it means to blend artistry with purpose.