Well, first, let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Tiffany and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Southern California. I am also a photographer; well, it’s more of a hobby, but it is still a huge part of who I am.

You may ask yourself why would someone combined social work and photography, and I would say because they’re two separate but complimentary forms of social change.

I fell in love with photography back in 2002 when I got my first REAL camera; my Nikon N65. I loved it, I loved developing the film and printing my own photographs in the dark room. But, I decided on another “career” and became a social worker. This is one choice that I do not regret whatsoever, as I absolutely love my work. There is something special about helping to turn an absolutely tragic event into something a family can smile on in the future in some small way. There is something special when you see a child smile for the first time in a genuine way, as they realize they’re truly safe. There is something special when you realize that a grown man who rarely trusts anyone realizes that he has a whole team of people he can truly trust. Social work, it’s just a pretty damn special profession.

But, back to title. Social Work Photography. Why? Because nearly every major social change that we have experienced in our history has had social workers involved (child labor, 40 hour work days, etc) and were highly impacted by photographers. Some of the most iconic photographs have to deal with social work issues. To me, they are one and the same.

In today’s current political climate, social workers are involved in nearly every way. From counseling and providing resources to victims of natural disasters and man made disasters such as what is currently happening at the border, to advocating directly to our government and being a part of our government. But, Photographers are also 100% directly involved. Many of us remember the photograph of the little immigrant girl crying by her mothers side as she was being searched by the Border Patrol agent. Photographers are also documenting the impacts of climate change, not only it’s impact on our environment but it’s impact on us as a human race.

Photography is an important tool to social change and I hope that I can be even in a small way, involved in that social change in a positive way.

So, that is it. Social Work Photography.

I’m hoping to utilize this blog in both personal and professional ways, by sharing my work, my photography but also my travels and what I have learned and what I hope to learn. I believe that traveling and learning about other cultures is what makes me a better, a stronger social worker. And, photography is a great way to share that with the masses.

Well, that is it. That is me. And, I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for reading!

Tiff

Oh! The image! This is a shot I took at the Seal Beach Pier recently. It’s one of my go to self care places. Sit, and read, and photograph the waves. It’s completely peaceful.