Tanya Ackerman

Tanya Ackerman is an award winning photographer that spent 25 years as a photojournalist before she founded Chasing the Light Studio in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. The stories and emotions Tanya shares through her photography have earned her scores of awards during her career; the South Carolina Press Association named her Photojournalist of the Year for all weekly newspapers four times, most recently in 2020. 

Tanya's photography weaves artistry and authenticity, transforming everyday moments into captivating visual stories. Whether documenting the beauty of nature or the depth of human connection, Tanya’s photography reflects her passion for storytelling.

Her love of the outdoors and her photographic eye were nurtured by her mother, an avid nature photographer. From her father, a jazz musician, composer and music educator, Tanya inherited her exuberant approach to life that enables her to tap into the unique joys and sorrows of each subject.

Tanya received her degree in photojournalism from Kent State University. Her photography is published in two books: Pawleys Island: Chasing the Light (2016) and Pawleys Island: Seasons of Light (2020).