Tanya Ackerman

Tanya Ackerman is an award-winning photographer who spent 25 years as a photojournalist before founding Chasing the Light Studio in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. The stories and emotions she captures through her lens have earned her numerous accolades throughout her career, including being named Photojournalist of the Year by the South Carolina Press Association for all weekly newspapers four times, most recently in 2020.

Tanya’s photography blends artistry with authenticity, transforming everyday Lowcountry moments into compelling visual narratives. Whether documenting the quiet beauty of coastal landscapes or the depth of human connection, her work reflects a deep-rooted passion for storytelling.

Her love of the outdoors and keen photographic eye were nurtured by her mother, an avid nature photographer. From her father, a jazz musician, composer, and music educator, Tanya inherited a vibrant and expressive approach to life—one that allows her to capture both the joy and nuance of her subjects.

Tanya earned her degree in photojournalism from Kent State University. Her work has been published in three books: Pawleys Island: Chasing the Light (2016), Pawleys Island: Seasons of Light (2020), and her newest release, Pawleys Island: Reflections of Light—a continued exploration of light, place, and the ever-changing beauty of the South Carolina coast.