Photographer Spotlight: A Piece Of Lisa Photography

When did you decided to pursue photography?

I was an avid scrapbooker four years ago. I have always been on the crafty side, and creating anything was always an exciting concept for me. So, my husband, being the smart guy that he is, decided it was time to buy me a camera for Christmas, so that these images I was scrapbooking would be a bit more exciting. I was so angry with him for spending that kind of money on a Christmas gift, and for giving me such a terrifying challenge ( anyone starting out with a new SLR and the camera manual that comes with it knows exactly what I speak of lol!). It was a wonderful gift, but far more expensive than any gift should be. Little did I know, that camera in the next few years, would pay for itself, as well as the rest of the goodies and glass I accumulated over the years. My first newborn session was my own son (turning 4 this December) and the pictures were terrible, but somehow, my friends saw past that, and eventually started asking me to do photos of their children and families. Before I knew it, it became a full time job. One that I feel so very blessed to have. Not many people can say they are passionate about the job they work, but I can stand proud, and admit that I absolutely love what I do.

How would you describe your photography style?

I would describe my photography style as clean, neat, and creative, especially when describing my sweet little newborns. Family, and portrait sessions are also what I consider to be clean, and warm. Then there are the creative sessions, where I step completely out of my box, and try brand new edits, and come up with fun, and elaborate themes. That is the joy in this job. There is no yes or no to what you can or can't try. If things start feeling stale, try something new. Lately I have been enjoying composite photography. Growing up, we all got to see the incredible pieces thought up by Anne Geddes, and I feel so blessed that I am able to create unique pieces of my own. I'm no Anne Geddes, but I'm pretty sure we share the same passion and love for what we do.

What is your favorite lens in your camera bag right now?

My favorite lens in my camera bag. That is such a tough question! This summer I have been embracing the art of macro photography, and the creepy little crawlers that would on a normal day, make us run for our lives. In order to catch these little guys, I have been playing a lot with my 105mm, along side a set of Kenko macro tubes, and I am IN LOVE!! For portraits and babies, my favorite would have to be the 50mm f1.2 or the 85mm f1.4. Hahahaha, theres really no favoritism in my camera bag. Each lens gives me something different, and exciting.

Favorite Pretty Presets Collection or Preset?

My favorite preset or collection. This is another incredibly tough question! First I will admit that I own every single brush pretty presets has created, and I could not for one second imagine editing without them. Brushes I use on a very regular basis are baby feet, fix cast red, super sharp, and brighten. Newborns often come with stork bites, purple feet, baby acne, jaundice, or even just splotches, and these brushes all make editing these sweet little imperfections a breeze. Now if Pretty Presets could come up with a program to help me with my makeup in the morning....Hahahahaha!!!! 

Favorite presets! Well, I use the presets most when editing my creative sessions. So far I have fallen madly in love with Old School, Siren, Aquarius V1, 1969 Vogue, and City Lights.

What advice would you give to new photographers?

New photographers. My goodness, where to begin. This is such a great industry to be in, because you have the ability to share a special piece of yourself with those around you. As someone who has been in the industry for a few years, I feel safe to say that you will have your ups, and your downs. Some images, and sessions, you will hit out of the park, and feel pride like never before, and others you walk away crying, feeling like you failed miserably, and came out with nothing. The reason for this...THIS IS YOUR HEART!!! We put so much heart and soul into this passion, and time and effort. Never compare yourself to another photographer, because you are YOU, not them. We all start somewhere, and much like we live and learn in life, we live and learn in photography. With time, patience, passion, and experience, you will grow more, learn more, and just become better and better. I like to compare it to cooking. I don't do it often, and I'm not good at it, but if I put as much into it as I did my photography,  I'm sure I would be one heck of a chef Lol!! Photography is an art, an interpretation. Having the ability to share with others the way you see something, is pretty priceless.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I hope to be running a successful business in a studio outside of my home, and to have at least one famous client. :) High hopes I know, but everyone has a star they reach for. Only difference is, I jump, not reach ;)

Any last words or advice you'd like to give?

The only advice I can give is this. Never put yourself on a pedestal. It is so important to remember that everyone in this industry is human, and with love and support from fellow photographers, we all come out winners in the end. Don't be afraid to help if you have the time, even though sometimes you won't, and always encourage and support each other.  There is no such thing as competition in this industry. It's creative souls all over, sharing a piece of their heart, and the clients are attracted to a certain style, so having your own makes you one of a kind. Always keep trying, and don't let the down days destroy your spirit. Every road has a pothole somewhere, but we have the ability to get past it ;)

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