How would you define your photographic style?
L : I often describe my portraiture as being “magazine-style” and “contemporary”. I study the lighting found in the editorial, fashion spreads of Vogue and Vanity Fair so that I can recreate that for the everyday woman. We are all heroines of own stories, and I think every woman deserves to feel and be treated like the absolute star that she is. It’s so fun for me, and such a powerful reminder for my clients that they deserve this. The lighting, the clothing, the atmosphere, it’s all meant to bring out your main character energy.
What sets you apart from other photographers?
L : My process, the experience I provide, and the attention to detail the images receive. A lot, actually. My clients are usually blown away in our initial Welcome Call when I tell them what’s involved in our signature photo shoot experience. This is not cookie cutter, everything is customized. I gift my clients a Welcome Package that has a Style, Beauty, and Product & Pricing Guide inside so they have all the information they need to prepare for a dream photo shoot. I go to their homes and help them look through their wardrobe and decide what to wear. I photograph their walls so that I can design custom wall art for them. I don’t put a time limit on the photo shoot, so our day isn’t rushed. I guide their posing from head to toe, so all they have to do is follow along and have fun. Every image my clients purchase receives high-end retouching, just like in the magazines. Every inch of the photograph is looked over and worked on, like a piece of art, because I’m an artist first and foremost. What really sets me apart, I believe, is that I truly care about what my clients want to see in themselves when looking at their
portraits. I want these photographs to instill confidence, strength, inspiration, and make them feel more connected to who they are and where they’re going in life.
What would you say to women that don’t feel “ready” for photographs, that don’t feel pretty enough, thin enough, young enough, etc.?
L : Haha, cause we’re all getting younger and thinner, right? Clients are often happy I’m booked months in advance because they plan to lose weight before their shoot. They never do, and it’s so unnecessary! Your weight is the least interesting thing about you! Portraits are about one’s unique appearance, their individuality. Every supermodel has their own physical characteristics and very personal vibe that they’re exuding. It’s called owning what your mama gave you, and it’s EVERYTHING. That confidence that comes from accepting the skin you’re in and knowing your worth is what makes a woman truly attractive. Some women need this opportunity to fall in love with themselves and it’s always an honor to be a part of that internal transformation.
What does empowerment mean to you and how do you feel that photographs can empower a woman?
L : Women are powerful. Period. They definitely don’t need my permission to embody that, but we all need support. My clients come from very different places in their lives. Some want to connect with the woman they once were, having lost track of that sense of self after years of mothering or climbing the corporate ladder. Some women want to celebrate a milestone,
achievement, or the woman they are today. Other women are on a journey, taking a huge step in
manifesting the woman they want to become - confident, successful, self-loving. I’ve created an
experience that offers them the space, the place, and the reason to self-reflect and show up as the very best version of themselves. When we document that together through photographs, it has a ripple effect on everyone around them. That’s what I’m talking about when I speak of empowerment. When we let our light shine, we give permission to the next woman to do the same. A rising tide lifts all boats.
Did you always want to be a photographer?
L : No! I always thought that photographers just photographed everything - weddings, events, babies, and families - so there wasn’t really anything in particular that drew me in. Looking back, everything was written in the cards. In early high school the Cranberries were all over the radio and a few of my friends let me lob off their beautiful long hair into pixie cuts with kitchen scissors. At this same time, I had a little book where I would write down ideas for interesting photographs and get my friends involved, putting makeup on them and posing them, sometimes in really uncomfortable places like muddy puddles outside. I then studied photography in class and really enjoyed it. Near the end of high school I modeled for an older friend who was studying hair dressing. I saw the creativity, the beauty, and everything smelled so good! I was enamoured and went on to become a stylist for about a dozen years. Then, my interest in fashion led me into design and I worked for various designers like Betsey Johnson and started my own fashion line. It wasn’t until after I had my last child that photography resurfaced. I realized the grainy iphone photos of my kids weren’t cutting it and decided to invest in a better camera. I started watching tutorials on Youtube, then started free classes, then paid classes, then expensive paid classes and finally stumbled across my first mentor, Sue Bryce. I learned that I could bring all my experience as an artist in the beauty and fashion industries together and create lasting artwork, and an experience that would have an impact. There was never a moment where I officially decided to become a photographer. The journey was like a rushing river that swept me away. Every spare second of every day was dedicated to studying, learning, and growing. It’s also the first time in my life that I’ve received clear signs from the universe that I was heading in the right direction. Again and again and again the signs came at me, for months and months. It was magical. Now, the magic is in the work I create and the experiences I get to share with my clients.
What are you up to when you’re not in the studio?
L : My life outside of the studio is dedicated to my family. I have three young children, so I try to adhere to some pretty firm work/life boundaries. My time is well guarded. The balance has been incredibly difficult, but I’m getting better at it every year. I’m an empath, and quite an introvert as well, so I need a lot of time completely alone to recharge. That usually involves Netflix and ice cream. I’d like to start traveling more both with my family, and for photography workshops. I also want to visit my favorite photographers overseas to be photographed by them and have photography “play dates” in their studios. Traveling is just starting up again after this crazy pandemic, so it’s time to start dreaming big and planning ahead.
