Tell us about you, who you are, hobbies, and favorite things. Can be random and silly!
I’m Lisa. I’m a Christian, wife and mother of three gorgeous boys. I’m so laid back it’s not even funny unless it comes to my work, then I’m super OCD. I can talk to anyone in front of me (I mean anyone), and totally relate to them in one way or another. I am a dental assistant! So, I can take your pictures and recommend some GREAT dentists if you need one. Hobbies? If I had time to enjoy my hobbies they would include reading, hiking and painting. Boring, right? I’m a mother of three and a full time photographer, so hobbies aren’t in my near future. Photography is a hobby, does that count?
When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer?
I knew without a doubt that this is what I wanted for my future when my mother gave me her 35mm film camera at the young age of 10 years old. I just recently started my business in 2011 so it’s been a long time in the making; life gets in the way of hobbies! I haven’t looked back and I don’t believe I ever will. It’s way too much fun!
How did you first start out?
As long as I can remember I’ve had a camera in my hand. When I started my business, I relied on friends and family spreading the word after taking their pictures. I thank God everyday that they trusted me enough to step in front of my lens! I also thank Him for giving the strength to stick with it.
How did know when the right time to start charging was?
I started charging right off the bat. A colleague of mine told me that it’s much harder to raise your prices than it is to lower them. He advised me to start charging what I thought I was worth right away. I do free shoots here and there, but mostly those are for my creative soul to get what I crave out of an image. I do local events and yearly school pictures for a very low fee, it’s like my community duty and I love it! I think you have to give back to the community by using whatever gift you have, mine happens to be a picture.
How would you describe your style?
My style completely depends on who I’m shooting. My client inspires me, so it changes with each subject. If I could shoot creatively all of the time, I would probably gear towards the dark and romantically moody. I love when an image speaks to me with an emotion. Then again, I love light and airy too! I think that as an artist you have to truly love and embody many different styles.
What’s in your gear bag?
Not much actually! I try to travel light. I have a Nikon D600, 85mm 1.8, 50mm 1.8, and a SB700 for those dark days. My favorite tool is my 5-in-1 reflector – I never leave home without it! I’m a firm believer that your gear does not make you a photographer, but that your eyes and your heart do. I started out with a DSLR Nikon D100 that was 10 years old and, get this, a 50mm film lens. Yep, true story!
One lens you can’t live without?
The one I don’t have, can you relate!!! No, I’m kidding; kind of. My 85mm is on my camera 90% of the time. I love it. I use my 50mm in tight spaces, but it’s not my favorite for close ups.
How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now?
My very first session was $50 for all of the terrible pictures that I took! My sessions now range from $65 up to $850 base. I have a large range of clientele and I like to make sure everyone has a chance to have amazing pictures for their walls.
How did you market yourself when you started out?
It was really word of mouth and through Facebook. The first clients of mine LOVED their pictures and showed everyone, so people started calling. I would post am image on FB and tag my clients. 90% of my clientele base is from referrals on Facebook. I have since started promoting on Instagram and Twitter in addition to Facebook.
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be?
Anything? Well, I suppose I would be an author maybe. I honestly can’t imagine wanting to do anything else with my life than what I’m doing right now. This is what I was born to do. I feel it in my bones.
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far?
Personally, never to give up. For me that is so important! In the first year of business I wanted to give up at LEAST 400 times. Technically speaking, lighting is hands down one of the most important aspects to photography. If you can master lighting (which I have NOT by the way) then you can achieve anything in your work!
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught? If self-taught, what helped you the most?
Self- taught. I’ve had several friends and fellow photographers help me along the way. Without their advice, I wouldn’t be where I am today technically. I have grown a very thick skin in the past 4 years when having my work critiqued, but every criticism has been worth it. If you listen to the pros, you win. As well, I’ll study the work of a great image to figure out how they achieved it, and then try it myself until I get it right!
What has been some of the hardest things to overcome in your business?
Everything and anything technical. From my camera settings to Photoshop, it was all a big bundle of some language I couldn’t comprehend for the longest time. I’m not an instruction manual reader, so I went through a phenomenal amount of trial and error! Read the book people, save yourself the sorrow!!!
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out?
Shoot, shoot, SHOOT! Practice! Don’t rush through a session, take your time and get the shot you want, the one that’s in your head. Be honest and don’t give up. A dream isn’t worth having unless you have to work to get there. Take time for your own creative projects.
What are your thoughts on props?
Props are okay, but just okay. I think it depends on the session. Babies look super cute with little props. If you’re doing a set for backdrop purposes then props are great. Other than that, I try to let my subject’s beauty speak for itself. I incorporate props when I think it suits the image as you can see below.
We are going to play a game… name the first person that comes to mind when you think of…
There are so many amazing artists out there, but the first one that pops into my head are…
Senior photographer: Marci and Christy Photography
Couples photographer: The Blissful Maven
Portrait photographer: Danni Diamond
Lifestyle photographer: Sarah-Beth Photography
Most inspiration person: Jesus of course
Lisa Hobbs Photography
Alexandria, Indiana USA
My name is Lisa Hobbs and I started my business in 2011 with a 10 year old Nikon D100 in a town where I knew maybe 2 souls. I specialize in senior and family portraits. I also have a knack for capturing some great children portraits. My main focus when it comes to working with a client is to find out who they are and what their family dynamics are, so that I can try to bring that emotion into their pictures. When I’m working with someone they are the most important person in the world at that moment in time.
Lisa Hobbs Photography has been featured at BP4U with the Editor’s Choice Award and the Top 50 Photographers of 2014 Award. As well, she has been featured on Mozi, Rock the Shot, and Senior Style Guide. She has been recognized for her humanity by the State of Indiana. She is known for her “Through Their Eyes” projects in which she worked with the elderly to tell their stories. Lisa Hobbs participates in many not for profit events in which she uses her talent to capture images used for later promotions and use by her city. Her images have been used on magazine covers and in articles. She is a self-taught artist with many great people and fellow photographers who she gives recognition to as those who helped her succeed.
My goal is to bring you the best of my best. I am in love with every aspect of photography. I am blessed to be able to earn a living at what I love to do!
Find Lisa Hobbs Photography on the Web: FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM
