We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lindsay Bowie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lindsay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In 2017, I deployed to Kuwait for 3 months as a contractor in support of the military. I volunteered for this deployment, having started working on my assigned portfolio only 7 months prior. I knew in order to move forward in my career as an analyst, I needed to add a deployment to my resume. Stepping on the plane was the biggest risk I had ever taken in my life up to that point. I was deploying to a foreign country where everything was unknown to me. I would be living outside the comfort of my apartment and living on a military base for 3 months. I had to pack only essential items that would last me 3 months, and those items were all I had for the duration of the deployment. I deployed not only to further my career, but to also prove to myself that I know my kraft. During the deployment, I briefed 3-star generals on topics pertaining to my area of expertise. I gained so much confidence in myself as an analyst, but also as a person. I came back to my place of employment with so much knowledge and was now considered a senior analyst on the team. I made lifelong friends, some of whom attended my wedding. I risked everything to go on this deployment, I risked the unknown, the fear of being alone, being in a foreign country, being away from family and friends. I risked it all and the outcome far surpassed anything I could have ever imagined it would be. I came back to the States an entirely different person, in the best ways possible. That deployment forever changed my life and I am so thankful I believed in myself and allowed myself the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Lindsay, and I am a Tampa-based lifestyle photographer. I specialize in maternity, couples, families, and motherhood photography. I focus on the intimate art of storytelling. I strive to get to know my clients before every session, what inspires them and what their vision is for our session. I create a trusting environment where I have my clients feel comfortable with me to tell their story. No session is the same. Each session tells a different story, and I want to capture that.

I started my photography journey in 2023. I have always had an eye for photography, but I found myself with having imposter syndrome. The photography industry is extremely saturated, especially in Tampa. I felt I would never succeed in the business when clients had so many other talented photographers to choose from. I was at work one day and I had this epiphany where I asked myself if not now than when? I went on Facebook Marketplace and bought a camera and lens that same day. I taught myself how to use my camera and asked friends if they would be interested in doing sessions with me for free so I could build my portfolio. I started posting content from those sessions, and my business took off from there. I was booking months in advance, something I never thought would happen to me.

Since starting my business, I have hosted a styled shoot, attended multiple content creator days, have been featured in multiple photography Instagram accounts, and have been published in a magazine. I am still amazed how many opportunities have been given to me since launching my photography business a year ago. For anyone who is on the fence about following their dreams- do it. Life is too short to not take chances.

As one of my favorite podcasters. Shannon Ford, says “If you want to quit your job at Google to make soap, do it.”

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Not every photographer you meet is your friend or has your best interests. While there are tons of amazing photographers out there, there are also some bad ones as well. I have had to learn the hard way that majority of the time that it is not community over competition. There are photographers who you develop a sense of trust with, and then you find out they are stealing your ideas and taking credit for them. I’ve had to learn that it’s perfectly okay to work alone and not attend every content day or styled shoot. It’s also okay to not share your ideas with other photographers, and to safeguard things for your own enjoyment. Some photographers in the community seem to exist to put other people down to make themselves feel better.

The photography world can be a very toxic industry. The community is so small, yet the hate towards other photographers is so big. I have experienced firsthand harassment from other photographers, even after blocking them online. I have often thought about giving up photography entirely due to how bad the hate was. I chose to not give into the negativity. I have really distanced myself from everyone and started doing things on my own. I have found the most peace doing this and not feeling pressured to fit in with other creatives in my community.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is meeting so many wonderful people. I have met people from all walks of life, and I love hearing their stories. I enjoy hearing about where they came from or how they met their significant other. To be able to share my clients’ stories makes it all worthwhile. I have made so many friends and created such an amazing network of people, it’s truly so amazing. I am forever grateful for all the people I have met along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lindsaybowiephoto.com/
• Instagram: @lindsaybowie.photo
• Facebook: Lindsay Bowie Photography