We were lucky to catch up with Heather Seybold-Lanz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Heather, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

In a recent wedding I had the privilege of photographing, the couple, Emily and James, were determined to create a celebration that truly embodied their personalities and relationship. Their story was unconventional from the start – they had met during a volunteer trip and bonded over their shared love for hiking and adventure.

On their wedding day, instead of the usual scripted poses, Emily and James opted for a pre-wedding hike with their closest friends and family. The breathtaking landscape not only served as a stunning backdrop for photos but also symbolized their journey together. I captured candid shots as they laughed, navigated challenging trails, and shared intimate moments against the backdrop of nature’s beauty.

The reception was a true celebration of their connection and the people who supported them. Instead of a bouquet toss, Emily and James chose to honor their mentors by gifting them flowers and publicly acknowledging their contributions. They skipped the cake-cutting ritual, opting for an open dance floor that encouraged everyone to join in the celebration. Throughout the evening, I captured candid moments of joy, laughter, and heartfelt conversations.

Reflecting on this trend, Emily mentioned that they wanted their wedding to reflect the essence of their relationship – adventurous, meaningful, and surrounded by loved ones. James added that they didn’t want to adhere to outdated customs that didn’t resonate with who they were as a couple.

As a photographer, this shift has invigorated my work. Instead of orchestrating posed shots, I find myself immersed in documenting authentic moments that truly tell the couple’s story. The trend toward personalized weddings is an opportunity to capture emotions, connections, and memories that are unique to each couple. It aligns perfectly with my passion for capturing genuine emotions and experiences, and it brings a new level of authenticity to my work.

In conclusion, the trend towards more authentic and customized wedding experiences is transforming the industry in a positive way. Couples are increasingly seeking to create meaningful celebrations that reflect their personalities and love stories. This shift presents photographers and other wedding professionals with the chance to capture genuine emotions and moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello! I’m a passionate and experienced photographer with a deep love for capturing authentic moments and emotions. My journey into photography began with a fascination for storytelling and the desire to freeze fleeting moments in time. This passion led me to develop a strong foundation in photography techniques and a keen eye for detail.

I ventured into the world of photography several years ago, driven by the desire to capture the beauty of life in all its forms. What started as a hobby soon evolved into a full-fledged profession as I realized the power of imagery to convey emotions, preserve memories, and tell meaningful stories.

As a photographer, my focus is on weddings, portraits, and lifestyle photography. I believe that every person and every moment has a unique story to tell, and my goal is to capture those stories in a way that is both visually stunning and deeply resonant. I provide a range of services that cater to individuals, couples, and families seeking to preserve their special moments.

One of the core problems I solve for my clients is creating a visual narrative that transcends the ordinary. In a world inundated with images, I strive to stand out by capturing not just poses, but emotions, connections, and genuine interactions. I work closely with my clients to understand their personalities, preferences, and the essence of their relationships. This allows me to craft a photography experience that feels authentic and true to who they are.

What sets me apart is my dedication to storytelling. I believe that each photograph is a chapter in a larger story, and my approach is to weave these chapters together to create a cohesive and compelling narrative. I’m known for my ability to capture candid moments that truly reflect the personalities and emotions of my subjects. My style is a blend of documentary and fine art photography, resulting in images that are both honest and visually captivating.

I take immense pride in the connections I form with my clients. Being a part of their milestones, whether it’s a wedding, a family portrait session, or a personal project, is an honor that I deeply cherish. I find joy in knowing that the images I create will be treasured for generations to come, serving as a timeless reminder of the love, laughter, and emotions shared during those moments.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my work is not just about capturing images, but about crafting visual stories that resonate on a profound level. I believe in the power of photography to evoke emotions, spark memories, and celebrate the beauty of life. If you’re seeking a photographer who goes beyond the surface to capture the heart and soul of your story, I’m here to bring your vision to life.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and my work. I’m excited to connect with you and be a part of your journey, capturing the moments that matter most.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Early in my photography journey, I found myself in a period of financial struggle. The photography industry was competitive, and opportunities were scarce. At times, it felt discouraging to see others seemingly thriving while I was struggling to make ends meet. I questioned whether I had made the right choice by pursuing photography as a career.

During one particularly challenging month, I had minimal bookings and my savings were dwindling rapidly. The bills were piling up, and I was tempted to consider giving up and pursuing a more stable job. It was a difficult decision to make, as my passion for photography was unwavering, but the practicalities of life were pressing.

However, I knew that true resilience required pushing through even when things seemed bleak. Instead of throwing in the towel, I decided to take a proactive approach. I reached out to my network, both online and offline, and offered limited-time discounts on portrait sessions. I also explored unconventional opportunities, such as collaborating with local businesses for promotional photography.

Despite the initial uncertainty, my efforts began to yield results. People responded positively to the discounted sessions, and the collaborations with local businesses not only brought in income but also expanded my network. Word began to spread, and slowly but surely, I started to receive more inquiries for my photography services.

While the financial struggles didn’t disappear overnight, my determination to overcome them grew stronger. I learned to adapt, innovate, and seek out opportunities where I could create value. Through consistency, hard work, and a refusal to give up on my passion, I began to build a client base and establish a reputation for my unique style of photography.

Looking back, that challenging period taught me the true essence of resilience. It’s not about never facing difficulties, but about navigating them with determination and creativity. It’s about finding ways to stay true to your passion and purpose even when the path ahead seems uncertain. This experience reinforced my belief that setbacks are often stepping stones to success, and that the journey is as much about the process as it is about the destination.

Resilience isn’t just about weathering storms; it’s about using challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. It’s a reminder that when faced with obstacles, you have the power to adapt, innovate, and push forward, even when money and opportunities are scarce. Through resilience, I not only transformed my photography career but also developed a mindset that continues to serve me in all aspects of life.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

What started as a simple creative outlet involving my kids and family gradually evolved into my full-time photography career. It began with capturing candid moments of my children and loved ones, translating their everyday stories into visual memories.

I shared these moments on social media, and the positive responses encouraged me to explore photography further. I started taking portraits for friends and acquaintances, which led to my first paid sessions. The turning point came when I decided to invest time in refining my skills and style.

As I continued to build a portfolio, my client base grew, and referrals became a significant source of new opportunities. Key milestones included the launch of a professional website, participation in local bridal shows, and collaborations with local businesses.

With dedication and persistence, my side hustle transformed into a thriving photography career. Today, I’m proud to capture precious moments for families beyond my own, while cherishing the journey that began with my kids and loved ones.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lanzphotography.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanzphotography_
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/photographicsouls
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lanzphotography9656

Image Credits
LANZphotography is the image credits