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

Hi Charlotte, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Taking the leap to move countries, start anew, and establish my own business in the U.S. was a significant risk that has shaped my journey.

Several years ago, I made the courageous choice to leave the UK. Leaving behind familiarity, family, and a well-established career, I set my sights on California.

Starting from scratch was not without its challenges. Looking back, I can confidently say that taking the risk to start again was a transformative experience. It wasn’t easy- I had to navigate through a lot of changes, establish a network of contacts, and adapt to a new business landscape. but with sheer determination I have a successful business, built a wonderful client base and gained recognition for my work which I am really proud of.

Making the decision to move has not only enabled me to grow as an artist but has also granted me the privilege of sharing my vision with others and truly shaped me, both personally and professionally.

It is a testament to embracing new beginnings, trusting and believing in yourself, and discovering all of the possibilities that exist outside of your comfort zone.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am Charlotte Lea, a Photographer and owner of Charlotte Lea Photography. My journey into photography began with a deep passion for capturing the beauty of the world around us. I specialize in interior design photography, capturing the unique character and essence of spaces. Through my online print shop, I also offer fine art photographic prints.

My work captures the aesthetic appeal of interiors. I have a keen eye for composition, lighting, and detail. I know how to showcase the unique features of each home that help engage the viewer.

I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients. I value authenticity, professionalism, and the ability to truly connect with my clients, understanding their vision and translating it into visual storytelling.

Overall, I want potential clients and followers to know that I am dedicated to my craft, providing exceptional service, and creating art that is inspiring.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with others. It also allows me to constantly grow, learn and explore.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Yes – when I transitioned from food photography to interior design photography.

Early on in my photography journey, I established myself as a food photographer. I had a genuine passion for capturing the artistry of culinary creations. However, as time went on, I started to feel a growing curiosity and fascination for interior design. I found myself drawn to the interplay of light, space, and aesthetics within architectural settings.

Recognizing this shift in my interests, I decided to take a leap of faith and pivot my focus from food photography to interior design photography. It was an exciting but challenging decision that required me to step outside my comfort zone and learn new skills.

I immersed myself in the world of interior design, studying different design principles, understanding how to capture spaces effectively, and honing my ability to showcase the unique characteristics of each project. I sought out opportunities to work with interior designers, architects, and homeowners, building a portfolio that reflected my evolving work.

Over time, I started to gain more and more recognition. I developed a signature style that combined my technical skills with artistic eye. The shift opened doors to exciting opportunities, including partnerships with renowned designers and publication features.

Looking back, I am grateful for taking that leap and embracing the pivot in my career. It allowed me to explore new creative horizons and expand my skill set. It’s a testament to embracing change and following your instincts, even when it requires stepping into the unknown.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.charlottelea.com
• Instagram: @charlotteleaphotography @charlotteleaprintshop

Image Credits
Image credit: Charlotte Lea Photography. Design credit: Erin Brown Design, RPN Design, Willow By Bridget, Shupe Design, A Naber Design, Veneer Designs, Heather Schmitt Interior Design, Heather KW Styles