Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lalea Raymond. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Lalea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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.
I remember at the beginning of the year I wanted to go to Essence Fest. I was not sure how I would make it there but I took the risk! I invested in my trip, bought the hotel and airfare before I even knew I had access. A month later applied for a media pass and got approved! I was determined to go so I prepared myself with gear and logging. I flew down to New Orleans and found out I didn’t have access to the parts of the event I wanted to capture…I then reached out to Black Women Photographers to see if they could help. I had lunch with them and welcomed me to be a part of their team. I had found out I had access to everything! When one door closes God opens another. This taught me to never be afraid to reach out for opportunities. I didn’t come down to New Orleans for nothing I was passionate about what I did and wanted to show myself worthy. In the end I go to shoot and meet some fo the best people in the industry and added some amazing images to my portfolio.
Lalea, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Lalea Raymond but Lea for short. I am a Portrait, Event, and Product Photographer. based in the Jersey City area. I started Photography in 2018 but I was on and off…I wasn’t sure if it was for me until the end of 2019 when I went to a church conference. After that conference everything was made clear for me. 202o came and I was ready, but of course the pandemic start but little did I know It would slow things down for me. I soaked up sooo much information in 202o. I photographed everyday that year. I am very personable and love meeting new people! I love capturing Candid moments and amazing reactions. You can see me in my work, in which I would say it’s vibrant and captivating. I feel like this is only the beginning of my journey.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
I would say invest and go out in the field! Build a portfolio that you want to get hired for. I found myself going to block parties, and events to capture and meet new people. I have gone to Block parties and my followers have increased by at least 20 but meeting all these new people, but then when you post the images circulates then you get more new people. It’s all connected.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I would say the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is making an impact on other people. Whether they want to get into my felid or if they want to create on their own terms. I love seeing people excel at what they do. Also when people see themselves they way I see them through my lens.
Contact Info:
- Website: Lalearaymond.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lalearcreative/?hl=en
Image Credits
Image of Me in the purple Hoodie Photographed by Joe Moore.