We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lama Abu-Amara . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lama below.
Alright, Lama thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
To be successful, it all boils down to your personal definition of success. For some, it’s personal growth, financial stability, making a positive impact, or leaving a lasting legacy. For me, success means being my own boss, setting my own hours, achieving financial stability, and spending quality time with my husband and toddler. My family is everything, and having the flexibility to maximize time with them is my ultimate goal and definition of success.
Achieving this takes a clear vision and a lot of grit. You have to constantly think about how to improve and what steps to take next. Persistence is key—pushing yourself a little every day, stopping to evaluate your methods and results, and tweaking your approach. This continuous effort sets you up for success.
Growing up, I was driven by a strong intrinsic motivation to succeed in everything I did. I knew that success often required going above and beyond and being critical of myself. Academically, I was determined to excel: I graduated as valedictorian in high school and consistently made the president’s and dean’s lists in college. Despite this, I didn’t end up working in my field of study. The future I had meticulously planned suddenly didn’t align with what I wanted. For a while, I felt lost and distraught, realizing that my hard-earned achievements weren’t easily transferable.
But I had grit. Over time, I adapted, switched gears, and explored new opportunities. Through this journey, I started the business I have today. This experience taught me that while the path to success isn’t always straightforward, having a clear vision, perseverance, and the flexibility to adapt can lead you to where you truly want to be.
Lama, 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 Lama Abu-Amara. I am the owner of Lama’s Littles, a newborn and photography company that offers at-home newborn sessions and toddler sessions in my home studio setup. I have a master’s degree in physical chemistry- nothing to do with photography! I have a passion for sourdough bread baking (yum!), listening to podcasts, teaching kids how to code, keeping my rosemary and mint herbs alive, and giggling with my toddler.
A Newborn & Toddler Photographer wasn’t something that I ever dreamed of becoming. It was something that came naturally after having my son. As my due date was quickly approaching, I knew that I wanted to take cute photos of my son and track his milestones month by month. I had no experience with photography at the time, but I had some experience with newborns from newborns in the family. I spent some time planning for his photoshoot and looked into some education online. When my little man was born, I took his newborn pictures and eagerly looked forward to taking pictures of him every month. I recall thinking that people who did this for a living were so lucky and that I didn’t know anyone in my community who offered such services.
Fast forward to many months later, my sister-in-law had her baby and I offered to take her pictures. I thought that someone had to fill the gap in our community and offer newborn photography. It felt like a great business opportunity. When my mother-in-law saw me taking pictures of the new family addition and my setup, she suggested that I could make it a business. It was almost like I was waiting for that encouragement. Shortly after that, I went into full-planning mode. I did some research and once I figured out everything I needed, I set the plan in motion. I wanted a name that was memorable, short, and I could create a brand around- Lama’s Littles was perfect. Immediately after that, I created my website and Instagram account. I needed a portfolio, so I reached out to people that I knew with little ones. I knew that once I could show my work, I could market myself better and obtain a client base.
Currently, I offer three newborn packages with customizable options giving clients options for a wide range of budgets. I offer at-home sessions for mamas in postpartum who would like to stay in the comfort of their own home for a travel fee, or the option to come to my home studio setup if they’d like a change of scenery. I also offer a toddler session that showcases your toddler’s personality in a variety of different outfits. My last offering is a cake smash session for babies turning a year old and would love to have some cake!
I am immensely proud of how far Lama’s Littles has come and the joy I bring to families by capturing their precious moments. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the smiles and trust of my clients as we create lasting memories together. This year alone, I’ve had the honor of photographing over 50 newborns, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Instagram ads have been a fantastic source for attracting new clients. They have allowed me to connect with people I might have never encountered. These ads have expanded my reach far beyond my immediate community, introducing my work to a different audience. While word of mouth is invaluable and has always brought in dedicated and loyal clients, it naturally takes time to build.
My ultimate goal is to rely solely on word-of-mouth referrals since they reflect the trust and satisfaction of my clients. In the meantime, Instagram ads help to grow my business and showcase my photography to potential clients who may not have found me through traditional means.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Absolutely, here’s how you might answer that question, tailored to your brand and work:
One aspect non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey is the depth of passion and dedication that goes into creative work, particularly newborn and toddler photography. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about capturing fleeting, precious moments that families will cherish forever.
From the outside, it might seem like a straightforward task—set up a camera, take some photos, and you’re done. But in reality, it involves a lot more. There’s the constant learning and honing of technical skills, the creativity needed to design unique and meaningful sessions, and the emotional energy invested in making each family feel comfortable and special.
For example, photographing newborns requires a gentle touch and a lot of patience. Babies have their own schedules and moods, and you need to be flexible and soothing to capture those perfect shots. Each session involves meticulous planning, from selecting props and outfits to ensuring the lighting is just right.
Moreover, the business side of things—marketing, client communication, and continuous portfolio building—requires a different kind of creativity and persistence. Instagram ads have helped me reach a wider audience, but every image and post needs to reflect the heart and soul of Lama’s Littles to truly resonate with potential clients.
What many might not realize is that behind every beautiful photo is a story of trial, error, and growth. Starting with no professional experience in photography, I’ve had to learn everything from scratch while balancing my personal life. It’s a journey of constant adaptation and resilience, driven by an unwavering passion for capturing life’s beautiful moments.
By sharing this, I hope to shed light on the nature of creative work. It’s a blend of art, science, and a lot of heart. For anyone considering a creative path, know that it’s challenging but incredibly rewarding. Your unique vision and dedication can lead you to unexpected and fulfilling places and you can absloutely make a living out of it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lamaslittles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamaslittlesphotography/
