We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Landon Orrand. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Landon below.

Landon, appreciate you joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

I grew up in a small town in Tennessee called Baxter. I had grown up loving art, but not knowing what possibilities there were career wise. When I was a senior, I took yearbook class with Mrs. Renee Craig. It was my first real introduction to graphic design software, and where I first picked up a camera. I loved it! I enjoyed collaborating with classmates and my teacher to make our vision come to life. I was so picky about the layouts and color schemes. I loved taking photos of my friends and meeting new people. I was shy at first and felt nervous about asking to take their picture, but most people were so excited to be in it. When I finally saw it printed, I was so proud. I was overjoyed to see my friends get their copy, and felt so accomplished that my photos and designs were featured. My love for design and photography carrying on throughout college, and I attribute it all to my high school yearbook, “The Highlander.” I’ve had the name “Highlander Creative” picked out for years. I wanted something that didn’t box me into just one thing. I want to be able to make art in all forms under my business, and Highlander Creative feels perfect!

Landon, 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?

I am a first-generation college student, and I think that gave me a very grateful perspective. I knew I was responsible for covering all of my expenses, so I took every job or internship opportunity that came my way. I went to college at Pfeiffer University in North Carolina. I ended up getting a work study with the Campus Activities Board where we hosted campus events. I was on the marketing side and again found myself holding a camera. I took pictures at everything, events, club fairs, sports, alumni festivities, homecoming, etc. I loved capturing photos just as much as I loved meeting new people through taking photos. I used it as an opportunity to make friends and get me out of my shell. I graduated in May of 2023, moved to Charlotte, and immediately bought my very own camera. At first, I was doing a lot of senior photos for my friends who went to Pfeiffer. Then, I started a social media page (I wish I did that sooner). I started booking clients through social while working full time in digital marketing. Now, I capture families, seniors, couples, portraits, and just booked my first wedding! I try to keep my style bright and timeless. I want my clients to print their photos and want to keep them in their homes for years to come. I never want them to feel out of style. I really shoot for genuine smiles and have been known to try to make people laugh for the perfect shot. One of my clients left a review saying that she doesn’t like taking photos, but she felt beautiful and authentically captured in her senior portraits. That is why I do it. I love making people feel beautiful, and as corny as it is, I want people to feel like I captured memories for them. I was so nervous to start a business, especially since I am not from Charlotte. I was worried about struggling to find clients, but social media has changed my life. So many people find my account or were referred by a friend. I am so grateful to be where I am, and I am excited to grow. I hope to take this full time in the future and own my own studio.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My biggest regret when it comes to social media is not starting sooner. I think I was hesitant because I didn’t have my own camera for so long. I’ve come to realize social media is a creative outlet as well. I feel so much pride when sharing my work. I also love seeing clients share their photos and prints. If I could give any creative advice, it would be to just start! Start a page for what you love and do not worry if it’s perfect or professional enough. In time, you will find your branding and voice, but the first step is to begin. Followers, likes, and leads will come in time, but you have to start somewhere. I’ve been very lucky to work in digital marketing, so I try to pick up tips for my personal business.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Social media and referrals have been huge for growing my business. I think your photos can be great, but there is so much more that goes into a session. I try to connect with every client and make them feel comfortable. I do my research and come prepared with props and poses. I am also huge on trying to get a real laugh/smile from clients! It’s everything combined that leads to referrals. I have been so lucky to have amazing clients who refer me to friends and family or book another session. I know I’ve said it a few times, but the people aspect is just as important to me as the photography.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://highlandercreative.wixsite.com/highlander-creative
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlandercreative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556893294772
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/landonorrand/

Image Credits

Landon Orrand & Tyler Linsz (portrait of Landon Orrand)