We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lea Hartsfield . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lea below.
Lea, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?
My mom is my hero, my best friend, my idol. My mom has never stopped supporting me in absolutely everything in my life. When making any decision, my first call is my mom. She always gives the best advice and helps me weigh pros and cons. When I was 18, I worked for the same company as my mom. Everyday when my mom would walk out of her office, everyone who she spoke to along the way was left with the biggest smile. She has truly created so many amazing relationships, not only at her work but in her personal life as well. Seeing that, I knew I wanted to be just like her.
My mom always taught me to chase my dreams and be the good in the world. I am so thankful to be blessed with her as my mom, and I would not be anywhere near where I am currently without her. She is my biggest supporter, and my biggest fan. I can’t thank her enough for everything she has done for me to help me along the way.
Lea, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Growing up, my mom always had a camera. She always had it in hand when we were opening up Christmas gifts, going on vacation, and family events. I had an interest in photography young but never really pursued it until 2021. I told my husband randomly that I wanted to give photography a shot as a hobby, and that Christmas he surprised me with my first camera! I started with just taking pictures of our dogs, family members, and friends. I started getting great feedback and decided to launch Lea Hartsfield Photo! As a photographer, I am not only there to pose you and take your photos, but I am always there for my clients who need a little confidence boost and even help with what to wear! I understand that the way I see a person, is not the same way that person sees themselves. During sessions, I always show my clients some of the photos taken, because at the end of the day these are their pictures, and I want them to LOVE them! I want to make sure that they are happy with how they look, and if not – I am the first to say lets try that pose one more time so we can get it right! I always ask my clients to look at some inspiration photos and send them to me, because I will always try my best to achieve those inspo photos for my clients!
I am so proud of myself for taking the leap to put myself out there, and showcase my work. I have always cared about what people might say or think about me, but I am grateful that I was able to get myself out of that bubble with the support of my husband, friends, and family.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer, is to see the happiness when my clients get their photos back. I LOVE sending over galleries and getting the most excited and loving response. I LOVE getting on Facebook and seeing my work shared or as their profile picture. I LOVE scrolling through the comments and seeing my clients get amazing compliments about how they look so beautiful. Those things may seem small to someone else, but those things are what keeps me going in this career.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Word of mouth! Living in a small town in North Georgia, that is the #1 way I have gotten my clients. I always strive to leave my clients with the best experience they have ever had with a photographer. I am extremely grateful for all of my clients who have told their friends and families about me.
Contact Info:
- Website: Leahartsfieldphoto.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: Lea.hartsfieldphoto
- Facebook: Lea Hartsfield Photo
Image Credits
Makeup by ShimmersbySav!