We were lucky to catch up with Lindsay Nalley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lindsay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
My whole life I had planned on becoming a teacher. During High School I took a graphic design class and really liked using Photoshop. My major in college was Secondary Social Studies Education. During my college years I ended up purchasing a new computer with Photoshop and I lost a camera at a concert so I took that as an opportunity to purchase a dslr camera. While in college I started doing photography on the side, teaching myself. Over the time my business kept growing. I graduated college with my degree and subbed full time for a couple years while still running my photography business on the side. I got a teaching job and taught full time for 3 years. While teaching full time I still was running my business which had turned into a full time job too. After my 3rd year teaching in 2016 I decided I wanted to take a huge risk and quit teaching to run my photography business full time. I was extremely scared but there was no way I had enough hours in the day to keep juggling both jobs. Photography was my passion and I still got to work with students because I specialized in High School Senior Portraits. I still would keep my teaching license active just in case I needed to go back to teaching. Looking back that was the best decision I have ever made! My business has grown so much since then and we even had a waiting list for Senior Sessions this year. I am so very thankful for my wonderful clients for allowing me to be creative and trusting me with their senior pictures.
Lindsay, 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?
I had mentioned how I got into business in the previous message but here is some more information.
I have always loved photography and I have always had an interest in tech/computer stuff. I remember looking at senior picture wallets hanging on the classroom walls of teachers at school and thinking how so many years they were all so similar and boring. That is why my main goal as a senior portrait photographer is to make everyone’s session different. I have a studio and several barns/outside lots that I use to create unique set ups for my seniors. Each year I add more props and cool things to the areas. I am addicted to props and love to go to auctions and yard sales to gather things. I also have a chair and pillow prop addiction too. I try my best to make each session specific to that senior so I love having a variety of things to choose from.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
My clients will come back to the studio for their ordering session. I am extremely picky with the prints and products that my clients display. I want the color calibration to be correct and I want the paper quality to be top notch. I use archival UV coating for all of my prints. I have seen too many damaged/faded images that are from the 1990s and there is no reason they have not lasted this long. Also I know my name is associated with each product so I want to make sure it lasts a lifetime.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My senior clients are the best! They are always up for my crazy ideas and they let me express my artistic side. I am very picky and want to make sure their images are perfect. I would say my clients do the marketing for me by just word of mouth and some on social media. That has been the main thing that has built my reputation in the market.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amomentintimecapturedbylindsay.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/amomentintimecapturedbylindsay
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/amomentintimecapturedbylindsay
Image Credits
I took all of these photos.