We were lucky to catch up with Lindsay Snyder recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lindsay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

One of the most unexpected challenges in my creative journey came right after I decided to turn my lifelong passion for photography into a full-time career. I’d been a professional hairdresser since 2004, and in 2019, while still working behind the chair, I started pursuing photography professionally. Things took off quickly—I landed a role with a music publication and began covering live shows, including my first stadium concert just a few months later. It felt like I was finally finding my rhythm behind the camera… and then the pandemic hit.

Practically overnight, every live event was canceled. It was a huge blow, but I refused to lose momentum. Inspired by another photographer, I launched the “Front Porch Project”—a community initiative where I offered free family portraits taken from a safe distance. Over the course of a month, I photographed more than 200 families across my county, giving people a reason to smile during lockdown. The project unexpectedly became one of the most rewarding experiences of my career and earned me “Best of Cherokee 2021: Photographer.”

That season taught me how to pivot creatively and build a business that could weather uncertainty. When live music returned, I came back stronger and more focused—eventually capturing performances for artists like Sixpence None The Richer and even photographing Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Atlanta in 2023. Today, I’ve expanded my work into event and brand photography, collaborating with clients like Spotify, Amazon, and Chick-fil-A. That early setback taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of finding new ways to create even when the world feels paused.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Lindsay Ann Snyder— an Atlanta-based event, concert, and freelance photographer with a deep love for storytelling through images. My creative journey started long before I ever picked up a professional camera. I spent 18 years as a hairstylist, and while I loved connecting with people and helping them feel their best, I always found myself drawn to visual storytelling — capturing emotion, energy, and those in-between moments that make people feel something. In 2019, I finally decided to pursue photography professionally, and I’ve never looked back.

My work now spans live music, events, lifestyle portraits, and branding sessions for artists and businesses. I’ve had the privilege of photographing everything from intimate acoustic sets to large-scale shows like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, as well as corporate activations and festivals for brands like Spotify, Amazon, and Chick-fil-A. Whether I’m covering a sold-out concert or a local brewery event, my goal is always the same — to capture genuine emotion and create dynamic, story-driven imagery that connects with people.

What sets me apart is my ability to balance professionalism with approachability. I like to think of myself as my clients’ go-to gal pal with a camera — someone who makes them feel comfortable, seen, and celebrated while delivering high-quality, impactful images they can actually use. Having ADHD, I bring a lot of creative energy and quick adaptability to every shoot, which helps me thrive in unpredictable, fast-paced environments like concerts and live events.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built along the way. Many of my clients have become long-term collaborators and friends. I genuinely care about the people and stories I’m documenting — whether it’s an artist about to release new music, a company celebrating a milestone, or a family sharing a special moment. At the end of the day, my brand is about connection, creativity, and authenticity — capturing the real moments that remind people why they love what they do.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Honestly, I think the best way to support artists and creatives is to actually value what we do — not just the end result, but the process, the time, and the heart that goes into it. A lot of people love creative work, but they don’t always realize how much behind-the-scenes effort it takes to make something look effortless.

Fair pay and proper credit go a long way, but support doesn’t always have to be financial. Show up to local shows, share someone’s work, hire local photographers, buy from small artists instead of big box stores — it all adds up.

I also think building a strong creative community is huge. When creatives have places to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other, it lifts everyone up. Some of my favorite opportunities have come from other photographers or artists just believing in me and passing my name along.

At the end of the day, a thriving creative ecosystem happens when we stop seeing art as “extra” and start treating it like the essential part of life that it is. When creatives are supported, inspired, and fairly compensated, everyone gets to experience more beauty, connection, and storytelling in the world — and that’s something worth investing in.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think one thing non-creatives sometimes struggle to understand is that being a creative isn’t just about “doing something fun” — it’s running a full-on business built around passion. What people see — the cool events, the concert photos, the travel — is maybe 10% of the job. The other 90% is planning, editing until 2 a.m., handling invoices, contracts, marketing, and about a thousand emails. It’s equal parts art and admin.

There’s also the emotional side of it. When you pour yourself into creative work, you’re putting a piece of who you are out there for others to see (and sometimes critique). That vulnerability can be hard to explain to someone who doesn’t live it. It’s not just about creating something pretty — it’s about connection, storytelling, and constantly putting yourself out there in new ways.

I think most people would be surprised how much grit and self-discipline it takes to keep a creative career going. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s worth it. The moments where my work connects with someone, or I get to capture a once-in-a-lifetime memory — that’s what keeps me showing up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.photosbylindsayann.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosbylindsayann
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photosbylindsayann