We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lisa Garrett a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lisa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
I grew up in a small town with limited opportunities for artists, but I was determined to make a living through creativity. Throughout my life, I found ways to support myself as an artist in many different mediums. Academics didn’t come easily to me, but creating and expressing myself always felt natural. My passion for art was so strong that it attracted opportunities and work my way. At a young age, I learned to take risks, rely on faith, and manifest my dreams into reality. I believe that when you live and breathe your passion with gratitude, it will eventually become part of your life—remembering that what you put out into the universe always comes back to you, which is why it’s good to move with kindness and patience.
Lisa, 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?
Hi, my name is Lisa Garrett, and I’m a photographer based in beautiful Sedona, Arizona.
I have a background in professional dance, modeling, and acting, which made transitioning into photography a natural progression after spending years on the other side of the lens. Photography has become a fulfilling career for me, offering endless opportunities to explore creativity through various mediums.
My favorite moments are when my mind settles, and I can see the world through my lens with intuition and heart, allowing each shoot to unfold in a unique and authentic way. Balancing the technical and creative aspects, I aim to work closely with each client to bring out their inner beauty and individuality.
I own and operate four photography businesses:
Lisa Garrett Photography .com
Sedona Destination Elopements .com
Tiny Tots Photo .com
Sedona Headshot Photography – Facebook Page
Each company requires specialized training, equipment, and editing techniques, with different editing programs tailored to meet the unique demands of each genre.
A future passion of mine is to travel and document ancient cultures with my camera and photography. I’m deeply drawn to traditions and practices that focus on ceremony and healing. Through self-reflection, I’ve found greater inner happiness and peace, which inspires me to contribute to creating a better world.
The challenges I face as a photographer include shooting in unpredictable weather conditions and keeping up with the ever-evolving technology—camera settings, lighting systems, editing software, and computer programs that require constant updates and new models. I also manage my website and SEO services, and deal with the inevitable broken or defective gear that often needs repairs. One of the toughest aspects is maintaining a consistent shooting schedule. During slower seasons, I can easily overwork myself to compensate. And of course, I couldn’t get through it all without coffee!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My resilience as a photographer shines through in the physical demands of the job—whether it’s carrying heavy gear or powering through long workdays. Weighing just 116 lbs, hiking with camera equipment or shooting a 10-hour wedding day is a real test of strength. Wedding days are physically demanding, with two heavy cameras around my neck for hours, taking a toll on my body. For elopement sessions, I often hike clients to stunning, remote locations while carrying gear and a changing tent. Some shoots even require climbing ledges, crawling into caves, or hanging off cliffs—all of which feel like a full-body workout!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
As a photographer, I’ve transitioned through many different styles, starting with headshots, then moving into business, product, real estate, outdoor, studio, weddings, and elopements. I’ve pretty much tried every type of photography, constantly shifting my direction along the way. This includes maternity, family, engagement, and senior portraits. With each new direction, there’s a need for new gear and training, which can sometimes leave you feeling scattered—yet also exhilarated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lggphoto.com
- Instagram: @lisagarrettphotography
Image Credits
Lisa Garrett Photography
My profile picture was taken by Amber Kuhn Photography