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

Loreal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned photography through years of trial and error. I always had a camera with me, taking photos of different subjects, at different events, in various environments, and under different lighting conditions. At first, I took photos to just preserve memories of my friends and family, and later it turned into a passion. I consistently challenged myself by shooting in random locations, whether in direct sunlight or low light, which helped me learn and improve. I would plan photoshoots with local models that were building their portfolio and keep practicing at these locations that I would scout. Each time I did this, I became more familiar with my camera’s settings and capabilities. I would rent different brands of cameras and various lenses to find what I was most comfortable with.

Looking back, I realize I could have been more consistent with my overall creative efforts. Sometimes you have to just do it instead of overthinking; do the photoshoot, post the picture, just take action. If I would have photographed more consistently, I know it would have sped things up for me. Imposter syndrome often took over, leading me to compare myself to others whom I felt were more successful or more creative. This discouraged me and sometimes put me in creative ruts. What helped me get out of these ruts was getting inspired and venturing into different types of photography, like weddings, sports, concerts, and portraits.

One of the most essential skills in photography is having perspective. This has a dual meaning: being intentional about your mindset and exploring different angles or compositions when shooting. It’s crucial to be mindful of your thought patterns and the way you view your craft, as this can significantly influence your photos. Maintaining a positive mindset requires mental discipline. Don’t let imposter syndrome or the comparison game take control—stay focused on your own journey. When considering perspective, you also need to think about how your audience will feel when they view your work. Ask yourself, “What emotion do I want to evoke?” and “How will this look from the audience’s perspective?” Experimenting with new techniques, switching up your positioning, and playing with different angles are key to answering those questions and are ultimately fueling creative growth. Mastering this skillset will make you unstoppable and help you develop your unique artistic style.

One significant obstacle was my reluctance to ask for help, whether it was about the business side of photography or my overall creative workflow. I’ve always been uncomfortable asking others for things, which hindered my learning process. Not only do you have to balance being a creative but also being a business owner. In hindsight, I could have benefitted from leaning on my photography community and seeking advice from people I admired and respected in the industry. Building a sense of community keeps you inspired and connected with like-minded creatives. You’d be surprised who people will connect you to, opportunities people will refer you for, or even what gear people will loan to you.

Loreal, 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?

For those who don’t know me, I want them to understand that I am deeply passionate about both photography and people. My journey into photography was almost serendipitous—I’ve always been “the camera girl,” the one ensuring that every moment, every laugh, and every tear was captured. I felt an innate need to preserve memories because, to me, life’s fleeting moments are precious and irreplaceable.

My photography business had humble beginnings with graduation photos, which soon led to family portraits, and eventually blossomed into weddings and other significant life events. The environment around me played a significant role in shaping my focus. During my college years, I was drawn to capturing the individuality and spirited essence of graduates, as well as the thrill of sports. After college, I found myself gravitating towards engagements, weddings, and concerts, each offering a unique canvas for my creativity to flourish. Today, my focus is on portraits and concerts, where I aim to capture the genuine, unfiltered essence of my subjects.

One of my core goals as a photographer is to make my clients feel incredibly comfortable, allowing me to capture their most authentic selves. I aim to reveal the beauty they may not see in themselves, through my eyes and lens. What sets me apart from other photographers is my commitment to exceptional customer service. I strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where clients feel at home. I come prepared for any situation to alleviate their stress. Whether it’s providing snacks, drinks, fans, or personalized playlists, I tailor the experience to each client’s unique needs. I want them to feel 100% confident, so that confidence radiates through the photos. I become their hype woman, guiding and cheering them on throughout the shoot. Ultimately, my aspiration is to craft an unforgettable experience rather than just a photoshoot.

I take immense pride in the positive impact I have on people and the joy I bring to their lives through my work. It touches my heart to know that my photos are woven into the fabric of critical moments in people’s lives. Being a part of engagements, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, weddings, gender reveals, graduations, and family portraits is a profound honor. Knowing that these captured moments will be cherished for generations is incredibly rewarding.

To my future clients, I want you to know that our time together might just make you feel like you’ve gained a lifelong friend or even your biggest fan. My photoshoots often run longer than planned because we get so inspired by new ideas or so enthralled in conversation that we lose track of time. If that level of connection and dedication isn’t what you’re looking for, I may not be the photographer for you. I hope to attract those who are meant for me, who can appreciate the depth and emotion I pour into every photograph. My ultimate goal is for my audience to feel the intensity of my passion and the depth of emotion through each and every image I create.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Honestly, the best source of new clients for me has been social media, especially Instagram. Maintaining a consistent presence across popular platforms has been crucial because you never know who might discover your work and resonate with it. Social media allows me to showcase my portfolio, share client testimonials, and engage directly with potential clients. It’s a powerful tool for reaching a global audience and connecting with individuals who are looking for specific services or a creative style that I offer. Building a strong online presence has not only expanded my client base but also opened up exciting opportunities to collaborate and grow as an artist.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is the creative freedom it offers. Each photo I capture reflects what I find beautiful in the world around me. It’s a liberating experience to share my perspective and interests through my work, using images to express emotions, stories, and ideas. Photography allows me to channel my passion and creativity into something tangible, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with others through my art. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about translating my ideas and feelings into visual stories that resonate with others. This creative outlet is incredibly therapeutic, providing a space where I can explore, experiment, and have a profound impact through my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lorealcurtisphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorealcurtisphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LorealCurtisPhotography/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorealcurtis/

Image Credits

The first photo of me was taken by Jordan Marble, his instagram is @jemarble and the rest of the photos were taken by me and my instagram is @lorealcurtisphotography