Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lori Dodson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lori, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

When covid hit, I was working for a vacation rental company doing their real estate photography and boutique style/editorial style photography for snazzy short term rentals.
All of us that were on the ground keeping that company running were completely devastated when we were laid off in March of 2020.
When that hit, I took a few months, like everyone else, to figure out what the hell I was going to do because no one could really continue to work in most fields. I pondered several weeks with a few beers and in my own space and thoughts with what I could to work for myself. I was already earning side income with selling vintage clothing and other items, I was doing photography on the side for my own fun and for my own product photography.
Then I started to research different platforms I could start off on, website companies, agencies, remote creative jobs etc.
I bloomed from this, I took what I had and made it work for myself since 2020.
I have worked with almost 400 restaurants in San Antonio since then, I’ve done so many portraits for clients(personal and professional), I shoot motorcycles, events, music and people in that scene for funsies and sometimes they’ll book me for a paid shoot.

I have grown so much as a self taught photographer AND as a person through the past 5 years. I still don’t know what I am doing, but I am willing to take the risk…. Because failing and growing is where you learn the most!

Lori, 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?

As I mentioned in the “risk” section, it has been a risk to work on my own and make my own money since 2020. But it has been a blast!

I’ve shot guitar brands, food & beverage, store fronts/businesses, small local restaurants to bigger chain restaurants here in San Antonio. And so much more. (Weddings are the one thing I won’t do! lol)
Portraits are one of my favorite types of shoots, you really get to bring someone’s personality out in their photos.

I am 100% self taught, so I am always learning something new, teaching myself how to be more creative. I love studio work and lighting, and that is something I am focusing on right now. Hopefully here soon, I will have a portrait / photography studio available to the public!

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I do wish I had a broader dive into the creative world, you know the one most people don’t even know about. All the people that work behind the scenes on making a creative design/project/film/production.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I love doing photography, I get to create and have an outlet, most of all I get to have a focus driven result and push myself to create even better things for the future. Always keep learning and teaching what you learn!
Sometimes work can be work, but when you work with your passion… the rewards are unbelievable when you get to work with others who are doing the exact same thing!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loridodsonphotography?igsh=cmIxbHRwd256NHIz&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-dodson-b32a45282?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: Currently waiting to revamp my website. :]
  www.loridodsonphotography.com