We were lucky to catch up with Lydia Boudouin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lydia, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
The inception of my creative services business can be traced back to a pivotal moment in my adolescence. As a foster child, I found that the lack of significant memories captured through photographs was a void in my life. This awareness sparked my interest in photography when my uncle introduced me to an SLR camera during my 8th-grade promotion.
The encounter with the SLR camera ignited a passion within me, leading to the eventual purchase of my first Nikon film SLR camera with a 35mm lens. My motivation was clear – I aimed to ensure that no one missed out on capturing cherished moments. I aspired to tell a visual story through my photography, encapsulating the essence of events and joyous occasions.
This passion evolved as I pursued photography classes in college, refining my skills and perspective. Subsequently, my career path led me to a position as a marketing operations specialist and event coordinator. This role not only allowed me to incorporate photography into the company’s proprietary events but also provided opportunities for travel and further exploration of my craft.
The journey has been rich with accomplishments, as my determination to excel in every endeavor has driven me to continuously evolve. While I appreciate the financial rewards, my focus has always been on the genuine passion I have for photography. It is a medium through which I can contribute meaningfully, shaping impactful narratives and preserving moments that matter.
Over the span of 15 years in the field, I’ve maintained a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and learning continuously. Photography, to me, is not just a profession; it’s a dynamic and ever-changing art form that I am dedicated to mastering.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
About Me: Thank you for taking the time to get familiar with my story. I’m Lydia Boudouin, the creative force behind LKB Photography, drawing upon over 15 years of experience as an events and marketing operations professional. My journey into photography began during my adolescence as a foster child, where I discovered my unique ‘lens’ for viewing the world. This passion took root when my uncle introduced me to an SLR camera during my 8th-grade middle school promotion. Inspired by this encounter, I delved deeper into photography, eventually acquiring my first Nikon film SLR camera. Motivated by a desire to ensure that no one missed out on capturing precious moments, I pursued photography classes in college, honing my skills and developing a unique storytelling style.
My Work & Services:
LKB Photography specializes in delivering captivating visual narratives, aiming to elevate online presence through professional imagery. Our services cater to a diverse clientele, including businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, content creators, families, and individuals seeking to enhance their professional image. From event coverage to portrait sessions, content creation, and product photography, each service is crafted with a commitment to storytelling and capturing the essence of the moment.
What Sets Me Apart:
What distinguishes LKB Photography is the deeply personal connection I establish with each project. Beyond merely taking pictures, I view photography as a passion, a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to people’s lives. We go beyond traditional realms by being storytellers, capturing not just moments but the emotions and narratives woven into each frame. This unique approach has made us the driving force behind small businesses and contributors to the visual elevation of top tech companies.
Problems We Solve for Clients:
Many of the clients who seek my services often approach me for guidance on marketing operations and content creation. Drawing on my extensive experience in events, marketing operations, and corporate business, I bring a unique perspective to complement my branding services. I am inherently a systems person, adept at navigating the intricacies of marketing and corporate operations.
When clients consult with me, I don’t just see myself as a photographer; I see myself as a strategic partner in their business growth. I conduct a comprehensive assessment of where each client currently stands and work closely with them to envision where they aspire to be. I guide them in mapping out achievable goals and then employ a combination of photography, marketing expertise, and uniquely systematic business strategies to refine their business plans.
What sets me apart is not only the ability to capture moments but also to provide strategic insights that enhance their brand. I am deeply passionate about leveraging my skills and creativity to not only capture visually stunning images but to contribute to the growth and success of their business. My commitment goes beyond the lens; I am dedicated to polishing their business plans, aligning their brand message with their industry, product, or service, and ultimately helping them stand out in a crowded market.
This personalized approach to each client reflects my belief that photography, marketing, and business strategy should work seamlessly to elevate both the visual and operational aspects of a business. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about using my skills to enhance their image and contribute to the overall success of their business.
Proudest Accomplishments:
I take great pride in my dynamic 15-year journey in photography, having been a celebrity photographer for major productions such as MTV, BET, and VH1. The commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and unwavering determination has led to numerous accomplishments, from capturing corporate events to personal milestones. Every project, be it on a red carpet or behind the scenes, holds a special place in my heart.
Key Message to Potential Clients/Followers/Fans:
I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that LKB Photography goes beyond the conventional role of a photographer. We are dedicated storytellers, capturing emotions and narratives in each frame. Whether it’s a corporate event or a personal celebration, we are committed to delivering visually stunning and emotionally resonant work. Our business is built on a vision of innovation and consistent progression, aiming to add concrete success to that vision every day.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When the pandemic hit, like many in the photography industry, I faced the reality that traditional photoshoots were no longer viable. While I could have chosen to persist with safety precautions, I saw an opportunity to provide a different kind of assistance. This realization led to a significant pivot in my business strategy. I decided to separate the marketing side of my business and introduce it as a completely new entity, Kre8tive Digital LLC.
This strategic move allowed me to maintain the same level of excellence and passion for my work, but in a remote working environment. Instead of being limited by physical constraints, I embraced the shift to digital platforms, offering clients assistance with their digital marketing and branding needs. Conducting phone consultations became the norm, initiating assessments and laying the groundwork for impactful strategies.
The initial success of Kre8tive Digital LLC was encouraging, but as fate would have it, my health posed unforeseen challenges that turned my pivot into a complete halt. Alongside health challenges, I faced the additional setback of being displaced due to a flood, forcing me to run my business from a hotel room for a prolonged period of 8 months. The physical and emotional toll was substantial, throwing me into a space where it was difficult to tap into my creative energy. I felt drained and disheartened.
However, adversity often unveils resilience. Overcoming this challenging period required a combination of prayer, self-care, self-reflection, patience, and understanding. It was a journey back to myself, both physically and emotionally. The experience forced me to reevaluate priorities, reassess goals, and reinforce my mindset.
Despite the hurdles, I am immensely proud to say that I not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger than before. I’ve reignited my passion for what I do, understanding that challenges are inevitable but they don’t define us. The pivot, despite its challenges, ultimately became a transformative period that strengthened my resolve, deepened my resilience, and rekindled the flame of creativity within me. I am now more driven than ever to deliver excellence in both photography and digital marketing, fueled by a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for the journey.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The backbone of my business growth lies in the strong and consistent relationships I cultivate with my existing clientele. Over the years, the majority of my business has been received through the powerful channel of word-of-mouth referrals. This organic growth has not only been a testament to the quality of my work but has also forged a deep sense of loyalty among my clients.
While many businesses are increasingly reliant on digital marketing strategies, my approach has retained a touch of the old school. Attending events has been a cornerstone of my strategy, allowing me to personally connect with individuals and showcase my business. With a background in marketing and events, I am accustomed to the power of face-to-face networking, a method that has proven its effectiveness over time.
To complement this traditional approach, I leverage technology in various innovative ways. Digital business cards, a well-crafted website, and engaging presentations serve as digital touchpoints to display my portfolio and services to prospective clients. However, I go beyond the digital realm by incorporating live demos into my strategy. These demos not only showcase my creative process but also provide an interactive platform for potential clients to witness firsthand the passion and dedication I bring to each project.
Crucially, I believe in the power of feedback. I actively seek commentary and suggestions from everyone I interact with. This commitment to listening to my target audience is not just a professional practice but a demonstration of my genuine interest in providing an exceptional experience. Welcoming input from clients and prospects alike not only refines my approach but also reinforces the collaborative nature of my work.
In essence, my growth strategy is a harmonious blend of traditional relationship-building, personal networking at events, and the strategic use of technology. By staying rooted in personal connections while embracing digital tools, I’ve not only expanded my clientele but also fostered a community of individuals who appreciate the personal touch and commitment I bring to each project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imaginelkb.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lkb_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imagineLKBPhotos/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lkbphotography
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lkb_photography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lkb-photography-san-francisco-2
Image Credits
Lydia K Boudouin – LKB Photography (www.imaginelkb.com), Golden Goodwin, Tihanna Louise, Jessika Smith, Stella Haug, Kristina Mariah