We were lucky to catch up with Seth Louis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Seth, 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 started learning and perfecting my craft as a photographer in 2020 where I spent hours watching informational videos, experimenting with different settings, and learning all aspects of what it is to being a photographer. I went through a long learning process of not shooting on auto and figuring out where I should have my settings for better lighting and focus. After experimenting for a few months I started getting the hang of what I was doing and decided to put my emerging skills to the test. I began doing self portraits, taking pictures of friends, family, and received a lot of great feedback on the pictures. Then I connected with a group of amazing photographers and began learning more from them as well.

For posing, it was somewhat easier, doing self portraits I was able to learn different angles that can better highlight subjects. I also studied different photographers’ and models to see which images they were posting on their Instagram or website. From there I took mental notes of hand placements, eyes, body adjustments, and more that help subjects look their best.

As for editing, every year, I try to learn new editing techniques and it’s still an ongoing process. I started out with minimal experience in Photoshop, but had no idea of the full capabilities of Photoshop and Lightroom. For months and months I watched countless of videos to ensure when I did more photoshoots that I would be able to edit the pictures amazingly.
Looking back now at the small edits I used to make to the amount of time I now take to edit, it’s amazing to see the difference and progress I’ve made over the years.

I would say learning the right angles and settings of the camera are the two most essential things I’ve learned in photography. Those two in my opinion are what make a photographer. Yes, the edits are nice and do take a long time but you can hire someone to edit images for you. As a photographer why would you hire someone to take pictures for you? It wouldn’t make you a photographer.

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 background and context?

I am a photographer based in Miami, FL, serving South Florida. I fell in love with photography at a young age and in my adult years I am pursuing this passion of mine to see people smile, enjoy themselves, and have a moment they will always remember.

I consider myself a jack of all trades (in photography), so I specialize in portraits, headshots, engagements and special occasions, events, and nature/architecture. I focus on the specific needs of my clients, getting to know what their expectations are, if they have a favorite side, or a specific look they want. That way I can guide them with their posing and allowing them to be comfortable in front of a camera. A lot of clients I work with aren’t that comfortable in front of the camera so I always make sure to get them relaxed and have a good time.

I’m most proud of the improvements I’ve made as a photographer and an editor. When I first started out, I was still nervous and not sure of myself behind the camera, but as I’ve done more shoots, things have gotten easier and I can better guide my clients to get what they want. I’ve also had lots and lots of practice as an editor in Photoshop and Lightroom so to see that improvement in myself was been great to watch. All that allows me to provide a better final image to my clients.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, as a creative, knowing that people are appreciative and interested in my work is probably the best feeling ever. Myself and other creatives spend hours and hours trying to perfect our craft and when people recognize that ability, there is no better feeling in the world. You think to yourself, “Yes! I did it and I’m on my way”

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Family and friends continue to be my best source of clients. My friends are always thinking of me and whenever someone is looking for a photographer I’m the first person they recommend.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @louissvision