We recently connected with Whitley Barbier and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Whitley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

The name of my company is very unique and special to me. The first portion of the name is my middle name – Lynese. The second portion of the name is an important piece of equipment for my business- Lenses. You can’t get much done without a lens attached to the other end of the camera.

The name came about when I started publishing my work and wanted a unique name associated with it. My first name would’ve sufficed but I still wanted to branch out and do something more.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Photographer based out of Murfreesboro who specializes in Graduations, Engagements, Portraits, and Landscapes. I have been crafting my work since I was about seven when my parents introduced me to art. Initially, I thought of it as a fun hobby to practice during vacations and when I was bored on the weekends. But, as I got older, I wanted to do more with it, so I started taking graduation photos and free portraits for friends. My business started with me taking pictures for friends and friends of friends and has begun to expand to new people across Middle Tennessee.

As I started my business, I kept reading comments about people having to “deal” with their photographer because the person was not intentional or personable. The photographer’s main intentions were the money and had no desire to build rapport with the people in front of them. I knew that I didn’t want that same reputation with my clients. As a photographer, it is my job to make my clients feel comfortable and confident. A saying I keep in mind when posing is, “If you feel awkward, you probably look awkward.” I want people not to feel staged when having their photos taken. I lean towards more candid, and natural poses over staged and posed.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I strongly advocate building connections with clients before and during their photoshoots. I want my clients to feel as comfortable as possible during this time. My motto is “If you feel awkward, you probably look awkward,” and I definitely wouldn’t want them to feel that way. When getting to know clients, I ask general personal questions to get them comfortable with me, so we aren’t going into this completely blind. Clients are more likely to hire someone again if they trust them and their ability to complete the job successfully.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to serve God with the gifts and talents that he has blessed me with. I am not striving for a monetary or numerical goal; instead, I want to encounter as many incredible people as this life allows. When I think about my photography journey, I think about all of the places, people, and opportunities God has granted me.

Contact Info:

• Website: lyneselenses.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: instagram.com/lynese.lenses/
• Facebook: facebook.com/lynese.lenses