Today we’d like to introduce you to Leamsy Trussell.
Hi Leamsy, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Since I was a child, photography has always been a passion of mine. I was fascinated with cameras and loved taking pictures of everything. When I turned nine, my parents purchased a digital camera for me, which I used to capture images of everything that caught my eye. I dreamed of owning a DSLR camera and starting my own photography business someday.
In high school, I applied for a photography class, but unfortunately, I didn’t make it in. As I got older, I started to feel like my passion for photography was unattainable, and I eventually forgot about it. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college, when I excelled in all of my classes, that my parents gifted me a Rebel t6i for Christmas. I was ecstatic! I started photographing my family and friends just for fun, and it quickly became a beloved hobby.
Fast forward to 2022, when I gave birth to my daughter. I wanted to find a way to work but also stay home to care for my child. With the encouragement of my husband, family, and friends, I finally mustered up the courage to pursue my dream of starting a photography business.
I feel incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my family, friends, and clients. Since starting my photography business, I’ve been able to tap into my artistic side and explore creative avenues that I had previously set aside. This experience has rekindled a passion within me that I’m excited to nurture and develop further.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business can be an extremely daunting task. The fear of judgment and uncertainty was overwhelming, and it made it difficult to put myself out there. However, once I took that first step, I was pleasantly surprised by the support system I had around me. This helped build my confidence and motivated me to keep moving forward.
Even after starting, there were still challenges to overcome. Creatively, I faced struggles such as imposter syndrome and questioning my own ability to succeed. From a business perspective, I had to ensure that everything was documented properly, payments were made on time, and contracts were in order. Every day has been a learning experience for me. I have been working on developing new editing techniques and improving my photography skills. It’s been a journey of trial and error, but I am grateful for the progress I have made so far.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m still exploring my interests as a photographer and haven’t yet decided on a specific type of photography to focus on. I enjoy tapping into my creativity while capturing a wide range of events such as newborns, family, and maternity sessions, as well as weddings and quinceañeras. Among these, I have found maternity and family sessions to be my favorite. My aim as a photographer is not only to deliver high-quality photos but also to provide my clients with a positive and memorable experience. I take great pleasure in building connections with my clients and being a supportive presence throughout their photo shoot. Whether they need a cheerleader to encourage them or someone to remind them of their strengths as a parent, I am there for them. Along with this, I am committed to providing my clients with the best possible images. I ensure that I go the extra mile when it comes to editing so that they can relive their cherished memories for a lifetime.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
As a photographer, I was fortunate to have had other photographers mentor me when I started my business and even now. Before starting my own company, I had many friends who were photographers and also worked as an executive assistant for a real estate photography company. I am grateful for the advice and support that I received from them. However, I understand that not everyone has such a support system. If you are a photographer looking for a mentor, I suggest reaching out to a fellow photographer you admire and asking if they would be willing to mentor you. Alternatively, you could join local photography groups on Facebook and post a message to let others know that you are looking for a mentor. Be sure to include what you hope to achieve through a mentorship. Networking on local photography pages has also been incredibly helpful for me. Not only have I improved my craft and business, but I have also made friends and worked with others in my field. I am grateful to all the photographers who have supported me on my journey!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trussellphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trussell.photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trussellphotography.fb
