Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Gillis.
Hi Lydia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to today?
I have always been fascinated with photography. One of my fondest memories growing up is visiting my grandparents in Mexico every summer. Every time I visited, my grandfather and I had a tradition of going through an old box of black and white photos and a torn-up family album. My grandfather would tell me stories related to the people in the pictures. Through these photos and stories, I got to know family members that I never had the opportunity to meet in person. Early in my childhood, I understood the importance and power of a photo. A photo tells one’s story. It’s a living legacy that preserves time. I believe everyone has a beautiful story worth documenting for generations.
I think it’s fair to say that my love for photography has always been a part of me. Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had a camera. I remember my first camera was a 110 film camera. In high school, I took a photography class and fell in love with the darkroom. I hope to own my darkroom someday. After high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, so I joined the military to be a photographer and became a machinist mate (jet mechanic) working on Grumman A-6 Intruder. I have no regrets, though. I have very fond memories of my time in the Navy. My husband and I met in the Navy, married for twenty-seven years, and have two grown children.
After my military time, school, marriage, and having kids, it was important for me to be a stay-at-home parent. While raising a family, I would do photography as a hobby. I was the photographer that would photograph family and friends who could not afford a professional photographer. As my kids were getting older, I found myself figuring out the next chapter of my life. It was my husband that suggested I should start my own photography business. I thought he was crazy! I’m in my early 40s and thought I was too old to start my own business. By the way, I no longer think this way. If you’re on the fence about starting your business, go for it no matter your age! At first, it was a little intimidating. DSLR took over the photography world, and I was still doing the film.
In January 2012, after following my husband’s advice, Lydia Gillis Photography LLC became an official legal business in Oregon. In 2019 I relocated to Colorado.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
I laughed when I read this question. If you are a business owner, you know that there is no smooth road. We are constantly facing challenges, hurdles, and even failures. I have learned not to see these obstacles as unfavorable but rather as lessons to grow. I believe that to be successful; you need to be willing to take risks and be ok with failing.
Like so many photographers, I started my business because I loved the technical and creative side of the business. I knew nothing about running a business. In my first year, money was coming in, but I was not making a profit. I didn’t have a business model or a business plan. I was all over the place, working long hours and not having much to show. I found myself being part of the starving photographer’s club. I realized early on that if I was going to make it in this overly saturated market, I had to make some changes. My priority was understanding the business side of photography. I hired a business coach to help me out. This was a game-changer and one of the best investments for my business. I’m passionate about helping other photographers run a profitable and sustainable business. I’ve also learned that I can’t do it all. Understanding my strengths and weaknesses has helped me scale my business. Setting boundaries, having non-negotiables, and outsourcing has brought me so much freedom to focus on the things I like, and I’m great at.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I believe in preserving memories. I believe in things like a silver frame or a leather album. I think that timelessness always trumps trendy, and classic never goes out of style. I believe everyone has a unique story, and it should tell it. I believe in capturing authentic raw moments. I believe in legacy and creating lasting family heirlooms. I think my clients should walk away with more than just amazing photos but a moment and an experience to remember.
I specialize in weddings, high school seniors, personal brand/headshots, and education. However, I’m slowly moving away from weddings to focus more on education and helping photographers with the business side of photography by creating online courses and 1:1 coaching.
Some of the things I am most proud of besides creating family heirlooms is giving back to the community. Over the years, Lydia Gillis Photography has raised funds to help the homeless in Oregon and bring awareness to human sex trafficking. Partnered with Oregon Cancer foundation and provided complimentary photoshoots to cancer survivors and their gala fundraiser night. LGP has also offered $1000 scholarships to high school seniors going into college.
Have you learned any exciting or essential lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I’ve learned not to live in fear. Find ways to enjoy life still. Be creative. Appreciate the little things I took for granted and prioritize.
I learned to pivot and embrace change when it comes to my business. The opportunities are there for me. I need to find ways to capitalize on them.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://lydiagillis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydiagillisphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LydiaGillisPhotography
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lydiagillis
