Check Out Monica Lloyd’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Lloyd.

Hi Monica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for photography started in the darkroom when I was a freshman in high school. I instantly fell in love with the serene energy of being surrounded by complete darkness with my focus being on creating art with only light and chemicals. I ended up getting a BFA in Photography at Seattle University and graduated in 2016. During my time there, I experimented and got involved in the local art community. I was a finalist in Best in College Photography (a national competition) and had my photographs displayed internationally.

Once I graduated, I got a full-time job being a product photographer for a beauty agency in San Diego. I took this opportunity and went for it! I was able to work closely with Sephora and had my images displayed in their stores and websites.

Now that I am back in Colorado, I transitioned into becoming a freelance photographer so I could go back to photographing what I love most, people! I work with Tracks nightclub doing event photography, capturing the energy of upcoming seniors in high school and college, and a variety of other subjects!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth!! In my experience, photographers have three paths they can follow if they want to make a career (or sustainable living) off of photography. They can be a wedding photographer, corporate photographer, or strictly freelance. The opportunities that presented themselves to me when I started, pushed me down the corporate road. I am very thankful for these opportunities as they helped me grow as a photographer and more importantly, as a businesswoman. However, my main struggle was that I wasn’t always photographing things that interested me. I felt forced to be creative for 10 hours a day, 5 days a week. Ask any artist, it is hard to always produce captivating work 100% of the time. There were moments I would stare at a lip gloss and ask myself “alright, how do I make this an interesting piece of art?”

Over time, I found a way to balance corporate photography with my freelance so I could keep the passion I’ve had since I was a teenager.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have a variety of experiences in different styles of photography. As of now, my main focus has been on event photography within in the LGBTQ+ community. Word of mouth is the best way I’ve gotten marketing for my photography services. I’ve recently done work with Glo Noodle House which is a new restaurant that opened up in the highlands area. One thing about photography that people don’t know is that 50% of it is customer service. It is pertinent that you show up with positive energy and are able to adapt quickly.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Charisma, determination, and passion.

Pricing:

• Senior Portraits – $400
• Event Coverage – $100/hr

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MonicaLloydPhotography.com