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Conversations with the Inspiring Larissa Welch

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Larissa Welch.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Phew! I think the best thing about my journey (and others’ journey) is that I never would have been able to see where I am today a few years ago. Three years ago, my husband and I decided to move back closer to home. I was working a job that I enjoyed at the time, but the move required me to give that up and start fresh. During the move, I had a huge inkling that I didn’t want to just go get another j.o.b.

Since I picked up my dad’s old film camera in high school, I knew I wanted to start my own photography business. But, I never had the courage to do so. Over and over and over again, I’d tell myself I’d start when I was better – when I was perfect.

Well, I think we can all agree that perfect doesn’t exist. So, ten years after I fell in love with my camera, when we moved back home, and I had an inkling that it was finally time to start my photography business.

I shot anyone and anything when I first started out because I was desperate to just make this work. My worst fear was my husband telling me I’d have to go get a “normal job.” So, I worked my butt off. I worked nights and weekends. Whenever someone needed a photographer, I was there. But, the entire time I had a nagging feeling that I still wasn’t good enough. That I had to fight to get clients still in a competitive market.

About a year into my business, I realized I had a passion for connecting with and photographing couples. Maybe it’s because I absolutely love the crazy, messiness of marriage, but couples are my JAM. So, I started focusing all my efforts on marketing for couples and weddings. But, I was still stuck in a thought pattern of doubt and uncertainty about how to effectively attract new clients.

I felt like a fake. Like an imposter. And all I could do was compare myself to the other photographers around me. I knew I had to get out of my head.

A wonderful life/business coach came into my life. She helped me work through these destructive thought patterns I was telling myself. She helped me find me. I put in months and months of daily work to overcome those negative thoughts.

Now, I’m not going to say all those negative thoughts are magically gone. Nope! I still have to battle those demons. But I came out with a firm grasp on who I was and how I could best serve my clients.

I have created a customer experience that I feel like is second to none. I put a strong emphasis on showing my realness and my quirks (a.k.a. my obsession with Harry Potter, hot chocolate and yoga). I allow all my couples to feel comfortable first (whether that’s sharing a beer before their session or playing their favorite music while we adventure around). And I care so deeply about knowing who they are and what makes them happiest in life.
I’m working on teaching other photographers my messy process of how I got to where I am today in hopes that they won’t have to go through as many struggles.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a Colorado mountain couples, elopement, and intimate wedding photographer. I specialize in taking real, romantic and candid photos of the fun and adventurous couples. I love those couples who are visiting Colorado and want to capture some memories of their trip in our gorgeous mountains. And, some of my favorite memories are on a mountain-side watching a couple read their vows.

My specialty is making couples not feel AWKWARD in front of the camera! We all know how goofy our high school prom photo was – that is the opposite of what I try to do. I bring beer, I bring music and I make picture taking really, really fun.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
Honestly, I think the biggest barrier to female leadership today is women not believing in their value and themselves. We, as women, are notorious for comparison and self-defeat. We tell ourselves a million reasons why we can’t do something before we ever even try to start. We tell ourselves that there is this barrier out there and that we’ll never be good enough. We compare ourselves. We tear our sisters down. We tear ourselves down.
When, we, women can learn to face the voices inside telling us we are not good enough and learn to overcome them, then I believe there will no longer be a stigma of barriers to female leadership.

Pricing:

  • Couples Sessions Starting at $475
  • Elopements Starting at $1200
  • Weddings Starting at $2400

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
We, The Light Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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