Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa White.
Hi Lisa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my story! My journey of progress as a photographer is aligned with my growth as a person. I am incredibly grateful to God for the blessings and support from my husband, family and friends to be where I am today. In high school, I was pretty set on becoming an architect, but electing a course in photography brought up a tough decision. I am a creative by nature, so both paths appealed to me heavily but after much prayer, photography was the clear choice.
I studied at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale (now closed) and earned my Associate of Science in Photography in 2011. While in my studies, I learned that photography is primarily the study of light; how to shape it to capture your subject in the best way possible. Everything else is either a technical skill or artistic opinion. This deepened my passion for creating photographs, and I look back at my college years as incredibly enriching.
My experience in the ‘real world’ outside of the classroom has been nothing short of an adventure. I started as an intern at a local rental studio, moved on as a post production associate for a wedding photographer, and then, most notably, became the head photographer for luxury watch company in the pre-owned market. It was here that I feel I grew the biggest wings and shaped who I am as a professional. I served as the Head of Photography for 4 years and designed a state-of-the-art studio to improve quality, efficiency & productivity. For the duration of my 5th year, I worked as the Operations Manager until the company moved out of state. This experience helped me tremendously to understand the gears of an e-commerce company and how photography plays a huge role. Not only that, but I was no longer a shy newbie fresh out of college that lived in her childhood home. By the age of 26, I had developed solid skills, confidence, experience in the business world and was finally living in my own apartment.
As much as I was encouraged that I could easily build my own business, I still had some reservations. I did my photography as a side hustle until I went full-time on my own in 2019. My passion of product imagery is what I wish to put my energy in. I think the time to fully pursue a passion is different for everyone. Nothing stops the bills, and you do what you need to, but doing what you love is not impossible. I believe that is what I needed to come to terms with. Now, I strive to help brands capture their product in the best light and continue to develop my skills as a creative professional. This is what I love to do, and my definition of success has upgraded from what I have believed previously. Life is constant learning and that’s okay.
Jerry Ghionis, a well known professional in photography that I deeply admire, summed it up best: “If you want to be a better photographer, be a better person.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not completely. A huge personal battle arose when the position I held for 5 years would no longer be mine. I came to see that a lot of my identity was tied up in my job title. I struggled a lot with realizing that my dedication, character and ability had nothing to do with having a full-time job. The traditional school of thought in earning money had always been to get a salary job with benefits and earn respect in the workplace. Once I didn’t have that, I felt like I was failing.
I have had my fair share of adjustments to self-employment, as many are probably familiar with. Working for yourself isn’t all rainbows and it requires a lot of self discipline but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have been very fortunate to do what I love but there were many rough days where I had to pick myself up from a dark place.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a product photographer that specializes in e-commerce and lifestyle images. I provide high quality images in order to increase customer trust, brand awareness and, ultimately, sales. My work with luxury watches is most known among my clients and past colleagues. I grew a deep appreciation for hand-crafted timepieces through my years photographing high-end brands. As much as I enjoy documenting the intricate details of luxury, I do like to keep myself challenged with capturing many different products. (As seen on my website)
I am most proud of the work ethic that has been instilled in me. My mother raised me displaying hard work to the fullest as a single mom who worked 3 jobs, and I take that dedication to heart. Since my younger years, my mom taught me to give 100% no matter what I’m doing. So in every commitment, even when it is unrelated to photography, I always strive to give my absolute best.
What sets me apart would have to be the variety of experience I’ve gained in the e-commerce world. I have seen firsthand how images helped a client feel comfortable with a huge purchase and made a salesperson’s job easier. In Operations Management, I have been part of the process from product acquisition all the way through to order fulfillment. It is a huge benefit to be able to creatively provide content, while having insight on how I can prevent any headaches in the process. I always recall my operations experience to better understand my client’s concerns and needs.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
The little things make me happy, for sure. I believe moments that bring happiness are often tied to what you value. I deeply value my faith, and quiet time to refocus on what is important. I enjoy understanding more of the Bible, and notice it as a huge contribution to my peace despite hard situations. Some other moments that make me incredibly happy are enjoying a local coffeehouse, spending time with loved ones, doing something creative at home or watching any episode of The Office.
Contact Info:
- Email: lisawhiteproduct@gmail.com
- Website: www.lisawhiteproduct.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhiteproduct/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhiteproduct
- Other: www.theluxephotographer.com
Image Credits
Lisa White
