We recently connected with Kathleen Lisbeth and have shared our conversation below.
Kathleen , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by experimenting with new things such as studio lighting, new posing techniques, photographing different wardrobe and finding ways that can improve my artistic abilities. When I feel like I am lacking creativity or want to try out new things I would do “model calls”. Model calls are posts that I would share on my socials that would allow me to experiment new things my client would not normally ask for. Another way I would keep my creativity alive is by taking breaks because it allows me to rest my mind and not get overwhelmed with so many ideas. Right now, I would define my style as very clean, simple, colorful and sometimes moody. I love to look through fashion books and watch music videos just to get inspired on things to create. I’m also open to new things when my clients reach out to me with things we’ve both never done. It excites me so much more! I never like doing the same things so when I get asked to create something they saw I photographed, I try to change it up a little depending on my clients personality and their exceptions just so it can be tailored to them.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Kathleen and I’m a portrait photographer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I specialize in Fine Art Maternity, Motherhood, Family & Beauty Portraiture.
Kathleen Lisbeth Photography is focused on capturing true emotions and story telling by providing an unforgettable experience before, during and after a session. I take careful planning and give a lot of preparation for my client before their photoshoot because I want to make sure that their visions and expectations do come to reality. What I find special about KLP is that I make sure that my clients are well taken care of, pampered and catered to by making sure they have everything that they need in case they forget anything that they need for their photo session. Providing professional makeup by only the best in town, high quality gowns, fabrics, and luxurious tangible products for keepsake so they can enjoy for many years to come. I’m very excited by continuing to grow and building this special brand of mine.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I would say that the only three skills and knowledge you need for this journey is 1. knowing how to use your camera. You don’t need the fanciest equipment starting out. 2. Knowing your cost of doing business. Photography and business are two separate things and if you don’t know your costs of running a sustainable business, in the long run it will not be successful. 3. Always keep learning and seek more education. Learn to take criticism to grow and advice from others that are doing the same thing as you. This helped me tremendously starting out while learning with my mentors.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my mom did for me was to push me to do the one thing I loved most; Photography. When I was in college and stuck on finding my purpose she told me to pursue my career in Fine Arts Photography. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and if it weren’t for her I’m not sure where I would be today. Once I started taking photography classes my dad was there to always help be my model for projects as well. He was always up for anything when I needed to take a photograph and most of my project photos were of him. I thank them both for allowing me to pursue this creative journey of mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kathleenlisbethstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenlisbethphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kathleenlisbethphotography/
Image Credits
Kathleen Lisbeth Photography Fabric Tossing: Kaedry Taveras Makeup Artists: LuxLooksByLuLu & Makeup By Giselle
