We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lex Poulakos. Check out our conversation below.
Lex, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am honestly most proud of the relationships that I have built with my clients. Pretty pictures are great, but truly it is the relationships that have been formed that I value the most. Recently I have had a few clients make comments about things saying “I can’t believe you remember that” and it is 100% because I care about my clients as if they were all my closest friends. I think that genuine care translates into building our relationship and for so many I become an extension of their family when we are together. Those moments are such an honor and a privilege that I will never take for granted.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Lex! I’m a photographer based in Central Illinois where I was born and raised. I am obsessed with my furry little employees — my dog Howdy and cat Murray and 90% of my camera roll is of them! I am completely inspired and driven by human connection. While my focus has seemed to shift from couples to families throughout the years the one thing that has stayed consistent is the love that I am so lucky to photograph everyday. I never would have expected when I quit my job on a whim to dive into the world of self-employment and running a business that it would mean being able to be a fly on the wall celebrating people’s happiest milestones as well as the quiet tender moments tucked away in the mundane, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. From surprise proposals and pregnancy announcements to your “too cool to snuggle” kid giggling while sneaking a smooch to mom… they’re all major moments to me that I am
honored to witness. I love knowing that I am able to give my clients the timeless gift of “right now” for them to look back at for years to come.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Grinding and hustling 24/7. While I do think in the beginning stages of getting my business off of the ground it was necessary, I think it is time to say “no” more and find a healthier work/life balance. I am admittedly a workaholic, and it’s definitely been a struggle for me trying to separate myself from work. This past year I have been working 60-80 hours a week with no real time off and that isn’t a healthy or sustainable lifestyle. So the grind has served its purpose and it’s time to step into a new phase of still saying yes but also saying no a little more. I need to make time to clock out in order to be the best version of myself for my clients when I am clocked in.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
Probably when I decided that saying no is okay. I don’t have to offer certain types of photography if it no longer lights me up. And this doesn’t only benefit me, but also I always want my clients to have someone there showing up for them that is excited for whatever they are photographing. I recently decided to step away from big traditional weddings as well as seniors and it feels like a weight has been lifted off of me. I always felt kind of cornered. Like I knew there were certain things I could say no to, but others felt like I was obligated to take them on. Only saying yes to what feels aligned with me and giving myself that permission has been incredible.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, but it’s also a different version of me at the same time. I have been told that from both social media and in person sessions that everyone thinks I’m this super confident and outgoing person, and while I *can* be, I can also be introverted and incredibly anxious. I’m more personal settings when photographing my clients it feels more like hanging out so I can definitely chat your ear off, but if you put me in a room of 30 people where I only know one person I would probably hang on the sidelines not saying much. As for the confidence it can also be two sided. Like, I know that I know what I’m doing when I show up for work! BUT, when I leave a session you better believe that I’m replaying every conversation in my head and convincing myself that my clients think I’m an annoying dummy. It’s a back and forth battle that I’m not sure will ever end. Sending out galleries will always make me anxious. I think it really comes down to how deeply I care about my clients and serving them to the best of my ability.
So YES I can be that loud confident girl you see on socials or who is shoving a camera in your face, but know that I’m also checking my email repeatedly after sending a gallery just hoping that you’ll say you love it!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I wholeheartedly believe that I am absolutely doing what I was born to do. I had other interests I was considering when deciding what route to pursue for a career, but I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I believe that the growth of business happened rather seamlessly because I am so aligned with this path. I was told by a handful of people that photography was only a hobby, so if anything I’m very much doing what I was told *not* to do. And I couldn’t be happier about it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lexpoulakos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexpoulakosphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexpoulakos
Image Credits
Lex Poulakos: Photographer
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