Meet Lindsay Blackman

We recently connected with Lindsay Blackman and have shared our conversation below.

Lindsay , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

You know that feeling when your creative spark just… fizzles? As a photographer, I’ve definitely been there! Some days I stare through my lens and honestly, not a single creative idea comes to mind. Those are the days I’m thankful for the techniques I’ve practiced a thousand times—they’re like old friends I can count on when inspiration decides to take a coffee break.

But oh my goodness, when that creative energy does hit? Pure magic!

I’ve found this little trick that keeps me excited and creative.: I challenge myself to try just one new thing every time I pick up my camera. Sometimes it’s super simple, like tilting a sleeping baby’s head just-so to catch the light perfectly. Other times, I’ll go all out and create this dreamy setup I’ve been daydreaming about. It’s amazing how even these small changes can have me rushing home to review my shots! And that is when I feel most creative, and avoid burnout.

I also love nothing more than cozying up with a new tutorial or losing myself in other photographers’ Instagram feeds. There’s something so energizing about being part of this creative community where we can all learn and grow together. It’s like having an endless supply of artistic fuel right at my fingertips!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

For the past 11 years I have photographed over 700 newborns, and I also offer Newborn Mentoring & Training for other aspiring Newborn Photographers. I am a licensed and insured professional photographer, and have been serving Salem and the greater Portland area for 11 years.

I started my business photographing a friend’s newborn in my apartment living room, and fast forward 11 years, I now have a beautiful professional studio to welcome my clients to. I am so grateful and lucky that I followed my heart and my passion! Babies (and puppies 🙂 have my heart.

While there are a million different styles of Newborn Photography, I always try to focus on images that I know parents will still love 20 years from now. I try not to follow fleeting trends too much, and instead focus on stunning, beautifully captured, timeless, modern, and clean images of your newborn. I want you to cherish your image for a lifetime, and focus on creating those types of images for you.

I have twin boys, (now toddlers! phew!) and they keep me laughing and on my toes everyday. I remember clearly what it’s like to be a new very exhausted parent, and I use this knowledge to make my clients time with me as easy and enjoyable as possible.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Starting a photography business sounds dreamy to many: capturing beautiful moments, flexing creative muscles, and bringing joy to families through your art. However, as I look back over the last 11 years, I see that building a successful photography business required far more than just taking photos. Through trial, error, and growth, I discovered three key lessons that I now emphasize with my mentees. These aren’t just business tips; they’re foundational principles that I believe every aspiring photographer should know.

1. Embrace the “Boring” Work
This is the unglamorous truth about running any business, and it’s especially true for photography. There’s a lot more to being a successful photographer than taking beautiful pictures. The “boring” work includes essential, behind-the-scenes elements like getting insured, securing the right licenses, staying on top of monthly accounting, and managing contracts. These tasks might seem tedious, but they’re vital to building a business that clients can trust year after year.

I’ve seen so many talented photographers start out, excited and full of creative energy, only to be overwhelmed by the reality of running a business. They realize that it’s not just about fun and creativity, and many bow out too soon. Setting up solid foundations from day one is key if you’re serious about turning your passion into a lasting business. You can’t skip these steps if you want a business that clients can rely on—and one that you can sustain.

2. Seek Out Training and Mentorship
When I first entered the world of photography, options for 1:1 Training or Mentorship were nearly nonexistent. It was a slow, often frustrating journey to figure everything out on my own. Now, we’re fortunate to live in a time where training and mentorship are readily available, and I can’t stress enough how beneficial this can be for new photographers.

Looking back, I realize how much faster I could have reached my goals if I’d had someone guiding me—someone to show me the ropes and help me avoid common mistakes. Training and mentorship are not shortcuts; they’re accelerators that can help you refine your skills, understand business nuances, and ultimately get you to a place where you’re booking the clients you want to work with, and an income that sustains you.

3. Keep Your Website and SEO a Top Priority
It’s tempting to put the website and SEO on the back burner, especially when life gets busy. This is exactly what happened to me a few years back when I had my twin boys. Naturally, all non-urgent business tasks took a backseat, and I stopped maintaining my website and SEO. As a result, my site’s rankings tanked, and my inquiries slowed down drastically. It was a scary time for my business.

I then hired an SEO expert who helped get my website back on track, but it was a valuable lesson: no matter what’s going on in your life, your online presence needs consistent attention. Clients today look online before booking, and if they can’t find you, or if your website doesn’t accurately reflect your brand, you’re likely missing out on opportunities.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

As a sole parent to twin toddler boys while also running my own business, feeling overwhelmed is, understandably, part of my reality. When I feel that familiar rush of being overwhelmed, and not knowing where to even start, I’ve learned that the first thing I need to do is pause, take a breath, and WRITE IT ALL DOWN.

There’s something magical about getting those swirling thoughts and tasks out of my head and onto paper—or more often, into a note on my phone. (since it’s no longer the 90’s.)

When I write it all down, it’s like creating a map out of the chaos. It gives me a place to refer back to, a list I can trust to keep me on track, and, most importantly, a starting point.

I usually start small, tackling a few simple tasks first to build momentum. Whether it’s sending a quick email, uploading images, or making a social media post, every small accomplishment lessens the overwhelm. Having that list gives me structure and reminds me that I’m making progress, one small step at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://livejoyphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livejoyphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveJoyPhotography/
• Twitter: @livejoyphoto
• Other: TikTok @livejoyphotography

Image Credits

LiveJoy Photography