We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lindsey Kate Pleasant a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lindsey Kate, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
In an industry that can be very oversaturated, sometimes your confidence can definitely take hit. I found that once I found my niche and my “people” it was easy to stay confident. As long as I was doing all that I could do for my clients it came easy. They are continuously building my confidence and my self-esteem. They let me know on the DAILY at how special I am to them and their family and for me that’s all it takes. I do what I do to make others happy and give them frozen moments in time they cannot give themselves; and their grateful hearts give me the confidence to keep doing what I’m doing, because I’m doing something right.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Since my last interview we’ve added a new addition to the team, my final little one, Collier Greer! She was a great surprise for us all. In adding another little one to the bunch, my business had to take a shift to keep up with my growing family. I started offering more studio style work. This has allowed me to work more during the day while my older two are in school, as well as having my little one with me when needed.
I found a new love for studio style work but also the continuous love for outdoor photography as well. I have found that I love newborn photography more than I thought I would, especially after telling myself it was not for me about 10 years ago.
It is also coming up on my 10 years in business, and 5 years being a full-time photographer, so I think there will definitely be something special coming later this year for my clients.
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 over the years to now, I wish I could tell my younger self and others, to not compare yourself to anyone else. While it’s so easy to say, it’s one of the hardest things to do. You eventually find your groove, you find those clients who love and adore you, for you. I’ve heard so many times over the years why people love using me and it’s for my qualities as a human being that I’ve always had and built over the years and not so much for my photography.
I’ve had clients with me from the beginning, back when I charged $30 for a session, and they’re with me now charging $300+. They used me all these years for me and my kindness and love for them and not solely on my talent. My talent wasn’t always where it is now.
The number one quality for me is respect! I will always respect you, I expect the same. Sometimes sessions aren’t perfect, kids act out, the weather isn’t ideal, equipment tries to malfunction. Whatever the case may be, respect is always key!
Always grow! Always try to continue to grow and learn. I learn something new every session, whether it’s about my editing style, or a new trick to engage your family more. Just never stop trying to improve yourself.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Growing up my parents were very strict with my siblings and I. My dad grew up with no structure and he made sure that we had a good and structured life growing up.
At the time I wasn’t at all pleased with it, and often felt like I was left out by my peers because of the constant “no’s” I would hear from my parents but looking back now it truly has helped me be a better person having parents that cared about the possible trouble I could’ve gotten into.
My dad made sure that we knew the definition of hard work, whether it was through our schooling or through working. He didn’t grow up with much and built a life for our entire family that we are so incredibly thankful for. When I was growing up he worked so much, so that we didn’t go without. He will be celebrating in another year his 25 year anniversary as part owner in a large Construction company.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lindseykatephotography.com
- Instagram: lindseykatephotography_ga
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindseykatephotography2019
