Meet Lisa Petz

We were lucky to catch up with Lisa Petz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lisa , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I was bullied growing up by people in my high school. Like many who experience that, I spent a lot of time feeling unseen, unheard, and like I didn’t quite belong. That experience shaped me more than I realized at the time. It made me hyper-aware of how others feel, how they carry themselves, and what it truly means to be seen. I’ve always been an artist and an empath. I feel everything deeply. So when I found photography, it quickly became more than just a creative outlet. It was a way to connect, to express, and eventually, to heal. I discovered that through photography, I could give people what I always wished for myself growing up: the chance to feel beautiful, confident, and worthy.

One of the best parts of this work is showing someone a photo of themselves and watching their face light up, like they’re seeing themselves with new eyes. That’s especially powerful when I work with families and high school seniors. I know how hard those years can be, and how easy it is to believe the negative things the world tells us about ourselves. The truth is, people are so incredibly hard on themselves. We live in a world that makes us feel like we have to be perfect to be loved. But we don’t. We just need to learn how to love ourselves, mess and all.

Weddings are no different. I get to witness people surrounded by love and family on one of the most important days of their lives. I have the privilege of capturing those moments—the laughter, the tears, the quiet in between moments and giving couples a way to relive that feeling again and again.

My purpose isn’t just to take good photos. It’s to create a safe, uplifting space for people to feel seen, celebrated, and at peace with who they are. Photography helped me rewrite my own story, and now I get to help others see the beauty in theirs.

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?

I’m Lisa Petz, the owner of Lisa Petz Photography. What started as a creative spark in high school has grown into a full-time passion and career since 2012. I specialize in wedding photography, senior portraits, family sessions, and lifestyle events. Basically, anything that allows me to capture real, honest moments between people.

Photography, for me, is about more than just beautiful images. It’s about connection. It’s about capturing those small, in-between moments that often say the most: a nervous laugh before the ceremony, a fleeting glance between loved ones, or the confidence in a high school senior’s eyes as they step into a new chapter. I aim to create work that not only tells a story but also helps people feel seen, celebrated, and beautiful exactly as they are. One of the things I’m most proud of is the emotional impact my work can have. I know how powerful it is to be reflected back in a way that feels authentic and empowering. That’s what I try to give every person in front of my lens.

Over the years, I’ve been honored to have my work featured in outlets like The New York Post, Entertainment Weekly, Netflix, Amazon, and IMDB. I’ve also worked as a still photographer on film sets alongside incredible talent such as Mike Tyson, John Travolta, Shannen Doherty, Danny Glover, and Alec Baldwin, among many others. These experiences have pushed me creatively and reminded me that no matter how big the stage, it’s always the human connection that matters most.

Right now, I’m also pouring energy into a passion project that’s close to my heart: the NEPA Photo Collective. It was born out of my own struggle to find creative indoor spaces to shoot in. I wanted to create a space where other photographers could thrive–somewhere they could learn, create, and feel supported. At the Photo Collective, we offer prop and backdrop rentals, photography lessons, and an open environment where creatives can experiment, grow, and truly spread their wings. It’s a community built on collaboration, not competition, and I’m so excited to see how it continues to evolve.

At the end of the day, my goal isn’t just to take great photos. It’s to help people feel something real. Whether it’s through a wedding day, a family session, or a portrait that changes the way someone sees themselves, photography gives me the chance to create something meaningful and I truly can’t imagine doing anything else.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Believe in Yourself: One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is the importance of truly believing in yourself. When you trust your unique voice and abilities, you unlock a confidence that carries you through the highs and lows of this industry. It’s not always easy. There are moments of doubt, comparison, and fear, but holding onto that belief keeps you grounded and motivated. My parents’ unwavering faith in me taught me that I was capable of more than I realized and that support became the foundation for my own self trust. For anyone just starting out, remember: your perspective is valuable, your creativity matters, and the world needs your authentic vision. Believing in yourself is the first step toward standing out and making a meaningful impact.

2. Technical Mastery and Creativity: Mastering the technical side of photography and understanding your camera, lighting, and editing tools is absolutely essential. But what truly elevates your work is the spark of creativity that you bring to each photoshoot. It’s the courage to see the world differently, to play with light and shadow, to experiment with angles, and to push beyond what’s expected. Creativity is what turns a simple photo into a story, a feeling, a memory that resonates. It’s what makes your work unforgettable and deeply personal. Embracing your creative instincts and technical skill is what allows your art to evolve and stand out. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Those risks often lead to your most powerful work.

3. Patience: Patience is something I’ve come to deeply appreciate in this journey. Learning photography, developing your style, and building a business doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow, sometimes challenging process that requires grace and perseverance. There will be moments when progress feels stagnant, when doubts creep in, or when the path forward seems unclear. You will have moments where you feel like quitting and giving up. But it’s during these times that patience becomes your greatest ally. It’s about giving yourself permission to grow at your own pace, to make mistakes, and to keep moving forward despite setbacks. Remember, every small step is part of a larger journey and with patience, your passion will blossom into something truly remarkable.

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 parents did for me was believe in me wholeheartedly. Their unwavering faith gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams even during moments of doubt. Knowing they were always there to support me, offering encouragement, guidance, and a listening ear, helped me push through challenges and keep moving forward. That steady foundation of love and belief has been crucial in building my confidence and resilience– personally and professionally.

Alongside their support, they taught me to always look for the positive in people and to help others when they need it. They showed me the importance of truly listening and being kind because you never know what someone else is going through. They also nurtured my love of travel and adventure by taking our family on camping trips, adventures, and to many different countries. I’ve now traveled to nearly 20 countries photographing all over the globe. Who knew that those early family adventures would grow into such a meaningful and inspiring part of my photography journey?

Contact Info:

Image Credits

They are my own photos.

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