Meet Lynn-d Gunter

We were lucky to catch up with Lynn-d Gunter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lynn-D, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Building my confidence and self-esteem in my photography business has been a journey, shaped by experience, feedback, and a genuine love for capturing moments of motherhood. At the beginning, I felt the usual self-doubt that comes with starting any creative business—wondering if my work was good enough and if people would see the value in what I offered. But as I worked with more families and saw the impact these images had on them, I started to believe in my vision more deeply.

Each session brought new challenges and opportunities to grow. With every happy client and every beautiful image I captured, I gained a bit more confidence. I also invested time in learning and improving my technical skills, which helped me feel more prepared and empowered in each shoot. Over time, seeing the gratitude and emotional reactions from mothers and families gave me the affirmation I needed to trust my instincts.

I realized that my job wasn’t just about photography—it was about helping mothers feel seen, beautiful, and valued. That sense of purpose helped me embrace my unique style and connect authentically with my clients. I’ve come to understand that confidence is built by showing up consistently, learning from each experience, and focusing on the impact of my work, rather than just seeking perfection. Now, I truly believe in the value of what I offer, and that’s what gives me confidence every day.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I consider myself an artist, though it’s sometimes hard to say that out loud. Becoming a mother dramatically shifted my purpose and life’s vision—I was no longer the most important person in my own life. This profound change shaped the way I approach my photography. Motherhood, with all its joys and challenges, has deeply influenced what I seek to capture in my imagery.

I believe with all my heart that every mother deserves beautiful pictures with her children. This belief is the mantra I repeat to myself before meeting a new family in a field or garden. It’s what drives me to capture the fleeting details of our children, the moments that pass by so quickly. My goal is to preserve those precious, intimate memories that tell the unique story of each family I work with.

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

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur, especially in photography, is knowing when to say no. In the beginning, it was difficult to set boundaries because I never knew when the next opportunity would come. I often found myself sacrificing time with my own family to capture special moments for others.

Secondly, finding a photography mentor was incredibly beneficial to my journey, and I honestly believe it accelerated both my technical skills and my confidence. When I first started, there were so many aspects of the business and craft that I didn’t know, and having someone to guide me through the process was invaluable. A mentor provided me with insights that I couldn’t have gained on my own—whether it was tips on shooting techniques, business strategies, or how to interact with clients in a professional way.
One of the most important things my mentor did was help me see my work from a different perspective. They were able to point out things I might have missed and offer constructive feedback that challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone. They also shared their own experiences, both the successes and the struggles, which helped me understand that growth is often nonlinear and that setbacks are part of the journey.

Lastly, Learning how to use both studio lights and natural light has been one of the most transformative aspects of my photography journey. Light is such a powerful tool in photography—it can completely change the mood, texture, and depth of an image. Mastering the different types of light, and knowing how to manipulate them, has allowed me to create a wider range of visual effects and communicate more effectively with my audience.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

A particular challenge I’m currently facing is expanding my reach to local clients, especially through platforms like Instagram and Google. While I’ve been able to attract clients from various places, I’ve found it difficult to truly connect with people in my local area. Social media reach is a major challenge for me—it’s a crowded space, and sometimes it feels like getting visibility among local followers is an uphill battle. I’ve tried different strategies, but it’s tough to consistently engage with the right audience and make my work stand out in the local market.
Another hurdle has been partnering with local businesses. I’ve made efforts to collaborate with other small businesses, but getting those partnerships off the ground has been challenging. Whether it’s aligning on shared goals, managing expectations, or just finding the right opportunities, it hasn’t always been as seamless as I’d hoped. It can feel like a slow burn, and while I’m committed to building these local relationships, it’s definitely a work in progress.
I’m continuing to explore creative ways to connect with my local community, like engaging in more community-focused content or attending local events. I know it’s important to build these local connections, and I’m determined to keep refining my approach until I find the best way to make my presence felt here.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.lgunter.com
• Instagram: Lynndgunterphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lgunterphotography/

Image Credits

Lynn-D Gunter Photography