We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carleigh Lienemann a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Carleigh , we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Mental Health issues are something that i’ve always struggled with. I had an extremely difficult upbringing and since then I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, social anxiety and PTSD. I have learned that these aren’t issues that are just going to go away, they’re issues that you have to actively work on to improve and break through. One Technique that has helped me get through these tough feelings is finding a qualified counselor that is easy to talk to. Thankfully, I found a great one a couple of years ago, a godsend, and have become a regular ever since. Ive learned talking about my feelings and not trying to hold everything in brings me a lot of peace. I also believe a healthy mind comes from a healthy body. I take time to prioritize myself with self care days, routine gyms sessions and a well balanced diet. If you feel good on the outside it’s a lot easier to feel good internally as well.
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 am a destination and elopement wedding photographer based of out Texas. I have been in the photography industry since 2014, and finally went full time in January 2022. Ive dabbled in all types of photography over the years, but have learned that couples and intimate weddings are what I thrive in doing. My goal is to get the more raw, candid, documentary type images that you can feel the emotions in. My goal is always to make my clients feel as comfortable and confident as possible. I also love uniqueness very much and try my best to make each session as unique and similar to the couple as possible. I send out a client questionnaire months in advance of a session to get to know them better and to help make the session as them as possible. I find out their favorite hobbies, drinks, foods etc, so we can really plan a unique experience.
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?
1.) Be different. Break the rules and find your own creative path. Don’t do what everyone else is doing if you don’t want to.
2.) Don’t take criticism from anyone you wouldn’t take advice from.
3.) Never give up on your dreams no matter how out of reach it may seem. If you put in the needed work it will always be worth it in the end! It’s better to go for it then to never try and always wonder if it would’ve worked out or to have any regrets.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
A laid back adventure seeking couple that loves capturing intimate, documentary type moments. Couples who love capturing moments as they are and not trying to force them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carleighraephotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/@carleigh_rae_photography
- Facebook: Carleigh Rae Photography
Image Credits
Carleigh Rae Photography
