Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Thomas.
Lily, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My full “photography + videography” story started a couple of years ago when I was attending college. I felt a little lost, trying to figure out what I wanted my major to be. Over time, I actually dropped out and fully took on photo and video as my career. It was a slow and scary process at first. As I learned, I had many jobs in-between and reached out to people that were years ahead for advice. But if I could pick one person that really encouraged me through this time, it would be Kaity Black (BlackHillFilms). She pushed me to jump into the wedding world and encouraged me as I started this journey! I really do not know where I would be without her support and help. She hired me to second shoot for weddings, which was a huge learning experience for me. (I super recommend second shooting for anyone looking to join the photo/video wedding world.)
About a year after I began this journey, I got married. My husband was another person who has been a game changer for me in this job. He goes to almost every wedding and photo shoot with me – whether that means he’s also taking photos/video or he’s just there to carry my bags. I’m not sure what people do without help along the way in jobs like this. Having a support system has made this all possible —
I have my best friend, parents and (obviously) husband to thank for that!
Don’t get me wrong; it’s been hard. I’ve had many days where I wonder what I am doing and why. But I think back to my younger self, and I know I would be so proud of what I am becoming.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Hmm. This question is a harder one to answer.
I have been really trying to ask myself these questions over the past few weeks, so I know how to move forward with this company. I think for me a big part of this job is making people feel loved. Whether that means when we first meet, over emails/phone calls or during the actual photo session, I want this company to be known for its fun-loving spirit, creativity, and happiness.
Even though I’m currently wrestling with these questions I’ll give you the answers I do know — For one, let me just explain in two sentences what I do. I am a photography and videography company based out of Brookhaven, GA. Currently, I am doing a mix of studio sessions, styled shoots, weddings, portraits, events, etc. I try my best to be creative in this field while still giving people what they want in their photos and videos.
As for the inspiration – I’m taking this question in a more personal light. Two people come to mind when I think about my “inspiration.”
The first is my sister, Brooke Beach. She started her own marketing agency (Marketwake) in her early twenties, and it has grown to be an incredible success. She is my inspiration for how hard she works, how she never gives up, and how well she loves her employees. Her company simply makes people feel like they are home — I strive to do this for my clients. Over the past few years, Brooke has taught me over and over again the importance of love, communication, and hard work with her actions.
Second person — Taylor Zorzi. He has taught me so much about this job and how to do it to the very best of my ability – Him and his wife actually ended up employing me for their own creative/photo and video agency (Zorzi Creative) about two years ago. He has encouraged me to embrace the “photo life” by connecting me with so many talented people in this tight industry. He still continues to answer my many questions about what settings are best for what lighting, how to make people feel comfortable during a photo shoot and how to truly capture the best photos on a wedding day.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
Personally, I think it’s become easier, while still having its own struggles along the way.
The world of art has become so important in our day-to-day life. Just think about our phones. People buy the best version mostly for the newer camera. Art is not only for “artists.”
How can cities help?
It all comes down to support and encouragement for me. This isn’t some huge competition. We should be working together, lifting each other up, and spreading the word about other amazing creative people/companies.
Working alongside those people is a game changer in all of this. It will help YOU and THEM grow!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
– Ltphotoandfilm.com
– IG: @ltphotoandfilm
The best way to support me would be to simply spread the word about the company. And if you like the atmosphere we provide, use us for weddings, photo shoots and anything else!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ltphotoandfilm.com
- Phone: 4047547840
- Email: ltphotoandfilm@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ltphotoandfilm
- Facebook: ltphotoandfilm
Image Credit:
Photo credit: LTphotoandfilm // Lily Thomas
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