Meet Lindsay Ann Snyder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Ann Snyder.

Lindsay, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A little backstory on where my passion for photography was birthed. From a young age, I have never been camera shy (just ask my family) and if you ask some of my lifelong friends, they will tell you their earliest memory of me was having a camera in hand wherever we went or concerts we’d attend. As an artist, I naturally see things in a different perspective. Art is all around us, and I am always looking for the creative elements in the simplest things. I think it’s incredible to have the ability to capture moments as they are happening, even if they don’t seem to be picture-worthy to the naked eye but life is a gift. For as long as I’m living, I want to have something tangible to remember my lifetime by and I hope I can do the same for those around me because photography gives me that outlet.

I had everything from an I-zone instant polaroid camera, a Flip Video camera, point and digital shoot camera, and then ultimately buying my first DSLR camera in 2009. If you ask some of my closest and longest friends, they can attest to their earliest memory of me is having a camera within reach to document anything we were doing. While I had every intention of pursuing some sort of photography path “when I grew up,” I was presented with an opportunity to visit a local trade school in my sophomore year of high school and chose to pursue an education in cosmetology for the remainder of high school the following two years. As a result, I have been actively in the hair industry for 15 years now.

While I’ve always done photography on some level throughout the entirety of my life, I really only launched my photography business in October 2019, with a goal to “make 2020 my year” to market/brand myself as a photographer. In January 2020, I was contacted and given the opportunity to be a  photojournalist for a digital online publication covering indie music worldwide, which really felt like the launchpad of my career as a photographer. I was getting opportunities to make contacts and photograph music artists that I personally have admired throughout my life.

Then COVID-19 happened. Everything had been postponed or canceled due to the global pandemic putting a halt to anything I had lined up to cover in 2020. I’ll admit, the wave of anxiety sunk in the first 48 hours of having to shut down my business. The uncertainty of being able to produce an income invoked a lot of fear and panic. I called my Dad like I usually do when I need some wisdom and guidance. He said to me, “Through tough times and compromise comes some of the best creations, innovations, and greatness.” It was something I truly hoped for.

One day while scrolling through Facebook, I came across another photographer proposing the idea of offering “Front Porch” photos to her local community as a way to not only document this season we’re in globally but to bring a positive memory to families in the midst of our unfortunate circumstance. I thought about it and figured, “Why not give it a try?”. I initially made my post offering it to my neighborhood within a 10-minute radius. I started getting inquiries asking if I’d be willing to come to areas a little further out. So I said to myself, “Well, I have nothing but time right now, so maybe I can offer this to my county instead.”

After revising my initial post, I reshared it on my business page and the Cherokee Connect Facebook group. I did NOT expect the wave of responses I got once this post went live. My phone was blowing up with notifications with messages and inquiries about when I could come photograph these families.

I had been offering “Front Porch Project” to try and bring some positivity to my community. This opportunity includes families to receive five photos of my choosing, the freedom to “play the part” of being quarantined, or simply to have updated family portraits, all while maintaining social distancing requirements. While I’ve been offering these photos for free, I have been transparent about my current work circumstances and have allowed those participating in this project to make monetary donations to my cause to help offset the deficit of being out of work during this time. In the less than one month, I’ve had the privilege of photographing over 200+ families in my county.

This whole experience has been so rewarding in so many ways for me. From the initial inquiries, the families I have photographed, and the reassuring & encouraging messages I have received following those who have received their photos after sending them is why I personally feel has made this project successful. The fuel for my creative endeavors has always been wanting to share my passions with those around me. My goal in doing anything I immerse myself in is that I’ll be making a positive impact on those I come in direct contact with and/or leaving my legacy whether it be on a minimal or grand scale.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being a self-employed artist, creatives naturally struggle to make a financially secure life for themselves, que the phrase “starving artist.” But, I’m a hustler. When I have my mindset on something, I go after it headfirst. No matter how discouraging things can be along the way (and trust me, it happens more often than not), perseverance and determination have always been the driving force for anything I’m passionate about. I’m personally someone that doesn’t like to ask for help or have to rely on people because my attitude is, “if I’m capable of doing it, I’m going to do it myself.” I’ve learned that sometimes, we have to put our pride down and ask for help/guidance because we are human and someone or something may be put in your path for a reason to help propel you forward towards your goals. It’s because of these things I’ve learned with time that I have to trust the process and enjoy the journey.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I want to document life as its happening. I want to capture what most people wouldn’t think they are creating by simply being present and in the moment. How amazing is it to have the ability to do so with the technology we’ve been given? Photography is like a visual autobiography. It’s something we can tangibly leave behind and pass onto the future generations. That is what propels my passion to do what I do. I want anything that I create to be as authentic as possible and invoke internal sentiment. Whether it’s a family portrait or a milestone, I want that message to be conveyed in my work.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Well, I’ll just say that I want to be present without dwelling too far ahead and driving myself insane but I am a very plan-ahead kind of person, so its a catch 22. I’m trying to enjoy the journey without being solely focused on the long term outcome of my efforts, although it’s something I very much anticipate too. I try to look at everything that crosses my path in my field of work as an opportunity. You can never stop learning or growing. The moment you think you’ve achieved greatness is where you stunt your efforts in future potential successes.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.photosbylindsayann.com
• Phone: 631-576-7712
• Email: photosbylindsayann@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/photosbylindsayann
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/photosbylindsayann

Image Credit:
Personal photo taken by Katie Weeks Photography | Editing by Lindsay Ann Photography
All other images taken & edited by Lindsay Ann Photography

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