Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynda Louis.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Originally born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, I am the oldest of two girls of Haitian parents. Art and photography were always a favorite pastime for me. And I learned how to draw cartoons and took photography in high school as an elective. You can also say my love for photography started back when I would go through my grandmother’s albums in Brooklyn. I would love hearing her tell me stories about some of the people in these albums. It sparked something inside of me to create keepsakes of my own life, and of my loved ones.
I graduated from Johnson and Wales University with a bachelor degree in hospitality management in Charleston, SC where I became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. After college, I worked for companies such as Marriott International and The Plaza Hotel in NY.
In the early 2000’s when hospitality was slowing down a bit after 9/11, I decided I needed a change and decided to relocate to Atlanta, GA. Here I worked for companies such as Micros Systems & Intercontinental Hotels Group for many years.
While working as a traveling corporate auditor, I would take photographs of the various cities and countries I traveled to and began creating metal prints, canvases, even mini albums of my adventures.
With having years of working in corporate America and not sure if this was the career path that I wanted to pursue any longer. At the strong advice of my cousin Richard Prepetit I decided to pursue my favorite pastime of photography a bit more.
So I began taking photography classes and attending photography workshops such as WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photography International) and Shutterfest even before starting my business to get a better understanding of both the technical and business side to simply help me improve my knowledge and craft.
The more I took classes the more I wanted to learn and get a better understanding of the photography industry as a whole.
Lynda Louis Photography is an Atlanta and NY based full-service boutique photography business specializing in wedding photography, intimate portraits (boudoir), personal branding photography and videography while providing heirloom quality art products that make the memories of a lifetime.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth journey. In late fall of 2015, everything took a temporary halt after an unexpected shoulder injury.
While I was recovering from surgery and undergoing physical therapy, it gave me time to make a few changes within my business while continuing to educate myself in online classes and learning how to shoot with my left arm.
It wasn’t easy because of this challenge I knew and understood the risks of leaving the safety net and comfort of corporate America, but I knew I needed to make the change for my overall well being and health. It was a true learning experience. That downtime proved to be a turning point in my life.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lynda Louis Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Lynda Louis Photography is an Atlanta and NY based full-service boutique photography business specializing in wedding photography, intimate portraits (boudoir), personal branding photography and videography while providing heirloom quality art products that make the memories for couples to have for a lifetime.
I would say I am known for creating amazing experiences and capturing authentic love stories, raw emotion, during the most important day of a couple’s life and crafting images that become genuine art that you can proudly display inside of your home.
WOW! I can honestly say since starting this entrepreneurial journey that one of the things I am most proud of has been the opportunity that I have been given to be published in various publications since 2017 ranging from Huffington Post to Munaluchi Bride to Rolling Out and The Ultimate Entrepreneur to name a few.
As well as the chance to expand and add other genres such as intimate portraits (boudoir), personal branding photography and videography. And having the chance to partake in a one of a kind opportunity in 2017 to complete an internship with Derek Blanks for experience and technical education.
What sets me apart from others is the unique experiences and connections that I strive to create for all of my clients and making everyday people feel like superstars during their time with me.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best about Atlanta is that the city of Atlanta and its surrounding neighborhoods have a lot to offer.
I love that the cost of living is significantly better, The diversity, The endless opportunities especially as an entrepreneur! The culture, Love the plethora of festivals, restaurants, and the expansion of the airport which makes it easier to travel to other countries.
What I like least about the city is that Marta has not expanded to other areas.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My heavenly grandmother, Marcelle Barreau thank you so much for sharing your albums and their stories wow you truly had no idea what you were opening up inside of me when we were sharing those moments together. I wish you were here to see it all.
My cousin Richard Prepetit for giving me that hard push to get started and always taking my calls, texts whenever I needed assistance no matter what it was.
My sister Lydia Louis for being my biggest cheerleader and harshest critic all at the same time.
My father Andre Louis for being very supportive.
A special thanks to my amazing support system:
My cousin Nadya Volvy for all the amazing advice and sharing the good and tough times of being an entrepreneur,
My college friend & one of my business besties Alex Nesbitt & Demetrios Graham for all the encouragement , helpful advice prayers, especially the financial tips,
My childhood bestie Marisel Traverzo for supporting me since we were kids through adulthood in whatever i set my mind on,
And my Soror Latosha Clark and my sister friend Natasha Hawk for the both of you always being one of my cheerleaders, virtual assistant and helping me to stay encouraged at times with your words of positivity and prayers,
Dr Audra Ford: who also gave me the push to go for it, and being a great friend and praying for me as well.
Thank you to my wonderful family; especially my cousins Luc Prepetit, Kettelyne Cine, Linda Givens, to my Sorors: Bridget Bostic, Tricia Warren, and 1st business coach Kimberly Haydn for being so supportive since day 1.
Lastly my amazing mom Lucette Louis for being my first model when I first started following you around with my film camera as a kid even if at times when you didn’t want your picture taken lol.
Thank you everyone! From the bottom of my heart I love you all!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lyndalouis.com/
- Phone: 404-494-0873
- Email: info@lyndalouis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndalouisphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lyndalouisphotography
- Other: https://lyndalouis.com/blog/
Image Credit:
Personal picture taken by @Stephanie Adele Studios, Other images were taken by @Lynda Louis Photography
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