Lindsay Adler will be one of our featured speakers at our 2018 Carolina Photo Expo at the Sheraton Imperial in Durham, NC August 3-6, 2018.


A:  Hey Lindsay, it is great to chat with you today.

L:  Thanks for having me.

A:  I seem to remember that you started photography at a very young age?

L:  I picked up my camera as a way to spend time with my family in my pre-teens. My mother, grandmother, aunt and I would photograph around the family farm. I started selling my work at age 13, but I officially started my business at age 15. In other words, I figured out my life's passion VERY early on.

A:  That is awesome, I was like 30 when I figured out what I wanted to be when I grow up. What inspired you to go in the direction you have, business-wise?

L:  I think it has been a mix of simple evolution mixed together with careful planning. You can plan too much if it prevents you from adapting. Right now my photographic work is a mix of beauty, fashion, and portraiture. I also spend a lot of time teaching.

I think what I've really been inspired by is happiness-- my own and for others. I love teaching because it helps others better embrace their passion. I love shooting because I am able to create and share beauty. I love my job and life-- whenever I find something really brings me joy, I do more of it.

Sounds like a silly business plan, but I assure you I've got a business-brain behind it. I do a lot of strategies, planning, and analysis-- but with the goal of happiness and success. 

A:  I completely agree with that. I have always striven for balance. I see too many people forget to live along the way.

One of the things that impress me the most about you, besides your photography, is your humility and willingness to share.

L:  I guess I just don't see why I wouldn't share? I think the world has changed. I think we all grow, all advance and all benefit from sharing. My life is a testament to this-- I share because I enjoy it, but then people support me in exchange which helps me succeed. Win-win-win all around.

A:  I remember asking if you would help out for 30 minutes or so in a shootout bay one night and you graciously agreed. You were still going hours later when I walked by. I can tell you that the attendees very much appreciated you that night. You have moved into a realm of photography that most dream about. What advice do you have for someone who aspires to go in a similar direction as yourself?

L:  There is so much I could say for advice. I think there are two important things that I mention time and time again.

1. Don't think that rejection is failure. Not everyone will like your work or be a good fit for your type of photography. That's fine. Different brands or different clients want different things out of their images-- just because they don't want what you have to offer doesn't mean that you don't have value. (the same is true with relationships!). Definitely, seek out critique and feedback, but know that if someone (in person, on social media or otherwise) doesn't like your work it doesn't mean you should give up or change.

2. Develop a style. Develop a unique way that you see and interpret the world. Take a stance. Have a vision. Market this vision. Cultivate this vision. You will be able to attract clients that want to hire you for the way you see the world. This is what makes you memorable and even more valuable. Oh yea, and the more clear style you have, the more you will either attract or repel potentially people. Just like I said above-- not everyone will like you work but what you have a unique vision that will be emphasized even more. That being said the people that are drawn to your vision will LOVE it and go out of their way to hire you (and pay what you are worth!).

A:  Very True. As always it is a pleasure to chat with you. We all are very much looking forward to seeing you at the 2018 Carolina Photo Expo. Thank you so much.

L:  See you there! Looking forward to it!



Be sure to click on Lindsay's images for relevant links to her class.

Register ASAP for the Carolina Photo Expo.  For the month of November, you can take advantage of our Early Bird Special!  Lindsay is just one of an amazing lineup of speakers that you will not want to miss.

Carolina Photo Expo Registration