Hello Everyone!
Today is Lisa-Marie Photography's birthday! This time four years ago I was in my 3rd and final year of University, I was experimenting with fashion and beauty photography and knew in my heart I had found what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was unsure of starting up a Facebook page, I was weary about showing my work. As artists I think we are our own worst critics and I was scared that no one would like my style of photography. I'm going to get a little personal here, all of my life I have dealt with bullying. My self-confidence was completely shattered at a young age, and it took a long time for me to love myself. This came across in showcasing my work, I was terrified of how well (or not so well) it would be accepted. I contemplated for so long putting my work out there and finally on the afternoon of August 17th, 2012 I opened myself and my work to the world.
Words cannot express how grateful I am for everyone who has supported me from the beginning and to those who have recently found my work. The messages and emails I receive on a daily basis bring me so much joy, to know my work is appreciated all over the world is so overwhelming in the best possible way. I could not have dreamed of this when I first started four years ago.
I love going back and seeing how much I have grown over the last four years, I love seeing my style evolve. Everyone needs to start somewhere, in 2012 I was so incredibly proud of this image. I was just learning studio lighting and was honestly afraid of it. I never knew how to control my light so when I captured this, I remember feeling so excited and couldn't wait to show it off. It was so well received and this image is what got my name out there in my city. Looking back at the image I cringe a little at the lighting and retouching but when I first shot and edited this I was so happy and that's all that matters. Now, four years later I am doing more studio/beauty work and getting out of my comfort zone. I didn't realize how much I have grown until I put these images side by side. If you're a photographer, I highly recommend you put one of your first photos next to one of your most recent and you will see such a difference. The image from this year is by far a favourite of mine, the team I worked with are such amazing ladies and we all pushed each other out of our comfort zone. I see a major difference not only in my lighting, but my retouching skills also. I'm so proud looking at these and seeing how far I have come. I cannot wait to see where my work will be in another four years!
The last 4 years have been such a journey. I have met so many amazing people and continue to meet such talented artists. I love this community, I learn so much from other artists and they help me grow as a photographer. I could spend forever individually thanking everyone I have met and worked with so I'm just going to write a big THANK YOU to all those individuals I have had the pleasure of working with, you are all amazing!
I am so happy that four years ago I swallowed my nerves and put my work out there, I created a little Facebook page to post my work and show my family and friends. Now four years later I have been internationally published, asked to travel to different cities and countries, internationally recognized and receive messages daily from people who admire my work.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will be eternally grateful for everyone who has supported me.
Thank you and until next time,
Lisa-Marie x