Meet Kathleen Lisbeth | Fine Art Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathleen Lisbeth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathleen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was that I knew I had to think smart. Seeking guidance with other photographers and mentors that were doing what I wished so I had a plan and was ready to face any challenges along the way. Thinking this way helped me realize there was more that was involved in starting a business. Running it smoothly and successfully was something I had to make sure was in place. In the beginning I was tempted to open my own studio, buy so many dresses, props, camera gear and more but I had to come to a realization and ask myself “would those things make my ship run faster?” absolutely not. I had to first figure out what I wanted to do with my creative skills and photographing women and their families was something I was extremely passionate about. I had to learn my numbers and the cost of doing business, making sure I had an easy way for clients to find me and a clean polished website that helped showcase my work and all the information that was included in the experience I provided.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work has evolved so much throughout the years artistically. I’m most proud of doing things scared when new opportunities would come up. It has pushed me to learn and do more in my business in order to grow. With trial and error, I found things that were only the best for my clients and to get to where I am today I had to seek help. Learning with talented photographers such as Sue Bryce and Lola Melani was the best decision I could have ever made for my business. Anything I felt that needed improvement or changes I would practice over and over until I mastered it. Practice with family members and friends to learn new lighting and posing techniques until I felt most comfortable with them. Along the way, I have learned so many lessons and the biggest lesson yet was that in order to continue in entrepreneurship is that you must always value yourself. There will be those self doubts at times or others telling you otherwise but you must continue. Consistency is better than perfection. 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Downtown around Rosa Park Circle. There are such nice different restaurants, art museums, music and beautiful scenery of all the buildings. The blue bridge downtown is always such a nice area to walk through and especially at night. Around summer time and winter time there are always great things to do with friends and family.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Absolutely! I’d love to thank a couple of people this past year that have given me so much support, mentorship and encouragement when I didn’t have any at all.

First I’d like to thank Kevin Conde and Angie Whitten who have been amazing friends and mentors this past year. Kevin and Angie are two people I’ve always met with every week during our accountability group calls. Photographers like us would get together and talk about our weekly wins, challenges, business and more. If it weren’t for these two pushing me so much I don’t know where I would be today. Although, Angie would say “that was all you babe” I’ll always give them the credit they absolutely deserve.

Another person I would love to shout out is Dave Burgess. Dave and I met this past year when I started working in his photography studio. While searching for new studios to create in, studio 616 was one of the places I found and fit best with my needs. I just knew I wanted to work there and bring my artistic abilities to reality. His work was like no other and I just knew I had to meet him. I’d like to thank him tremendously for forgiving me the trust in working in his space. I’ve grown so much while working there!

Lasty, I’d like to thank my two beautiful sisters Kasey and Kaedry Taveras. These two would take time out of their day to help me at the studio as my assistance. They both have helped me create behind the scenes footage, setting up, and being my other eyes when I needed it. Kaedry has her bachelor’s in advertising and public relations. She has helped me alot with my marketing, social media, copywriting, event planning, and so much more. She has been a major help to my business and together we have grown so much. I’m so blessed to have these two by my side and I’m always thankful for all the support they’ve given me.

Website: https://www.kathleenlisbethstudios.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenlisbethphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kathleenlisbethphotography/

Image Credits
Kathleen Lisbeth Photography