Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Carter.
Hi Lisa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Photography began as a way to provide extra income while I was a single mom working full-time in a factory during the 1980s. Although I had always been artistic, I never imagined a camera would become the path to my life’s work. Starting with 35mm film and quickly advancing to medium format, I built a studio in my home and spent evenings and weekends growing my business while continuing to work full-time.
In 2002, I left my full-time job to pursue photography as my full-time career. After photographing weddings for 23 years, I transitioned to photographing children, babies, families, and high school seniors. Later, I opened my first commercial studio and introduced my signature Allure Sessions, creating elegant, boutique portrait experiences for women. The move to a commercial location brought new visibility and opportunities, and today I am proudly in my 12th year in that studio.
I now specialize in studio portraits, professional business headshots, and Bella Couture sessions for little girls, featuring designer couture gowns, professional hairstyling, and heirloom-quality portraiture. While photography has evolved from film to digital, my passion remains unchanged: creating timeless artwork that lives beyond a screen. I believe photographs are meant to be held, displayed, and treasured, which is why I continue to offer custom wall portraits, albums, and handcrafted framing for every client.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest struggle was trying to find a work life balance. As a business owner and the sole employee, you wear all the hats….the bookkeeper, the janitor, the scheduler, the editor, the receptionist , etc. There are many jobs within a small business, and your mind is always at work!! It can easily consume all of your time and energy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am proud to have been trained in the art of professional posing and lighting. Having a studio environment and knowing how to pose and light each client is one of the things that sets my work apart in today’s digital world, where so many photographers are just getting started.
I am known for creating classic portraits that stand the test of time rather than following the latest trends or editing styles. My goal has always been to create beautiful, authentic images while making every client feel comfortable and confident in front of my camera.
With more than 30 years behind the lens, I have had the privilege of watching families grow, celebrating life’s milestones, and documenting generations of clients. It is an incredible honor to know that the portraits I create become treasured family heirlooms that will be enjoyed for years to come.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Know Your Worth!
One of the most important lessons I learned as a business owner is to know your worth. Running a successful photography business involves far more than pressing the shutter. There are countless expenses behind the scenes—from equipment, education, and insurance to software, studio overhead, and the time invested in planning, photographing, editing, and delivering a finished product.
Understanding how to price for success was one of the hardest lessons for me to learn. But I eventually realized that we are not simply selling a piece of paper or a digital file. We are creating custom artwork that is uniquely designed for each client and their family.
As photographers, we don’t just capture moments—we preserve memories, tell stories, and create heirlooms that will be treasured for generations. There is value in that, and it’s important to recognize it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.photobylisa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcarterphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photobylisainc
