Today we’d like to introduce you to LJ Clements.
Hi LJ, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey actually began in front of the camera. For as long as I can remember, I was involved in chorus, performing in musicals, and landed a role in an independent film. I love storytelling in all of its forms, and being able to effectively transform into a character has always been so much fun for me.
In high school, I took a mass communications class, which sparked my curiosity with photography. There’s something special about freezing a moment and being able to tell the narrative around what happened in that moment. In 2019, I began volunteering to take pictures with my church’s media team and that is where I began developing my own eye, capturing what felt natural for me. I was drawn to intimate moments, interaction, and emotion.
In 2021, I officially started Living Out Loud Productions, and I get to do exactly what I love doing: telling stories that are epic enough to be told throughout the generations. To me, it’s important that people don’t just get photos, but they get to experience all of the feelings that the photos came with.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This road has not always been easy. With any new venture, you learn along the way. I am still learning how to serve my clients better, and how to create better systems and processes for myself.
There have been times where because of a lack of communication on my end, I may not have delivered a final product that my client wanted. Those situations have taught me the importance of laying down expectations early, constant communication, and having everything written in a legally binding contract. The last thing I want to do is to overpromise and under deliver.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a wedding and portrait photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. My style can be categorized as romantic, timeless, and a bit editorial. My newest venture has been adding flying dress photoshoots in my offerings, and it has been such a joy!
The flying dresses are usually offered in destinations such as Santorini and Hawaii, but I wanted to bring that same experience in this local Richmond market. I believe every woman deserves a chance to feel beautiful. With everything going on in the world, this is an opportunity for ladies to have another form of self care and celebrate who they are and all they have accomplished.
I believe what sets me apart is that I endeavor for everyone who steps in front of my camera to feel like they look like a million bucks. Like they are the star, the main character in their story. We all deserve to feel like that.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I wholeheartedly believe that if you want to go far in anything, you can’t go alone. I am always finding opportunities to connect with and support other creators and vendors in the industry. There’s no reason to try to be a one-person show, when there are so many other talented people that you can work alongside of.
I invest every year in some type of mentoring or education so that I am always sharpening my skills as a creative and a business owner. I have learned an incredible amount of information because I am always putting myself in a position of a student.
Pricing:
- Full day weddings average: $4,200
- Micro wedding average: $1,000
- Flying dress photoshoot average: $400
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.livingoutloudprod.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingoutloudprod/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsljayy
