Where do I even begin…I LOVE this next artist’s work beyond words.  I met her about 3 years ago at a photography workshop, totally unaware of who she was or the caliber of work she was capable of creating.  She was super sweet, totally humble and never once even bragged about what a rock star she is!  In the photography world, that isn’t normal, you realize?  HAHA.  After meeting her and googling her work, I was hooked.  Her work is simply breathtaking.  Totally soft and whimsical yet with a perfect pop of color.  I admire her unique style and her beyond sweet personality, the combination is just out of this world and not something you come by too often these days!  I am honored to introduce to you all, Lisa of Lisa Maksoudian Photography.

image courtesy the amazing Raye Law Photography

What Lisa has to say about her work:

2. Share with us your favorite image and why.

It’s a shot by Josef Sudek from the 1920s:  SUNDAY AFTERNOON ON KOLIN ISLAND.  The scene is a picnic in a little park off the Vlatava River.  The sun is backlighting the people, there is a little girl in the foreground, and it’s completely out of focus.  Every time I see it it takes my breath away!

 

3. What inspired you to be a photographer?

A couple of years after college, I took a little ‘European Tour’.  I backpacked my way through 15 countries during the 1 1/2 year trek. I had very little but my CD player (how old school!) and a camera.  Some of my favorite pictures were captured on a little Yashica point and shoot.  When I got back to the states, I assembled my images into a portfolio and applied to the Fine Arts program at my local university.   That trip totally changed my life…and was the catalyst that moved me from working with artists, to actually being an artist.

4. How long was the transition from hobbyist to paid professional and how long have you officially been taking paid clients?

While studying Photography, I worked for a commercial photographer.  I was an assistant and worked in the office, as well.  It gave me a great deal of insight into the nature of the photography business.  I don’t think I really had a ‘hobbyist’ period.  I was a student, then I started my business.

 

5. What type of session do you look forward to the most (maternity, newborn, child, family, etc) and why?

Really, I love variety.  After several newborn sessions, then I’m anxious to play with a 6 month babe.  And after a few of those, it’s fun to play with tweenagers or shoot a wedding.  I think the diversity of my work keeps me on my toes!

6. On average, how many sessions do you have a month?

Up to 20.   Alot of it depends on when newborns arrive and the season.  :)

7. What has been your most memorable session and why?

I have VERY vivid memories of hanging off a pier over the ocean in order to get a shot of the backside of a marine science building for a commercial client.    Freaky!

8. Are you formally taught or self taught? And what has been the best source of information along this journey (workshop, online forums, classroom, mentor, etc)?

As I mentioned, I started off with formal training and shot solely film.  Transitioning to digital has been a smorgasboard of workshops, and classes.  I have been a member of a couple of forums, as well.  But, really I think the most valuable of my training was at school:  color theory (super helpful when color correcting a wonky image), 3 dimensional shape, the History of Photography, and basic photographic techniques.

9. What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?

Having studied the history of photography, I find so much inspiration in the greats:  Bresson,  Weston, Newman, MaryEllen Mark…

10. Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Both.  :)  I love prime lenses, though I shoot with a wide array of primes & zooms. 

11. RAW or jpg and why?

I shoot manual and I shoot RAW. Because I’m often required to submit artwork for large format prints, I want to have as much ‘information’ as possible. 

12. Do you use Lightroom, Photoshop, both or other?

Both.  I use Lightroom for 80% of my RAW processing, and then use Photoshop to clean up scratches, boogers, etc.

13. What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Goodness, I think the most important thing is to make sure they know how to run a business.  Nothing bursts a bubble like a late penalty for forgetting to pay your state sales tax, or fumbling with your camera during the session. 

14. What is your favorite and least favorite part of owning your own photography business?

Favorite:  that I’m my own boss.  Least favorite:  that I’m my own boss.  It’s hard to give myself down time…I always have to be working on something.

15. Who is the most inspirational photographer in your life?

I mentioned him before, but in case you missed it, his name is Josef Sudek.  He was a Czech photographer who lived during the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia.  Early on, he lost his arm, but despite the fact that he had to carry a 10+ pound large format camera/tripod under one arm, he captured the most exquisite images of my favorite country.  I love him, not only for his work, but also for his spirit.

16. Do you see yourself as a photographer many years down the road?

I can’t imagine a future without a camera involved!

Now for a few fun questions:

1. what is your favorite food?

Anything with sugar!  I’m a sucker for sweet tarts.  Oh yes, I also love a fresh albacore (sushi) roll.

2. what is your favorite beverage?

Kombucha and Diet Coke

3. your favorite item of clothing?

A little hooded black dress from Athleta.  So versatile.

4. your go to pair of shoes?

Probably flip flops.  I live near the beach, so the weather is always flip flop weather.

5. what is one word you catch yourself saying too often?

Oh, Poo.

And finally, a HUGE thank you from the LSI team to Lisa for being a part of  our Inspiring Interview series.  Obviously her work is outstanding and she is one to be watched.  I know that Lisa’s work will be a favorite of all of our readers now, she clearly is so full of talent and the biggest sweetheart.  We look so forward to seeing Lisa’s work in the future and are so excited to have shared her with our readers!  xoxo!