Today we’d like to introduce you to Lila Ealy.
Hi Lila, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey for photography started when I was in college. I took some photography courses, got my first camera, and then enjoyed taking pictures as a hobby. During this time, I was able to capture; my nephews being born, friends’ weddings, family pictures, and just moments in life I didn’t want to forget. I drifted from photography for some time after I graduated college, and became an investigator for the state in San Antonio. Once I moved back to Dallas, I realized I wanted to pursue something different and became a teacher (which I currently still am for Math). My passion for photography truly began when I had my son. I was obsessed with taking pictures of him. I wanted to remember every smile, every cry, every wrinkled nose, every facial expression, every moment that I thought was special that I didn’t want to let go of. Let me tell you… the kid was over my camera and me taking pictures of him by the time he turned 1. At that time, I had this idea to start my business, but I was not quite confident enough to do so. I then got pregnant with my daughter and she was born right when Covid started, February of 2020. Having two under 2 was so difficult and with covid, it was even more than I could handle. It was quite a blur for the first 6 months of her life. I didn’t know it at the time, but I had postpartum depression after having her. I didn’t have that connection I wanted with her when she was first born, and I honestly don’t remember much of her first smiles, her first facial expression, or anything like I did with my son. When she turned about 6 months old, I was finally able to come up for air. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of her, I couldn’t stop trying to make her laugh, and I just loved the connection she was starting to have with her brother. Girlfriend is a camera addict and of course my best girl!!! My kids and my entire family are my world. Because of the experience I had, I changed. I began to have more self-confidence and I decided no one should ever be able to forget those special moments that make time stand still. My husband was so supportive of me during all of this and encouraged me to go for it! So that’s exactly what I did… I decided to just go for it and start my business. I started Klphotography in May of last year (2021). I made a post on Facebook inviting all my friends where I was offering free mini sessions in a studio so that I could build my portfolio. The event had a great turnout and several of those who signed up made it! It was such a rush and I couldn’t wait to do it again. Meeting new people and being able to capture the connections people make with one another has become a passion of mine. My favorite part of doing this is that I get to witness love and happiness. Seeing new parents cuddling their newborn baby, watching a couple dance just because, witnessing a dad throwing his toddler up in the air while the toddler can’t stop laughing, and capturing a mama dancing with her babies is what makes me believe that these moments are what life is all about. We live in such a scary place but being able to stop time and enjoy/make connections with people who we love is something everyone should be able to cherish. With that being said, I specialize in capturing these candid connections with those you love (including yourself… confidence is a beautiful thing). I specialize in family/self-portraits, lifestyle newborn photography, events (graduations, birthdays, proposals, etc.), and NOW WEDDINGS!!!
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?
My journey has definitely had its challenges, but I have never been more proud of myself than I am now. Having 2 kiddos, being a teacher, having my own business, and being a wife of a police officer has been quite difficult. When I first started my business, I experienced both the mom guilt and the wife guilt. My husband worked nights and any day he had off I would have open to schedule photo sessions so he could watch the kids. I felt very distant from him because I rarely spoke to him. The time I was home during the weekend when I didn’t have any photo sessions he was always sleeping since he worked from 6 pm-6 am. During his “busy” weeks, it was a hi and bye type of relationship besides communicating through texts. No one ever warns you that starting a business takes up more of your time than you would have expected. I had that mom guilt because even though I scheduled sessions during their nap times, or during bedtime routine, I always felt like I should be there snuggling up with them. Time just goes by so fast I don’t want to miss anything. After about 6-8 months, I finally got the hang of things. I was able to create a schedule that would best fit for my family and actually stuck to it. I wanted to be that person who was always available for sessions (even for last-minute sessions), but I have learned how to manage my time better so that I can go and snuggle with my babies if I want to, or even have a date night with the hubby. After reflecting on my first year with my business I can say I have grown so much and I wouldn’t change this past year for anything in the world. I have learned more about myself this past year than I ever knew. I am capable of so much and have so much to offer. I am so thankful to my family and everyone who supported me along the way. Each and every one of my clients mean the world to me. You helped me grow!!!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Klphotography?
My goal is to make every client’s experience unique and memorable. I want to give my clients the BEST experience possible by being more than just their photographer, but I’d love for them to consider me as a family friend! I want them to have fun and enjoy themselves during our photo session so that they can remember the moments that I was able to capture. Golden hour is my favorite time to shoot. I love that boho feel and being able to capture that during sunset time is my jam! I specialize in capturing these candid connections with those you love. I am most proud of being able to build those connections and relationships with my clients. I have clients that will ask me to capture each special stage of their life; from being pregnant to having a newborn, or from a newborn to capturing those milestones up to a year. They keep coming back, so I am able to watch them grow. It is such a privilege and an honor to be able to do that!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was a wild child! I was very outgoing and loved to dance. My parents tell me I could start a conversation with anyone. Now, I can see that still being 100% true. I love meeting new people from all around the world, I love to travel, and I am very outgoing.
Pricing:
- Photo Sessions $150 & up
- Special events Flat rate of $360 for up to 3 hours
- Wedding packages $ 1050 & up
Contact Info:
- Website: www.klphotography.net
- Instagram: @__klphotography__
- Facebook: __klphotography__.
Image Credits
klphotography
