Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Horn.
Lindsay, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always loved photography – there is something so special about creating a tangible memory that can be enjoyed time and time again. After burning through what felt like hundreds of disposable cameras growing up, I purchased my first digital point and shoot in college. The quality was barely printable at 4×6 size, but I loved it!
During my last semester of college, I took Digital Photography as an elective and really fell in love with the art of photography. I learned how to shoot in manual and the basics of digital processing in Photoshop, and I continued to play around with it whenever I got the chance. Eventually, I was taking enough pictures for family and friends that I decided to try turning it into a business. I continued to educate myself through both in-person and online opportunities and I hit the ground running full steam.
Within the first year, I found myself really drawn to two main areas – high school seniors and newborns – and that has been my focus ever since! I now work with high school seniors almost exclusively, although I can’t resist any sweet newborn session that comes my way. There is something so special about those two life milestones – one at the beginning of a journey and one at a huge transition point. My senior clients bring such enthusiasm and joy to their sessions, it is contagious. They are truly keeping me young at heart!
Had you told me 9 years ago when I was starting this business where I would be today, I would not have believed you. God has been so good to me in this process and has blessed me with a dream job full of amazing clients, industry recognition, creative outlet, and so many relationships that I would not otherwise have had. I’m so thankful for my family who has supported and encouraged me all along the way.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Building and maintaining a business certainly has its struggles, but every trial and bump along the way has provided growth and learning in many areas. Trying to operate a successful photography business in a society where a good camera is pretty easy to come by is always a challenge.
I’ve had to be intentional about what I offer both in quality and experience to make sure that my work stands out and that the experience is something my clients want to talk about with their friends. There is a constant process of evaluation going on behind the scenes. Seniors, in particular, are so keyed into what is new and different, you always have to be on your game.
As my personal life has evolved with the addition of children and their changing demands, I’ve had to adjust my business schedule and policies along the way. I try to always make my family and my faith my first priority, which means my business has had to adjust as needed. While there was certainly a learning curve there, I’ve developed a fairly good system to schedule that fits our lives.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I offer modern and fresh senior portraiture focused on capturing every facet of my clients and who they are at this moment. My goal is to create an incredible experience that not only leaves my clients with beautiful images but also with a boost of self-confidence and a reminder that they are precious and perfect just the way they are.
I take a very individualized approach to each portrait session. I meet with my clients for a planning consultation in their home before the shoot where we discuss locations, check out wardrobe options, talk hair and makeup, and plan for any props or special items they want to include. Each client (with the exception of my senior boys) gets airbrush makeup and hairstyling from a professional makeup artist who helps them look their very best while still looking like themselves. We shoot at the location(s) of their choice for 2 hours with a fun laid-back atmosphere capturing lots of expressions, poses, laughter and movement.
I come back to their homes in about 2 weeks with a full set of printed proofs and samples of every product that I offer. I show a video slideshow (including actual video clips), and then we work together to make sure that they get exactly what they want and need from their session. In a few weeks, I’m back at their home with a beautifully packaged portrait order. It kind of feels like Christmas! My goal is to completely prepare my clients and spoil them all along the way to make sure they have an experience that will be one of their most memorable from senior year. I adore my clients and the relationships I have formed over the years. They are each near and dear to me!
Each year I choose a group of Senior SpokesModels via an application process. This is a group of incoming seniors that I work with on a much more frequent basis. This group has turned into something very close to my heart. These young women not only get the benefit of bonus photo shoots, but we work together on service projects and on spreading positive messages in our community. This past year’s group participated in Project Beauty – a completely makeup-free photo shoot.
I captured each girl in their own natural beauty and we took the opportunity to reflect on what true beauty is and share those ideas and images on social media. Our group has also worked on projects benefiting SoupMobile, Community Partners of Dallas, Hurricane Harvey victims and local foster care center, Jonathan’s Place. Not only did we hold a clothing drive for teen girls in residence at Jonathan’s Place, but we hosted a Senior Portrait Day for the girls there including complimentary hair and makeup and senior portraits.
It was an amazing experience, and one I look forward to participating in again this year. Of all of my business successes, I am most proud of the work I get to do with these girls to benefit our community and serve others.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up here in Dallas and went to Richardson schools from K through 12. I was fairly shy growing up and I was a complete tomboy. It makes me laugh to think of what I do now for a living and how hard it is to reconcile that with how I was as a child.
I loved sports (and still do!), and while I played many growing up, I continued playing soccer in college at Trinity University in San Antonio and still enjoy watching it today. I graduated with a degree in Business and married my high school sweetheart. We moved back to Dallas about 10 years ago, and now our two daughters will go to Richardson schools as well. It’s nice to be home!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://lindsayhorn.com
- Phone: 214-702-2547
- Email: lindsay@lindsayhorn.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/lindsayhornphotos
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/LindsayHornPhotography
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/lhorn_photos
Image Credit:
Matt Henry
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