Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay McDowell.
Lindsay, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in McKinney, TX. Both of my parents are accomplished equestrian trainers, so I was taught to ride a horse before I could walk. The name of our home was and still is Willow Creek Farm. Fifty acres bathed in willow trees, sprinkled with ponds & horses roaming the pastures. For every childhood memory that comes to mind, there is always a willow tree in the background. This was my home. These are my roots. This is where it all began.
At the age of 10, my family was featured in a well-known equestrian magazine. They sent out a professional photographer to take portraits of us demonstrating different training techniques & exercises. I was fascinated by her ability to beautifully capture us in our element, whilst making sure we felt comfortable and looked natural. It was then and there I fell in love with the sound of a shutter.
When the opportunity for a photography course arose through our 4-H club, I knew I wanted to dive right in. At the age of 10, I found my passion. From then on, I grabbed whatever camera I could get my hands on and spent years capturing memories on film. Waiting a week to get my images back, picking out the perfect frame, and choosing which images I would use for my annual 4-H record book. I loved every single aspect of photography since the moment I started.
In my early twenties, I began my journey as a hairstylist in Dallas. I loved making people feel beautiful & confident about themselves. I clearly remember thinking “I need to buy one of those new digital cameras and offer to take my client’s photograph. So they can remember this moment in time when they felt completely beautiful.” So, I purchased my first DSLR camera (digital) and began my journey into the world of digital imagery. I have since taught myself everything I know about cameras, lenses, image composition, and editing. My childhood hobby has bloomed into my career and has remained my passion all of these years.
One of my favorite feelings in the world is seeing a client’s reaction to their photos when they are delivered. Whether it be of their children, family, their home or a portrait session dedicated to their pregnancy. It truly feeds my soul. As a daughter, wife, and mother. I know just how important it is to capture these fleeting moments in our lives. It is my honor to be able to give my client’s the ability hold onto a piece of treasured time that we never get back. That is why I chose to name my business after one of the things in my life that always evokes nostalgia. Willow trees.
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?
“When you love what you do. You’ll never work a day in your life.”
I would say photography is always a learning experience. Full of opportunities to grow. I continue to evolve as an artist every day.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a natural light photographer. I use many different locations for my sessions including natural landscapes, urban areas, and client’s homes. I specialize in family/child/maternity portraiture & architecture.
I pride myself on finding out exactly what my client’s desire, the style they like, and the mood they want to portray through an in depth pre-session consultation.
Every session is customized, unique, and hand edited by myself.
What were you like growing up?
I was always eager to learn new things, accept new challenges and I thrived on exploring Mother Nature. It’s safe to say I was obsessed with animals of all shapes and sizes. I used to dress play dress up with my goat, Fred. If thrown into an unfamiliar place, I was the quite child who observed my surroundings. If I was in my element, you would have been blinded by my smile. I was in no way a dare devil but more so the logical child. But I could out run just about anyone, back then.
You would have found me with my sister. Either on horseback, digging in the dirt for fossils, playing with all of our farm animals, fishing, or of course taking pictures.
My family volunteered a lot at our local animal shelter, nursing homes, and meals on wheels. So I grew up with a lot of empathy and strong emotions. My family was and will always be the most important thing in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: Willowpho.com
Image Credit:
Wil-low Photography
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