Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Scarlatelli
Hi Lindsay, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
A few friends in college used to jokingly call me “paparazzi” because I’d carry a small digital camera everywhere (pre iPhone and terrific cell phone camera capabilities). I didn’t fully realize it then, but capturing moments, big or small, was always something I enjoyed. Fast forward, I could finally afford to purchase my first professional camera, a Canon 6D Mark ii, in the fall of 2018 when I moved to Dallas. My career at this point was working in college basketball, which is what led me to Dallas. I would take photos in my limited free-time, where I found photography as my creative fix and stress relief. I would go to very small bars and venues and photograph the local artist/band playing or smaller scale musician performing. I always thought I would just go to concerts, take photos as a fan, and continue to capture those moments. To my dismay, I found out the bigger the venue, the greater the likelihood of there being a professional camera restriction.
The deciding point for me was a Thomas Rhett concert at Billy Bob’s in May of 2021. Billy Bob’s had a post-Covid rule change that no longer allowed professional cameras into the venue. It was after that concert that I spent the next few months mulling a big decision – do I want to officially launch a photography business or not? I could start a photography business and stop at any point knowing I tried, or decide not to and forever live wondering “what if?” At this point in my life I had a number of people around me encouraging me and pushing me to make the decision official. One person in particular, one of my then current basketball players, Tamia Jones, would ask me almost every single day if I have launched my business yet. In January of 2022, I took the leap of faith and officially launched my business.
I had been cold calling and cold emailing various media outlets and platforms since early 2021 to give me a chance to be a photographer for them. Most of them would not even take the time to respond, and then the ones that did reply were a politely worded no thank you. Finally, a friend, Corey Wernecke, reached out to on-air radio talent Michelle Rodriguez, at New Country 96.3, on my behalf to see if they would let me photograph their Dylan Scott Country Close-Up in July of 2022. They “threw me a bone” and let me come photograph the show that night. As they say, the rest is history and I have been a photographer for Cumulus Media’s New Country 96.3, 99.5 the Wolf, and formerly Hot 93.3 ever since. While I still do some photography for artists and bands separate from Cumulus, I have also expanded to family photography, senior photography, commercial photography, lifestyle photography, and sports photography. Every day I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way in such a short period of time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It certainly has not been a smooth road but everyone encounters bumps, bruises, and road blocks along the way. Obstacles are meant to help you realize just how bad you do or do not want something. I previously alluded to some of it, but going about a year and a half of cold calls and cold emailing with zero responses can be very discouraging. I also had to teach myself most of what to do when it came to learning photography and using my equipment, how to run a small business, building clientele from scratch, and all the growing pains and administrative work that comes with owning a business. All while still working a full-time job.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a photographer that specializes in concert photography, family photography, senior portraits, and proposal/engagement photography. I also do sports photography, headshots, and select commercial photography.
I am most proud of my journey. To do what I have been able to do in such a short amount of time is something I am grateful for daily. When I left my full-time job in college basketball during February of 2023, I was not expecting so many opportunities, let alone big ones, to come my way so fast. Within two months I was photographing the sold out stadium shows of Luke Combs (55,000+) and Taylor Swift (70,000+). I have also been fortunate to cover my first red carpet event and shoot content for artist Annie Bosko at the Academy of Country Music Awards. I live every day grateful knowing it could all end tomorrow. In fact, when I first found out I would be photographing Taylor Swift, I waited three days after the contract had been executed and all logistics were in place before I made it known to family or friends. There was still disbelief in my mind that it was really happening; that I would be photographing what I thought was the concert of the summer for one of music’s biggest names, but in hindsight is one of the most successful tours of all-time and a cultural phenomenon of a music icon. I still can’t believe some of the opportunities I have had, but I truly am so grateful and love every minute of it.
I would like to think what sets me apart from others is my commitment to capture a story. I think I honor authenticity and commemorate candid moments really well; I find more beauty in individualization and raw joy. Another thing that sets me apart is that, and this is a long-term business goal, but I’d love to donate a certain percentage of my profits each year to various organizations and people in need. Last year (2023), 10% of all business I got from October – December went towards two mental health organizations. I have also done some donations during ALS Awareness Month in May. I want to be able to do more of that.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I once heard something similar to this from a coach named Buzz Williams. He asked, “How do you want to be remembered? What do you want people to say about you after you’re gone? You will be remembered for the effect you had on others and the contribution you made to the world – either positive or negative.” I think things like accolades and accomplishments are great, but what’s greater is knowing you made a positive impact in the lives of others. That is success.
Pricing:
- Email Lindsay@LindsayScarlatelli.com for needs and pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lindsayscarlatelli.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarsees
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScarSees/
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/scarsees
- Other: https://bsky.app/profile/scarsees.bsky.social
Image Credits
Jared Anderson
Lindsay Scarlatelli
