Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Choyce.
Hi Larry, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Larry Choyce, an Austin-based photographer and the person behind LeChoyce Photography. My journey into photography started with a real desire to tell stories, especially stories that feel honest, rooted, and human. What first drew me in was the power a photograph has to hold emotion, memory, and truth all at once. I realized early on that photography was more than just making something look good, it was a way to preserve people, culture, and moments that deserve to be seen and remembered.
I took that passion seriously and studied photography at Austin Community College, where I earned three AAS degrees in photography. That season helped sharpen both my technical skills and my understanding of photography as an art form and a form of visual documentation. Over time, I developed a style that blends portraiture, documentary, fine art, and fashion, with a strong love for black and white imagery and storytelling that feels timeless.
A big part of my work is centered on community, especially Black life, culture, and memory in Austin. I’m deeply interested in creating images that not only look strong visually, but also carry meaning. Whether I’m photographing an event, making portraits, or building a long-term personal project, I want the work to reflect dignity, beauty, and truth.
Over the years, that commitment has opened doors for exhibitions, collaborations, and grant-supported projects that have allowed me to grow both creatively and professionally. I’ve been fortunate to have my work recognized in different spaces, but what matters most to me is continuing to build something lasting, work that honors people, tells real stories, and leaves a record for the future.
Where I am today is really the result of years of learning, shooting, showing up, refining my voice, and trusting what I know I’m called to do. I’m still growing, still pushing, and still finding deeper ways to use photography as both an artistic practice and a service to the community.
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 definitely has not been a smooth road. Like a lot of creative journeys, mine has come with plenty of challenges, both practical and personal. One of the biggest struggles has been building consistency and momentum while also trying to grow as an artist, a professional, and a businessman at the same time. Photography can look exciting from the outside, but behind the scenes it takes a lot of sacrifice, patience, and faith to keep going, especially when opportunities, income, and visibility are not always steady.
Another challenge has been learning how to truly value my work. Early on, like many creatives, I had to grow into understanding that photography is not just passion, it is also labor, skill, experience, and vision. Learning how to price myself properly, advocate for myself, and move with confidence in professional spaces has been a big part of the journey.
There have also been challenges in trying to make work that is meaningful, not just marketable. I care deeply about storytelling, community, and creating images that hold weight, especially when it comes to documenting Black life, culture, and memory. Staying true to that vision while still navigating the realities of business, exposure, and sustainability has not always been easy.
At the same time, those struggles have shaped me. They taught me resilience, sharpened my voice, and made me more intentional about the kind of photographer I want to be. So no, it has not been smooth, but every challenge has played a part in getting me to where I am now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work centers on portraiture, documentary, fine art, and fashion, with a strong focus on storytelling that feels honest, timeless, and rooted in people and place. A lot of what I create is shaped by Black life, community, culture, and memory, especially here in Austin. I’m interested in making images that do more than look beautiful, I want them to hold meaning.
I specialize in creating photographs that feel both personal and intentional. Whether I’m photographing a portrait, a community event, or a long-term project, I approach the work with care, detail, and a strong sense of story. I’m especially known for my black and white imagery, my editorial eye, and the way I try to bring dignity, depth, and emotion into the frame.
What I’m most proud of is being able to build work that reflects who I am and what I care about. I’m proud that my photography is not just about aesthetics, but also about preservation, representation, and connection. I’m proud of the projects I’ve created that center community and the recognition that has come from staying committed to that vision. More than anything, I’m proud that people trust me to tell their stories and to photograph them in a way that feels true.
What sets me apart is that I lead with intention. I’m not just chasing a good image, I’m looking for something real. My work lives at the intersection of artistry and documentation. I care deeply about composition, light, and style, but I also care about history, emotion, and presence. I think that balance is a big part of what makes my work distinct. It comes from both lived experience and a genuine commitment to making photographs that last.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One thing that might surprise people is how deeply intentional I am about the meaning behind the work. A lot of people may see the finished images and recognize the style, the black and white tones, the composition, or the overall feel, but may not realize how much of my work is tied to preservation, memory, and legacy. For me, photography is not just about making something visually strong, it is also about holding on to people, places, and stories that matter.
Another thing people may not know is how much I value growth and study behind the scenes. I take the craft seriously. I’ve spent years learning, refining, and developing my eye, and I’m always thinking about how to make the work stronger and more meaningful. So while people may know the brand, they may not always see the amount of reflection, discipline, and purpose that sits underneath it.
I think what may be most surprising is that, at the core of it all, I’m not just trying to take good photos, I’m trying to leave behind something that matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lechoyce.com
- Instagram: @lechoyce.foto
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lechoyce?si=5keU-SXqIgh6XD0C
- Other: https://www.vogue.com/photovogue/photographers/341111
