Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Michelle Arhontidis.
Lisa Michelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have honestly been interested in photography for as long as I can remember! While in the final months of planning our wedding in the Fall of 2006, job frustrations were at an all-time high, and it hit me that there was no better time to work towards doing something I might enjoy! With the support and encouragement of my now husband, he found a great starter camera for me, and from there I began my journey.
I spent the next year teaching myself, along with the help of my husband, how to operate the camera as well as editing techniques through Photoshop, while photographing everything that interested me! I would mostly work for free with models through a site called model mayhem, and then at very low rates for friends, only when I felt confident enough to accept it. I spent many years trying my hand at everything; weddings, corporate events, newborns, dance photos, and everything in between! I’ve worked with models, designers, consignment business owners, nonprofits, and realtors, and have even had a couple of my images on Dallas billboards! Over the last few years though, I have worked towards listening to my heart when it comes to the types of sessions I love most!
Fashion and commercial photography have always topped my love list, and I’m so thankful that I get the opportunity to do those types of shoots from time to time! The largest majority of my business though is family and child portrait photography. I have found, more so now as a mother, that I have such a fondness for capturing families and watching them grow!
Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t call it smooth, and I wouldn’t call it rough. For me, it has just been a long and sometimes frustrating road. There have been so many times that I was sure I needed to quit! Just “let it go”, I’d tell myself! This field is very saturated and filled with so much self-doubt. I find a dark hole of self-loathing at least once a year! Artists, (lol). I’ve always wanted to be successful as a photographer, and as an artist, yet I’ve struggled in the past to know what success should look like for me.
More so lately, I’ve been able to fill my schedule with more family activities than photoshoots. I truly believe that shift is what has enabled me to enjoy my business even more! It’s a constant seesaw, and only gets harder as my kiddo discovers new and exciting skills and interests, but I feel more fulfilled by the amount of work I have, rather than yearning for more!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I have always been proud of the way I treat my clients. I was brought up on the golden rule, and it really stuck with me! I work hard to maintain and offer that mutual respect and consideration for people every day to my best ability. I feel like I have been so blessed with clients that are kind, understanding, trusting, happy, and appreciative! I always imagine myself on the other side of things and that has been a huge gauge for everything I do in life!
When it comes to my photography, I’d like to think that I am known for capturing a persons’ beauty….. in a radiating outward from within sort of way! I also think my clients know I get the shot! The one that they don’t see, or that they can’t imagine could have happened! I really do love capturing and surprising people!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely it is! The Dallas, Ft. Worth area is SO huge!! While there might be a lot of folks doing photography, there is a photographer for everyone! Different styles, personalities, price points, and inclusions….. we all have something to offer and clients that are meant to be in front of our lenses!
Pricing:
- FULL: $500 This session includes up to 60 minutes of shooting, and 30 finalized images at a location near Prosper, TX
- HALF: $325 (Weekdays Only) This session includes up to 30 minutes of shooting, and 10 finalized images at a location near Prosper, TX
- HEADSHOTS: $125 (Weekdays Only) **This will not be the traditional studio/backdrop session. Your headshots will take place at an outdoor location near Prosper, TX
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Lisamichellephotography.com
- Email: Lisa@Lisamichellephotography.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Thefamilyof3
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Lisamichellephotography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
