Meet Holley the creative behind LHOLLEY

Today we’d like to introduce you to L Holley.

Holley, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey began in the film and media industry as a model back in 2012. The majority of my modeling career was spent in Los Angeles signed with two agencies one for commercial and the other in print. I found modeling to be unfulfilling and I felt that modeling put me in a constant battle between my body image and confidence. I struggled with performance anxiety in castings and onset. Although I was experiencing this cognitive dissonance that came with modeling I also had success on television and unique runway experiences that led me to believe that my true calling was somewhere close. I eventually found that calling and realized that all I needed was to pivot my position. I found that instead of being in front of the camera, my true solace was behind it. As I began shooting the creative ideas the passion flowed naturally.

I turned a space in my high-rise condo in Marina Del Rey into a studio and began shooting agency models and actors to build my portfolio. When learning the art of photography I was intrigued by the photographers who could capture the essence of people through a single moment. I wanted to give people more than just a typical commercial headshot I wanted to gift people with photography that showed character and versatility.

Today, I’ve expanded my style to building brands and generating portraits that tell stories that generations to come will be able to look back on and feel the moment that was captured. Feel the love and happiness as if they were in it. By following my passion I’ve been able to travel over 15 different countries, meet celebrities, professional athletes, and have monumental encounters with people who have been stepping stones on the path to my greatest successes. It’s imperative for me to constantly recognize that to be great, you have to have greatness surrounding you. Just like you have to place the right things in the body for it to function at its optimal potential, you must also have the right people in your life. I’m here today because of the supporters, mentors, family, and friends who continuously pour into me.

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 I first began my journey as a creative I struggled most with believing in the value of my work. I can remember charging only $20 for headshots and still feeling like I should’ve given it free even though I needed the gas money. I simply lacked the confidence to charge more. I decided to take courses at SMCC along with workshops that help gain more confidence in what I was creating. Investing the time, money, and energy into learning how to master my craft gave me the jumpstart I needed to feel like my work was worthy. Another one of my struggles has been a paralysis caused by over analysis. Over analyzing whether or not people will like the work. I constantly sought out validation from others. I’ve now grown to a place where I can say that I love all of my photography. In the past year alone I have made substantial progress in my efforts to confronting my insecurities through pushing my work ethic and putting out more of my content. Coming into this new year I’m looking forward to putting even more out there along with teaching.

Please tell us about your business.
I am a portrait photographer. I specialize in headshots for business and individual brands. I also capture special engagements, which include graduations, weddings, etc. Besides, I operate a media company that focuses on creating content for entrepreneurs. I’m most proud of how I used my photography to create an opportunity for others, share important messages, and showcasing love and capturing special moments in time. What makes me unique is my experience in front of the camera as a model and my experience in brand development has given me a versatile and useful outlook on the media profession.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My primary focus is outreach and connectivity. I’m shifting my method of work to be more inclusive by helping other talented photographers. I think it’s important to find unique and fun ways to create a space where creatives can build their portfolios while networking with other photographers in the industry. I’m currently offering a portfolio building workshops where you can get tips and questions answered by not only myself but other highly influential people in my network. I believe that I can be a vessel of opportunity for photographers who desire to interact with live models, learn lighting techniques, and other tips that will enhance their skill. I also aim to be able to show how to grab that striking image without having to go out and buy the most expensive cameras.

Pricing:

• Portfolio Building Workshop for Photographers $525
• Headshot session: $250 (includes 5 professional edits)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lholley.photography
• Phone: 602-759-0451
• Email: hvinae@gmail.com

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