Meet Penelope Lamore | Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Penelope Lamore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Penelope, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Our craft is often misunderstood as “easy” or “anyone with a good camera” can do it. That we over charge for something that seems easy. However, there is first, a large amount of skill and talent in order to not only take beautiful photographs but know how to create and sustain a business with them. You’re working with people on one of the most momentous and important days of their lives as wedding photographers. You don’t get Do Overs. If you miss a moment or take a bad shot, there is no “oh wait can we just make that happen again?”. You have to know only know how to work with your equipment well, know what equipment will serve you best, but know where to be in the right place at the right time and take the photos that will mean the most to your clients. Remember that these images are actual heirlooms that will be passed down for generations. Many forget that after the big day, our work is only just beginning. Then the culling, editing, and processing of the images begin. We often make online sharable galleries for them where we carefully curate the images within the timeline of the day and make palatable folders of each part of their event so they can take their time when they receive their images and look through each precious memory without being overwhelmed with thousands of images. Typically, the couple has chosen to have a beautiful wedding album made so again the process begins with curating and designing, and ordering for them. Besides all the unfun things like contracts, online business management systems, taxes, sustainable pricing, and much much more, there is the side of being an artist, skillful, and continuing to up your craft and portfolio for the next generation of couples looking for their perfect match in a wedding photographer. It’s often a difficult task to be a skilled business owner and compose an artistic craft. They say people typically do not make it in the wedding photography business for over 3 years because it’s very tough to sustain and maintain. Talk to your photographers if you’d like to know more about why they charge what they do in your area.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I absolutely love what I do! I originally started my career as an artist painting murals and portraits on canvas with oil paint. As I transitioned into a wedding photographer, the principles of lighting and composition were something was excited to use in my work. I also enjoyed the process of building my business and watching it grow with every effort I put into it. I have learned that you truly get what you invest back into your business. Whether it’s monetary or how you treat your clients, how you interact with the community, or the connections you make. There is a whole of mental power it requires to wear so many hats when running your own business. You need to recharge and take time for yourself. Your client can tell if you’ve spread yourself thin and lost some of the excitement for your work. It’s been very important for me to remember that each couple I photograph is having the most exciting time of their lives unfold and I need to share that excitement with them. If I am burnt out or starting to lose excitement for the work I do, I know it’s time to take a break, find a way to recharge, and get excited again. For me, sometimes it photographing something new and exciting for me. using my camera not just for work but for pleasure. Doing something different and breaking out of my shell photography-wise. It then feels good to return home to my roots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to say I would’ve never been able to start my business without the help of some truly generous friends. When I was asked to photograph my very first wedding I was very very nervous. There were a couple of amazing talents in the industry that I reached out to and asked if they had any suggestions. One is Abi from Cupcake Photography in San Antonio. She certainly didn’t have to, but she walked me through a typical day as a wedding photographer and gave me so many amazing tips. This was an education that would’ve cost thousands in a workshop. Another was Candis with Press Films out of LA. She is an amazing Videographer and works with some of the best talents in the LA area. She really showed me how to have fun and work hard while maintaining my own style. From my very first wedding back in 2014 until now I have attended plenty of workshops, styled shoots, and online courses to increase my education and skill but if it wore not for these two believing in me and encouraging me without asking for anything in return (except to show them the gallery after) I truly wouldn’t have been able to have the courage to start!

Website: www.penelopelamore.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/penelopelamore

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penelopelamore