Today we’d like to introduce you to London Lewis.
Hi London, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The birth of my photographic journey began in my dad’s darkroom in the ’70s when I was a lad, and continued as a family and personal hobby for many decades. While working in an outside sales position for almost 20 years, I kept my camera nearby and those pictures caught the attention of the various companies I represented.
Some of them requested my images and video for their promotional uses but still, I didn’t consider photography as a career path at the time as I continued to endure the corporate vortex I’d found myself in. Divorce and depression became a difficult but valuable teacher for me and in 2017, I began turning inward, both to my true self and my true love of photography as I pressed on despite the negative voices and fears external and internal.
I’ve pushed the boundaries of experimental photography with a series I developed in Las Vegas known as ‘Time Pull’ which has seen placement in two galleries there and has awarded me with relationships with fellow art lovers around the globe. A wonderful mentor in architectural photography happened upon me, and I have pursued that genre ever since, whilst simultaneously committing to other genres of the art as I’m manically driven to learn all I can of visual media in its many forms.
Fast forward to the present time where I now reside in Lehi, Utah. My photo/video work here is a wonderfully dizzying assortment ranging from classic and fashion head-shots to luxury real estate, commercial and food shoots to even weddings. The work of a freelancer is difficult and trying.
Thankfully, I truly love what I do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The life of a solopreneur is a difficult one, regardless of the vocation. Survival is dependent upon you and nobody else, so it’s not for the faint of heart. In my case, it’s hard to overcome the stigma that photography ‘must be easy with the right gear.
So I come to the shoot with $6K of gear on average, and that’s one thing, but the real value is the decades of experience that have forged my skills. Yes, for many photo/video is a hobby and I support that with great enthusiasm, but that in no way diminishes this craft from any skilled trade that requires both technical and artistic comprehension.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The great Pablo Picasso gave us the advice:
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
And I have taken that well to heart in my journey.
My secret to success is rather straight-forward:
- Be truly receptive to the client’s needs.
- Be technically correct.
- Provide the artistic synergy compounding my client’s vision with my creative capacity.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
My first mentor is my dad, Jerome, who gave me photography as a family hobby, a science, and a passion to enjoy. Next was a couple of mentors that just happened in my life that I am so grateful for.
I’m a firm believer in mentorship/apprenticeship. These tremendous people may be there if you seek, so do so.
Contact Info:
- Email: london@londonlewisphotography.com
- Website: londonlewisphotography.com
- Instagram: @londonlewisphotography
- Facebook: @londonlewisphotography
- Twitter: @LondonLewisPho1
