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Meet Lisa Connaughton of Captures by Lisa

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Connaughton.

Lisa, 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 always been artistic, since a very young age. I started out with a sketch pad and pencil as young as 7, and moved up to painting and pastels during my early teen years.

In college, my art classes were by far my favorite. As the years passed, and the digital age was upon us, I worked as a graphic designer for a number of years, while also taking photography classes with an old school SLR film camera. I never quite grasped all of the concepts, but the love of photography was born. In the early 2000s, the digital camera was released. I had a simple point and shoot digital as my first introduction into the world of digital photography.

But I was hooked! My artistic soul, and my impatient brain felt this was a match made in heaven, instant gratification! Not only that but I could do things to the images in Photoshop, which I had already worked in for over a decade. With the birth of my second child, my son, I started taking pictures of him, not unlike many photographers. At this point, online photography communities were popping up all over, so no only did I have instant gratification, but I could share my work! I shared those first pictures of my newborn son taken with my digital point and shoot camera and I was so proud of them! Little did I know what was to come. I invested in my first DSLR, a Nikon D70, some cheap eBay hot lights and I was off running. I practiced, took more classes, begged family and friends to let me take their pictures and I launched a web site. For a few years I worked on location only. But as I accumulated more equipment, props and knowledge, it became not only obvious, but very necessary that I find a studio. I started out in a small sublet corner rented from another photographer. This did give me a taste for having a dedicated space to practice my craft.

I quickly realized I wanted to be under my own steam, and found my current studio space in Hudson, MA, an 800 square foot studio in a very cool renovated mill building. I have been there 7 years this fall, and plan to stay for at least a few more years. My business has grown with every year, and I can’t think of anything I would rather be doing.

I specialize in maternity, newborn, baby, child and family photography. I have to say my favorite is the newborn. That tiny little being that holds all the love and promise of the future. They change so fast. Because of this I also offer a first year baby plan. This has to be my second favorite session type. I love watching the babies come through my door for each milestone session as they hold their heads up, smile, sit, crawl and finally walk (well, some have perfected running by their first year session). Those memories are timeless. Families will take out those images and share them for generations.

I also work with kids of all ages on up to high school seniors. The fall welcomes many families, some I have seen during the year on the baby plan and many new faces, as well.

I also offer holiday mini sessions in studio, which have included Santa sessions, complete with a different theme every year. One year I even had a sleigh in the studio! The most popular has been Santa’s Workshop, however. Kids get a private time with Santa where they can read a story, share their list, or just check out the beard.

My style focuses on timeless, classic images, with a mix of modern trends. I do focus my interactions on capturing natural expressions and smiles. I have a ton of experience with all ages, and have two kids of my own. So there is no shortage of tricks and methods I will bring out to coax out a shy toddler, or a teen that would rather be hanging out with friends. Clients often tell me they really had fun and enjoyed their session. The icing on the cake is when I hear how much they love their final images! I have heard that displaying images of children in the home can really have an impact on developing positive self esteem in children. I decorate my own walls with pictures of my own children, and feel so fortunate to help others do the same.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can’t say the road has always been smooth. When I started out, like many, I thought all I had to do was learn how to take good pictures and figure out how my camera worked.

It didn’t take me long to realize there is SO much more to owning a business. Lucky for me, I have a decent business sense, so while it was a learning curve, I adapted to the business side of things very easily. I would say the biggest challenge is frankly marketing, getting the word out, overcoming my own shyness and just embracing the process.

Today I still struggle with one of the biggest issues in owning a business and that is balance. I am a tad obsessed with control in my business and it is hard for me to give up having my hand in all parts of the business from editing to doing my own taxes. I may have things I like better than others, but I enjoy all that is involved with being my own boss. Saying that, I also have son still at home who is a very busy teenager and loves to play hockey, among other sports. So juggling his schedule, and a full time studio, has its challenges. But this career has also allowed me a lot of flexibility that I may not have in another profession. So even if I am answering emails at 10 p.m. at night during my busy season, or can’t really embrace Fridays since I am working all weekend during the month of Oct, I really wouldn’t trade it.

Another challenge over the past 11 years I have been in business is simply the saturation of the market, the ever changing technology, to offer digital or only prints, is a huge debate in the photography world today. Photography has become a line item in the budget of many families, and I think that is wonderful. This field has challenged me to grow business wise, but to also prove to myself just how far I can climb.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Captures by Lisa – what should we know?
I have been in business for 11 years this fall. I specialize in newborns and babies, this is what I focus my efforts on the most, and get the most calls for. I do work with a lot of maternity, children and families, as well. I also do business head shots, extended family sessions, small events, to name a few.

I am most proud of the fact that I believe I excel in great customer service, really getting to know my clients, and welcoming them into my studio family, and they often end up feeling like personal friends. I have been called a baby whisperer by quite a few of my clients. I think I have infinite patience with babies and children, plus I get true joy out of working with them. I really love what I do, and I have been told that it shows. I think if you really love what you do, people will see it.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Hmm, maybe stubbornness. Ever since the day I was born I have not taken well to someone telling I can’t do something or can’t accomplish something. It may not have worked well for my mother, but I think it works well in business. I find beauty in the human spirit and I love capturing that. I think my deep love for photography, mixed with stubbornness, a sprinkling of positive attitude and patience.

Pricing:

  • I am an all inclusive studio, which includes the session time and digital images in one package. I also sell prints, wall art, and albums. Newborn session packages start at $375

Contact Info:

Getting in touch: BostonVoyager 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.

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