Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Christine.
Hi Lena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I did not pick up a camera at an early age. In fact, I picked one up in college studying for my graphic design degree. I was so bad at taking photos, that my teacher made me cry one day in class after telling me to never pick it up again.
I sure am happy that I didn’t listen to him. Two years out of college, I was working as a social media content designer and a web designer and was faced with the task of taking photos at small Jacksonville businesses for their social media feeds. I reluctantly picked up my camera and found that when I photographed people, I felt something. I became obsessed with capturing personalities, and my passion only grew while I relied on as my escape during my divorce.
I started with models, pin-up & fashion and focused on magazine submissions. Slowly, I got into boudoir and maternity. I also picked up a side hustle of working under Wild Artistry Co, based out of Tampa, as their Jacksonville photographer.
All this while still working a 9-5 job building websites for hotels and restaurants.
We can all guess what happened next as 2020 made its appearance. Over twenty percent of my company was dismantled and the rest were working from home. I did not make the cut and therefore got the kick in the butt that I needed to propel my business further than before.
I started to dream big, first by launching a styled shoots business with Gathered Rentals & Events. Then, I went full time as a photographer and quit working for others altogether.
It has been exactly one year since my switch to not only photography and styled shoots, but also switching to shooting weddings in a documentary storytelling style.
I can truly say that I have finally found myself and my style. But I am not quite finished! I am eager to launch my podcast “Bold and Busy Couples Photographer” and my course “From Zero to Couples Photographer” and to split my time between wedding related photography work and mentoring other photographers.
I am hopeful that you will join our community group on Facebook: Ancient City Styled Shoots. You can also find me on Instagram, being my quirky self and having way too much fun with REELS, LIVEs and having fun on social media.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenge has been figuring out how to market myself as a Wedding Photographer before I took on any weddings. This is where I highly recommend attending styled shoots, second shooting for other photographers, and investing in educational courses.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Wedding Documentary Photography, Styled Shoot Director, Social Media specialist, Serial Entrepreneur, Photography Educator.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is when my favorite cat had her kittens. There were six or eight and they were multi-colored and so super soft. I loved playing and watching them figure out their world!
Pricing:
- Weddings start at $2400
- Styled Shoots start at $150 for photographers
- All-Inclusive Elopements start at $2500 (include set up, HMUA, cake and floral)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.boldsoulphotos.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/
lenachristinephoto - Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/
ancientcitystyledshoots - Other (website under construction): www.lenachristine.com
Image Credits
Alyssa Morley Photography
Jean Louise
Mason Bailey
Cindi Parker Photography
Ann Rains Photography
Emma and Lindsay Whitlock
Gathered Rentals & Events
Pillar’s Castle
Bubbles and Brews Mini Bar
