Photographer: Lindsay Adler
When did you know the photography/video industry was for you?
I am one of those very lucky people that discovered my passion for photography at a young age. By age 12 I had discovered photography and by age 15 I had official started a portrait and wedding photography business. I started attending classes and events for my local PPA (Professional Photographers of America) chapter when I was 15 or 16. I’ve been passionate about photography for more than half of my life as one of my central driving forces.
How did you get your current position?
Most people like to believe that there was some sort of ‘big break’. Alas, that is not the case. My career has been a number of stepping stones from one point to the next. I began in upstate NY photographing portraits and weddings. I ran this small-town business for years through high school, college, and a few years beyond college. Next, I made the leap to travel to NYC to start networking and building a portfolio for fashion photography. I have now been in NYC for more than 10 years and every year aim to build a stronger connection, bigger clients, or more stable career.
How did your training or schooling prepare you for your job?
One of the most important things I learned from college was what I didn’t want to do. My having to do a variety of assignments I realized I wasn’t interested in product photography, food photography or photojournalism. Sometimes learning what you don’t like is almost as important as learning what you do like. I still believe that the most valuable educational you can possibly receive is practice. Shooting often and getting critique is invaluable.
What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in pursuing your career?
I think every photographer struggles to run their own business and manage the many hats we all must wear. In the beginning I was photographer, marketer, customer service, retoucher, accountant, printing house, and more all in one! It is extremely hard to manage this all and try to grow your business. As I start to make some profit I would immediately contract out work that was taking too much of my time or wasn’t my expertise. This meant that I didn’t keep quite as much profit up front, but eventually I had more time to do what I do best… shoot and market myself!
Who would you name as the most influential person in shaping your career?Why?
Throughout my career I’ve had different people who have played a significant role. From the very beginning my mother has been the most encouraging and supportive figure as I pursued my passion. She took me to photography classes in my team, travel to assist me when I first started teaching, and now works for me to help manage invoicing and cash flow. She has always been extremely influential.
Early on in my career a nature photography husband wife team Mary Ann and Joe Mcdonald help to support and inspire my career, sponsoring me for educational scholarship and providing insights into how they crafted their success.
In college a fashion photographer, Jeff Licata, gave me a peek into the world of fashion and beauty photography. I learned from his lighting, his business, and his lifestyle.
In short, throughout my career I have had different influences that helped guide my path or inspire my next move.
If you could be compensated for your work with something other than money, what would it be?
Time. Time is the most valuable asset in our lives that we cannot take back or buy more of.
For more of Lindsay’s work, visit:
