In 2008, a pivotal moment ignited Lisa Brown’s photography career: taking her daughter’s senior portraits. What began as a way to document her child’s milestone soon evolved into something much larger. Lisa shared the photos on MySpace, the popular social media platform of the time, and the response was overwhelming. Soon, others in her community were asking her to take portraits, sparking a journey she never anticipated. This growing demand launched Lisa into the world of photography, a passion that developed from her desire to capture moments that resonate deeply with her clients.

What drew Lisa into photography wasn’t just the technical aspect of taking photos but the emotional reactions they elicited. She found immense fulfillment in seeing people’s happiness when they viewed their images for the first time. Whether it was a mother gazing lovingly at her child or a bride admiring her wedding photos, these moments reinforced her love for the craft. However, like many artists, Lisa has faced moments of self-doubt throughout her career. As a photographer who takes her work personally, trying out new themes and concepts can be intimidating. Yet, those challenges are often what push her to grow and evolve in her artistry.

Lisa’s work spans a wide  range of emotions and occasions, from the joy of a baby’s first smile to the poignant task of end-of-life photoshoots. These images, though bittersweet, allow families to hold on to precious memories during difficult times. Capturing these moments, whether it’s a high school senior in their cap and gown or a terminally ill person sharing a final smile with loved ones, is what drives Lisa’s passion. For her, photography is more than just a job—it’s a way to document life’s fleeting, powerful moments.

Lisa’s love for fashion is deeply rooted in her childhood. As a young girl, she spent hours designing outfits with Barbie Fashion Plates and eagerly flipping through the pages of YM (Young Miss) magazine. Despite growing up in what she describes as a “holler”—a narrow valley in rural America—her dreams were anything but small. She was always inspired by fashion from around the world, and now, as a professional photographer, she gets to combine that lifelong passion with her artistic skills. Fashion photography, in particular, ignites a different kind of creative energy for Lisa. Collaborating with designers who pour their heart and soul into their work and bringing their vision to life through her lens is a process she finds incredibly rewarding.

While Lisa cherishes the simplicity of small-town living, her love for fashion photography eventually led her to explore the world beyond her hometown. She recognized early on that to fully pursue her passion, she would need to travel to larger cities—specifically, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. These bustling fashion hubs allowed her to blend her interests in both photography and style, offering her the creative freedom to push her boundaries and expand her portfolio. Working with designers in these major cities, she captures not only the beauty of their creations but the energy of fashion itself.

One of Lisa’s greatest influences has been her parents, who encouraged her from a young age to take on new challenges and never fear failure. Their support instilled in her the confidence to try new things, both in her personal life and professional work. This mindset has been instrumental in her growth as a photographer, allowing her to move fluidly between different types of photography—from intimate family portraits to high-fashion shoots in some of the world’s most iconic locations.

Creativity, for Lisa, often stems from unexpected places. She finds inspiration in trendsetters, TV shows, and movies, but she doesn’t simply follow what’s already out there. Instead, she asks herself, “What if I did it this way?” This mindset helps her continuously push the envelope, encouraging her to think outside the box and approach her themes from fresh, unique angles. Whether she’s photographing couture on the streets of Times Square or coming up with an innovative take on a traditional family portrait, Lisa is always looking for ways to elevate her work.

Looking toward the future, Lisa hopes to cast more models from rural areas for product shoots on Amazon, which is a key part of her photography work. She sees immense, untapped potential in these communities and hopes to create more opportunities for local talent to shine. This aligns with her broader goal of showcasing diverse perspectives and expanding the reach of her photography.

When she isn’t working, Lisa enjoys spending time at her home in West Virginia with her husband and their menagerie of pets, which includes two standard poodles, a mini horse, and five hens. Outside of her love for photography, Lisa finds joy in cooking and traveling. She uses her downtime to recharge before diving into her next project—whether that’s a rural photoshoot or a fashion session in the heart of New York City.

Lisa offers this advice to aspiring photographers: take both art and business classes. Photography is more than just capturing beautiful images; it requires a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and editing software like Lightroom. Just as crucial, however, is the business side of photography. Photographers need to know how to market and sell their work. In Lisa’s eyes, having both artistic and entrepreneurial skills is essential for anyone hoping to succeed in the field.

Ultimately, photography is not just a profession for Lisa Brown but a deeply ingrained part of her identity. She plans to continue her journey for as long as she’s able, constantly seeking new ways to connect with people through her lens. Whether she’s photographing in her small community or in one of the world’s largest cities, her camera is an extension of her passion—a way to capture life, love, and fashion in their purest forms.