Today we’d like to introduce you to Lela Hunt.
Hi Lela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into photography started at a young age thanks to my mom. I grew up in a small town in North Carolina, and my parents made sure we traveled and saw more than our little hometown. On those trips, I remember playing around with my mom’s Pentax K1000 film camera, which as a child she didn’t let me touch much. But a camera became something I always had growing up, starting with a polaroid camera, to my first point and shoot film camera, eventually progressing to digital of course.
Photography ultimately became my happy place. I decided I wanted to pursue getting a degree in photography, so in 2010 upon graduating high school I moved to Morehead City, NC to attend Carteret Community College. They had an associate’s program for Photographic Technology. Their program back then started with a black and white film, then progressed into color film and ended with digital. I learned so much in their darkroom, processing and printing my photos. I thoroughly enjoyed and greatly benefitted from everything I learned there. I had high hopes when I graduated but I didn’t have the work ethic and drive that I do now.
I moved to Wilmington, NC in 2013 and went back to school in pursuit of trying to find something else I liked doing because it seemed like photography wasn’t going to happen. I thought maybe, I’ll do business, or maybe I’ll be a Spanish major. I was all over the place.
Towards the end of 2018, I decided to do some research on photography schools. I was ready for a change and after five years in Wilmington, things had gotten stale. Nossi College of Art was one of the schools that came up in my search. I had only visited Nashville one time, and during my visit didn’t know anything about the school. I applied to Nossi, got in, and within six months, July 2019 I was in Nashville. Everything fell into place super easy for my move and it turned into the best decision I ever made. I transferred the eligible credits to Nossi, and am now about 6 months away from graduation.
As a freelance photographer, I tend to do a lot of live events and concerts, but also specialize in product and portrait photography. I really enjoy dabbling in landscape and architecture photography as well. I love any opportunity to have a camera in my hand. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.
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?
Nothing is ever smooth that’s for sure. Just figuring out the road I want to be on is hard enough. Photography can be a tricky industry. It’s something that is constantly evolving and changing. What I learned the first time I went to school is a lot different than what I am learning now. I realized how much I still had to learn.
With technology changing daily, whether it’s a cell phone, or laptop, or social media. Everything plays a part in how photography has evolved. Not to mention, photography equipment isn’t cheap. The upgrades are constant. The knowledge is constant. As a photographer you are in a constant state of learning, learning a new technique, learning new software, learning new gear. You hear a lot how “Everyone is a photographer these days.” So you have to stay ahead of the game and set yourself apart from others. Just keeping up with the ever-changing industry is a struggle enough.
Of course, I’m not the only one but covid has affected my ability to network in a new city. Networking is crucial in any business. So not being able to meet as many new people has made me change my approach to networking myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Well, I’m a freelance photographer. I specialize in live event and concert photography along with product photography. But I like to do pretty much anything that keeps the creative juices flowing. Food, portraits, architecture, landscape, any of it, I’m ready for it. I really enjoy being in the energy and crowd at a concert.
But when it comes to product photography, that’s where my true creativity comes to life. Doing set design is just as much fun as taking the photo for me. I love taking what I have in my head and turning it into a photograph. Creating a feeling or vibe in the studio is so much fun. I’m not just creating for me, I’m creating for an audience. I keep a notebook nearby, at all times, for any idea that comes to mind.
There are a lot of photographers out there and a lot of people like to call it a competition. However, each photographer tends to have distinct styles and techniques. We (photographers) are all very talented and each brings something different to the table. They aren’t my competition, they are my colleagues. Each photographer I meet I have the opportunity to learn something new from. My own personal style and creativity are what I like to think sets me apart from others.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I took a risk when I decided to leave North Carolina for Tennessee. It’s the farthest I’ve ever lived with my family. NC has always felt like a safety bubble. Moving was the best thing I could have ever done but I knew if I failed or didn’t like my decision I could always move back. I think there are levels to risk-taking and each person has a different definition of what is a risk to them.
I think everyone should get out of their comfort zone at least once or more in their life. Apply for that job you don’t think you will get, make that move, travel out of the country, get married, get that divorce, start that business you’ve been dreaming about. Everything can seem scary but you never know unless you try. The answer will always be no if you didn’t try. You can’t have new experiences if you don’t get out there.
Whenever I do something that might seem “risky” there are a few things that cross my mind, depending on the situation.
One: The worst they can say is no.
Two: The money will come back the experience won’t.
Three: Will I see any of the people ever again.
Do what makes you happy, and if seems risky it might be the best decision you can ever make for yourself.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: lelagaylephoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lelagaylephoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lelagaylephoto
Image Credits
Zach Whitmore and Lela Hunt
