Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Cruse
Hi Lily, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My photography journey began in my hometown of Lexington, Kentucky. Growing up, I was always drawn to capturing moments, whether it was with my family’s DSLR camera, my I-phone, or even on my Polaroid camera. I spent hours taking photos of my friends and my sister for fun, never imagining it would one day become my career.
It wasn’t long before others started noticing my work. When people started asking me to take their photos, I realized my photography had potential to become something much more. At 15, I started my photography business, “Lily on Film” and began sharing my work online. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok helped me connect with a wider audience, and I quickly built a community around my photography.
Throughout high school, I balanced school, cheerleading, and growing my business. I realized I had found my true passion when I began prioritizing photography above all else. Each week, I set aside time for creative photoshoots. These shoots quickly became the highlight of my week!
After graduating, I moved to Florida to pursue photography full-time. That’s where I discovered my love for concert photography. During my time in Florida I photographed my first country music festival, this was a life-changing experience. The fast-paced atmosphere and the chance to combine my love for photography and country music felt like a dream come true.
That festival opened many doors, leading me to work with more country artists and music festivals. Now at 22 years old, I have made my way to Nashville, the heart of country music, where my career continues to evolve today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey as a photographer has generally been smooth, but like many creatives, I’ve faced challenges such as creative burnout and comparison. In a world full of talented photographers, it’s easy to feel inadequate.
However, I’ve learned that there’s enough opportunity for everyone and to not be discouraged if I am not chosen for a job. I like to have the mindset that a, “No” is sometimes just a “Not Yet” and in the end the timing of everything always works out!
I am thankful to be in an industry full of talented photographers. This environment gives me the opportunity to learn, connect, and have a sense of community where we can all learn and inspire one another on our creative journeys.
I am also extremely grateful for my parents. From the very beginning, they have always believed in me and encouraged me to pursue photography. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and support.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work focuses on capturing the excitement of concerts and musicians, particularly within the country music scene. Growing up in Kentucky, I developed a deep passion for country music, and combining this love with photography has been an amazing experience.
I often work in Nashville and around Florida, but I’ve also traveled around the country to photograph music events. Concert photography has allowed me to see the world, which I am incredibly grateful for.
What I love most about concert photography is the chance to present artists in a more personal light. I aim to capture their authentic emotions and the unique atmosphere of each show, so that anyone who sees my photos can feel the energy of the performance as if they are there. This connection to the artists is what truly draws me to concert photography.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I hope to be on tour with an artist, fully embracing the excitement of the tour lifestyle. I’ve always wanted to experience the energy and hard work that come with life on the road. Performing the same show night after night would help me sharpen my skills and capture the perfect shots by becoming familiar with the set list and layout.
Another long-term goal of mine is to start my own media agency for photographers, focusing on creating content for music festivals. I want to build a community where photographers can learn, grow, and support each other while building our portfolios at the same time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lilyonfilmphoto.myportfolio.com/work
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyonfilm/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lilyonfilm?lang=en
Image Credits
Photos by Lily Cruse @lilyonfilm
Megan Moroney, Dolly Parton, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman
