Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Cope.
Hi Lindsay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Photography was always a passion of mine but was always told it wasn’t something I should pursue as a full-time, money-earning position. I kept it as a hobby but graduated from Temple University and became a Spanish teacher. My husband and I moved to Orlando from Philadelphia for a two year internship for him and during that time, I decided to continue with my hobby and see where it went. Our plan was to return to PA in two years and I would continue being a teacher when we returned. I used this two-year break to enjoy photography and take photos of the new friends we had been making.
Soon though, I was easily getting more and more people reaching out to me for photos. Seniors, babies, weddings; my work seemed to be getting attention from different types of clients and I found myself getting busier with this “hobby.” Within that two-year period, my passion for photography had become a growing small business. My husband was offered a full-time position and we agreed that we loved the city of Orlando and that we were where we wanted to be in location and in business. Eleven years later and I am still in love with the job that I do. I love seeing new couples getting married and giving them amazing images that literally last their lifetime. Photos to me are so important and I love being able to create these treasures for my clients. I currently travel back and forth from Orlando to Philadelphia (and everywhere in between!) to photograph weddings and families. I love what I do and feel honored to be a part of such important moments in peoples’ lives.
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?
I think every road has bumps and twists along the way and mine definitely has and continues to hit rough patches here and there. One of the hardest things for me has been learning that I can like and appreciate other photographers’ work while still loving my own. In a world of billions of images always in front of you on social media, it is easy to look at someone else’s work and think less of your own. The comparisons of likes and followers and publications of others versus your own can kill your confidence and it’s something that was not as prevalent 11 years ago when I started. There were all kinds of other bumps too, such as having all my camera gear stolen and having to start over with nothing. There are always “silent periods,” as I call them, where you are not getting new jobs and it gives you a scare for weeks at a time until the calls and emails start coming in again. Covid of course also caused a very long “silent period,” and yet by the end of 2020, it was one of my most successful years.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a wedding and portrait photographer. I take photos of new babies, families, seniors and couples. I am probably most known for the light and dreamy look of my images. My images are known to have soft colors with a romantic and joyful feel. I love candid expressions and do not over-pose or fake the experience. My clients always enjoy their time with me, even those who are not too interested in getting their pictures taken! I like to think that I make the experience relaxed and more like couple is on a date as opposed to a stuffy appointment on their to-do list. Families have fun playing, running, tickling, etc. instead of demanding kids hold still with a cheesy grin. My favorite thing is when my clients receive their galleries and are shocked by what we captured. Those are the moments I feel most proud! I think I am different from others in that I am able to capture natural and candid images of families and couples in a relaxed atmosphere.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was the little sister who completed my older sister’s art assignments. I was the one who was making art with toothpicks and glue for Christmas presents for the whole family. I planned the interior design of my imaginary, future home complete with wall colors, artwork and furniture style in elementary school. I was quiet at school and in public situations but at home, I was wild and a little mischievous too. I played tricks on my grandmother, like hiding her glasses and running away. She always appreciated my craziness even at her own expense! Most weekdays were spent with her and she taught me how to crochet, sew, and bake, all things that I loved because I was always wanting to make things. I have always been a maker from art to books and I still love making art to this day with my photography.
Pricing:
- Weddings start at $3400
- Family sessions start at $200
Contact Info:
- Email: Lindsay@lindsaycope.com
- Website: Lindsaycope.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lindsaycopephotography/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lindsaycopephotography
