Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Sparks.
Hi Lindsey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I picked up photography back in 2014 as a newlywed. I was only 20 years old but I wanted to find my passion and photography was something that I had always been interested in. Over the next four years, I finished my Bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies and worked in a couple of different mental health offices in Arizona and Idaho. All the while photography being a hobby that I learned about and picked up whenever I was feeling inspired and had the time.
After my first daughter was born in 2017, I picked up my camera a little more often and started learning more about different techniques and how to work with my camera. I became a stay at home mom and I loved it! I still love being able to have the freedom to be able to stay home and care for my, now, three beautiful daughters.
As many stay at home mothers can tell you, it can be so easy to lose yourself in motherhood. I have this desire to do something for myself outside of my children. Which didn’t come without its own fresh mom guilt. I started asking myself questions like “isn’t caring for your children enough?” and “can you really devote time to ANYTHING else?!”. After my third daughter was born and I knew that I was done having children, it became crystal clear to me that I needed something outside of my home and my children. Photography has given me that.
It has given me the chance to not only help provide for my family outside of the home but has also given me a reason to have goals again. Goals other than “keep the tiny humans alive”. I am also so fortunate and have so much support to start a business of my own. It has given me a creative outlet and something that is just for me.
Not only do I get to have my own business but I get to serve the community with something that I love! I get to capture the happiest moments with families. I get to make mamas like myself feel beautiful and deliver keepsakes to families. I love that people will have my pictures to look back on and remember the joy that they have in their lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There is nothing worthwhile that doesn’t have struggles. Being a mother to three girls under five and starting a business is not an easy task. Honestly, being a mom to three girls under five in and of itself isn’t an easy task.
One of my biggest obstacles was imposter syndrome. I never felt like I was good enough. It has now become a mantra that I have to keep reminding myself that I do have to skills. That I am talented enough.
Learning a new skill and becoming consistent at something does not just happen overnight. I have definitely put in the time to learning and practicing and eventually putting myself out there to serve the community with my skills. I feel like just learning photography has been the tip of the iceberg! Once you get to the point where you feel confident in your skills, you have to then learn all the ins and outs of starting and maintaining a business.
That being said, I am very aware of how much privilege I have in my life. I have a wonderful husband who supports me and encourages me to follow all of my dreams. I have a support system that I can always count on. I am more fortunate than so many.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a photographer and I love working with couples, families, graduates, and maternity! I am most proud of how quickly I have been able to grow my little business. In just the first couple of months of launching my website, I started with a goal that I wanted five paying clients by the end of the year (three months). I nearly doubled that goal. I went into my business not really sure what to expect and definitely worrying that I would fall flat on my face. But I went in with a goal. When I met that goal, I set a new one. I’m so proud of that.
As someone who gets most of their practice working with kids and toddlers, I am known for working well with kids and getting magical shots of childhood. I love capturing families with children because there is nothing like the pure joy on a child’s face. It is magical, beautiful and contagious.
I also make a point to talk with my clients all the way up until our photoshoot date to help with outfit coordination and answering any and all questions so that on the day of our photoshoot, we are already feeling like close friends. I make my clients feel relaxed and we are often joking and talking like old friends right off the bat! I have THE BEST clients.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many people that deserve to be on this list. So many creators that have inspired me.
My husband, Derek, is my number one inspiration and cheerleader. He has always pushed me to be my best self. He has always seen my capabilities and talents and never lets me forget it. He is also one of the smartest people I know and has more drive and ambition than anyone I’ve ever met.
My mother, Carlie, also deserves a spot on this list. She was a high school dropout and a single mother of two little girls for the better part of my childhood before remarrying when I was 11. She is now about to graduate with a Master’s Degree. I couldn’t be more awestruck by how hard she has worked. She is a true inspiration to me and anyone who is lucky enough to know her.
There are many other creators and photographers in the greater Orlando area that are just incredible as well. I am a true believer in community over competition and I couldn’t be luckier to be surrounded by individuals that believe that as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lindseysparksphoto.com/
- Instagram: @lindseysparks.photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sparks-Photography-107765968289826
Image Credits:
Lindsey Sparks
