Today we’d like to introduce you to Edie Layland.
Edie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Since childhood I’ve been drawn to the arts. Growing up I loved drawing, writing stories, and singing to my audience of 3 brothers. At age 19 I became a professional singer working steadily in the Twin Cities night clubs singing R&B and jazz. I moved to California with my 2 children in my early thirties and for practical reasons I left artistic pursuits behind. Decades passed and as I approached age 60 I started to become concerned that I would never get back to doing the things I loved. I made a financially crazy decision to retire early and start over with art valuing the time I have left over financial gain. I began to develop my skills in photography and painting. Little did I realize how much work it takes to master photography, but I discovered I wanted to excel at it.
I began doing child and family photography and found I prefer photographing children. I began to focus on creating artistic, storytelling images. A major influence has been Elena Shumilova’s beautiful images of her children playing on their family farm in Russia.
I currently specialize in children, families, and model/actress children. I find little pockets of countryside to work in and I’ve also turned to the streets of LA for inspiration. We are also fortunate to have beautiful beaches to play in.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think most people involved in artistic endeavors will tell you that the first years are tough. I wasn’t very good at photography in the beginning, I often struggled financially, and I had a lot to learn. There isn’t usually a lot of support coming from family and friends for going off the beaten track to do something artistic. Then there’s the business side of it, which I had no interest in, but it goes hand in hand with surviving and thriving. I don’t think I had any special challenges, just the many ordinary ones most artists go through. I always had faith in my own talent and I knew that if I kept working at it I would get better and better.
Layland Masuda Portrait – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a one person business. I’m a photographer of children and families and model/actress children.
I’m most proud of my finished products, my photos are hand edited and color rich and each one is a work of art.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is spending my own very limited days enjoying life as fully as possible. Money can certainly contribute to that, but for me excelling at my craft is much more deeply rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laylandmasuda.com
- Email: edielayland@mac.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laylandmasuda/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edie.layland
- Other: https://500px.com/edielayland
Image Credit:
Edie Layland
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