Today we’d like to introduce you to Lo Hunter
Hi Lo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My career has been such a journey to build, one that has taken me through the full range of human emotions, and with trial and tribulation, has lead me to find within myself a deep trust in the process, the universe, and the vision I can see for my future self. But of course, through it all, I’ve been faced with something I know all creatives can resonate with – imposter syndrome.
I’ve always been passionate about photography in the dark room, and made a ridiculous amount of short films as a child. But I began my professional career as a photographer over a decade ago, in Montana, starting out as an unpaid intern at a marketing/media company. I was hired soon after and began learning more in a hands-on way (my preferred route), so I actually dropped out of my university photography program. As I grew over several years with that company, I began dreaming of striking out on my own and starting my own business as a freelance artist. But the stability of my 9-5 felt scary to let go of and I loved the team I worked with. Then, during a team meeting, we got the news that our marketing company was going out of business, and we were all being let go. I was unemployed as of that moment. It was then that I was faced with the question that has changed my life: “Do I make the big, scary LEAP into the unknown?” Not knowing anything about what it takes to run a business, and solely relying on myself to manage my time, to create for clients, to teach myself everything, and not know when my next paycheck was coming?
Needless to say, I decided to jump! And I’ve now been in business for eight years. I’ve gone headfirst at every fear. Taking that leap of courage has only lead to more, and different “leaps” through the years. Being brave has lead me to being published internationally and winning awards for my portraiture. I’ve been featured in international exhibitions. Those accomplishments brought my inner child a lot of fulfillment, once I broke through the imposter syndrome, and I still sometimes come head to head with “do I deserve this?” when I get recognized for work. It might be a challenge I face for the rest of my life, but it gets easier to say “good job” to my inner artist critic.
All that to say! My most recent and currently very exciting big leap was my choice to leave the stable, steady clientele and successful business I built over many years in Montana, and hitting the ground running as hard as I can, starting fresh here in Los Angeles. I’m based in South Bay for the time, but am happy to travel everywhere. I really love it in LA, and I look forward to all the growth, challenge, and inspiring energy I’ll continue to find here.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve had plenty of challenges in my career! The first that comes to mind is that it’s definitely not easy to work for yourself. Sure, it has it’s benefits (once things are stable), but it takes a lot of self control to manage your time. It takes an inner fire to push you through the bumps in the road, to persevere. A deep trust in yourself has to develop to deal with the unpredictability of the industry and flow of work coming in (or not coming in). There was a period of time early on in my career that I lived on spaghetti. It was inexpensive and I could afford it, and I couldn’t risk spending too much on groceries before a client paid for a shoot. I’m glad I pushed through that and got to the other side. Sometimes sacrifice has to be made. A lot of sacrifice is made to achieve your dreams, I feel. Another big obstacle to get over is BELIEVING that you deserve it when the good work and recognition comes (because it will come if you keep going)!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I refer to myself as a “queer photo fairy.” I see magic everywhere, I study light constantly, and I have a special eye for the everyday, “normal moments,” that are so beautiful but get taken for granted. I have a passion for people, and connection between them. And I find a great pleasure in turning a client’s vision into a realized visual message, whether that’s commercial work with products, editorial portraiture, or even a couple session. It’s always my mission, that no matter what the shoot’s intention, the people involved in it leave with happy memories of it. I approach photoshoots as something that I want to be a positive experience and memory, first and foremost, that we all get amazing photos or video of after. I really care about people. I think my care sets me apart.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m mostly self-taught! Though I took film photography/dark room courses in high school, and started a photography major in university, the success I have been able to find has all been the trial and error, researching online, and experimentation. So much can be learned on your own these days. I think we’re lucky to have that capability to be self-starters in so many ways nowadays.
Pricing:
- Editorial Portraiture: starting at $500
- Couple Session: starting at $350
- Commercial Work: on a job by job basis
- Wedding: starting at $3,600
- Event: starting at $250/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lohunterphoto.com
- Instagram: @lohunterphoto
Image Credits
Portrait of Lo by Ri Mason
All other photos by Lo Hunter
