Life & Work with Lester Ware of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lester Ware

Hi Lester , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My passion for photography began in 2016, I was working at both McDonalds and Vans. At the time I had a some friends who were taking pictures on their free time sharing posts on Instagram. Stuff like self portraits and models, so I thought why don’t I give it a try. My first camera I bought was some Panasonic digicam I found on Amazon for 60 bucks. I was taking a tons of photos of the most random things like my dog, graffiti, and abandon buildings. Soon I practiced with my brothers and close friends, watched a ton of tutorials on how to improve, and what gear to buy. Then finally saved some money to buy my first big boy camera which was a canon t5 matched with 50mm 1.8. I felt like I was the sh*t until one of my photo friends hit me with constructive feedback. So I kept practicing but I got sick of taking photos of my close friends. So I utilized the opportunity I had working at Mcdonalds and Vans. I began asking my coworkers, and eventually started asking customers. I knew the consequences of doing that so I did it discreetly. At McDonalds I use to work the drive thru window, I got comfortable with the regulars and began asking ” Hey, before you go I want to ask if you would be interested in a photoshoot I’m a photographer building my portfolio. ” I was shocked on how many people who said yes. So I did the same at my other job. My portfolio gotten bigger and better which led me to getting paid work. Now I have worked with so many brand like Nikon, Adidas, Getaway, and Spotify to name a few.

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?
When it comes to following your passion you are met with challenges. I met a lot of them on my journey. There has been a lot of sleepless nights to meet deadlines, missed family events, and financial issues. Times where I have to say yes to work I didn’t feel comfortable doing to keep up with bills. Content creation is at an all time high and it hard to stand out in the crowd. I invested so much money into things that wasn’t related to what I wanted to pursue, just to offer a package other photographers/content creators wouldn’t be able to provide without a team. I was the jack of all trades but master of none.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in travel, portrait, lifestyle, aerial photography, videography, and storytelling. What I am most proud of is capturing Yosemite back in 2022, I remember roadtripping to this place with friends back in 2017 which sparked my interests in travel photography. What sets me apart from others outside of having the shiniest bald head, I’m willing to seek the uncomfortable. Seeking the uncomfortable lead me to so many adventures, meeting new people, and experiences I couldn’t imagine.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
What I learned from this Covid-19 crisis is that life is too short, make time for the people who are important to you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lesterlavonne.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lester_lavonne
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lestelavonnephotography
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lester_lavonne
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/lesterlavonne

Image Credits
Photography by: Lester LaVonne