Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Lyle.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in Louisville, KY where I started acting at a very young age in the local theatre scene. Immediately, acting seemed to heal something in me. It gave me a way to express a lot of anger and anxiety which had been so bad that I had migraines from the age of 8. As soon as I started going to Walden Theatre (now the Commonwealth Theatre Program), the migraines ceased. I ended up going to DePaul University’s theatre program for college, however, two years in my family suffered financial troubles and I had to reconsider my passions. Instead of finding financial aid or scholarships, I made the move to Los Angeles. I pursued acting professionally for four years, but it took a heavy toll on me. The thing that had giving me so much joy and creative outlet no longer did anything for me. I was depressed and lost. I tried to find a new passion in becoming a rock climbing guide (for a living I worked as an instructor at a climbing gym in downtown LA), but very quickly discovered that guiding wasn’t for me. Between driving back and forth from Joshua Tree to being responsible for the safety of others, I couldn’t touch it. My anxiety and depression continued to get worse. I neglected my relationships, I isolated myself, and I hit an ultimate low. I was doing work in therapy, but it was such a challenge that it unearthed so much more and I was struggling. I could see myself slipping away from people. I opened up to my friends, my family, my girlfriend (now fiance) and they helped to get me through. Something deep down knew I needed a different outlet. I decided to leave guiding behind and take a break from acting. I got out my credit card and made a risky decision and bought my self a camera. It was time to rediscover an old passion – photography. My life transformed. I was literally seeing thing through a new lens and getting perspective. Of course with the support of those around me, I felt reborn. And then people started asking me how much I charge for photos or if I would shoot some headshots for them or help with their brand. I was happy to do it as photography was bringing me so much joy. I bought that camera a year ago and this is where I am now. The goal is to certainly make a living sometimes doing it, but I’m happy to go at my own pace, to not add pressure onto myself and to see where it takes me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
To sort of delve deeper into my last answer, it’s been an incredibly bumpy road. I’ve dealt with depression and anxiety my whole life (still do) and without having the tools to deal with it, every day can be extremely challenging. I don’t believe the road every really smooths out, and therein lies the beauty.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your work. Tell us more about the business.
As a photographer, I specialize in portraits and lifestyle photography. Being a young 20 something in LA, a lot of friends are starting businesses and investing in themselves. I like to be there on the ground floor to help get their projects going with professionally done photos.
Personally, my creative work is in portraits. I’ve been working on a series that is untitled at the moment. It focuses on memories and our personal journey. I bring subjects into my “studio” (which is just my living room) and have them choose three significant memories. Using the work I’ve done in therapy and my background as an actor, we go through those memories to bring people back into the moment. And then when I feel like they’ve reached some form of catharsis, we let those memories go. It began as just a way to get emotion behind the eyes of my subjects, but what I found was incredibly powerful. People were bringing in their most vulnerable self and leaving with a completely different feeling. It is very special and something I cherish every session. You get to really know a person through their vulnerability and sharing.
If anything, what sets me apart from anyone else is my story. No one shares the same exact story and I think that’s what makes us all unique.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t personally believe in luck. I think we have the power to manifest things, good or bad. To give everything away to chance is to give away our power.
Contact Info:
- Website: jacobalylephoto.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobalyle/?hl=en
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
