Today we’d like to introduce you to Louis Katz.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been shooting photos since I was barely a teenager. My dad taught me all about shutter speed, f-stops, and film speed, and he used to take me to the LA Photography Club downtown, where I learned a little bit about developing black and white film in the darkroom. I mostly lost interest over the intervening years, until the first iPhone came out in 2007. Between that and having a young son, I caught the shutterbug again. One of my clients, an amazing photographer named Robert Caughron, took notice, and he started encouraging me with generous gifts of his time and camera equipment. First, it was little point and shoots, then a couple years later he gave me my first DSLR. At that point, I told myself I really better get serious so I could be deserving of Robert’s kindness. I started shooting every chance I’d get, I’d say at least 500-1000 shots a week. Photography has been an obsession ever since. In 2014, I decided to throw my hat into the ring professionally, and Louie the Lens, “Your Personal Paparazzi!” was born out of that. I love to photograph people in all sorts of situations. If you visit louiethelens.com, you’ll also notice a lot of active duty military, vets, and their families. As a lifelong civilian, connecting with those who serve is a huge passion for me. Just a small way of saying thank you to these ordinary yet extraordinary individuals. Photography has been a most precious gift for me, leading to opportunities that would never have come up otherwise. I hope you’ll enjoy my images as much as I did making them!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are struggles in the life of any business. I’ve been taking it slow with this one, letting it grow organically without putting too much pressure on myself. One of the challenges with photography is to avoid the temptation to buy all the cool gear. My wish list of camera bodies, lenses, and other equipment is about eight miles long. Sometimes, it’s best to stick to one camera and one lens for a while, just to enforce some discipline.
Please tell us about Louie the Lens.
I’m Louie the Lens, “Your Personal Paparazzi!” I was born with the gift of invisibility, so I’m the one you want to capture candid moments in your life. They don’t have to be glamorous or even important moments in the overall scheme of things, but they’re times you’d like to look back on and share. I love working with people and families. It’s very personal, and when it’s best is when I become a part of the family and get to share in the joy of the occasion, whether it’s a wedding or a baptism, or an eighth grade graduation. I would even like to photograph sad occasions, like funerals or memorials, though the opportunity hasn’t come up. There’s something about connecting with people you may not even know, no matter the circumstance, to share in things that are deeply personal. As you know, I do a lot of work with my military family. I’m most proud of that work, knowing the sacrifices they make, along with their families. I can’t speak for other photographers, but my thing is to take ordinary moments and turn them into something extraordinary and magical.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
More of what I’m already doing, along with new adventures, like going up in a helicopter with the medevac guys (that was fun!). One of the really awesome parts of photography is that the learning never stops, and no matter what kind of day you’re having, you have to suck it up and get out there and engage with people. Success is the road, not the destination. Sometimes the crappy stuff builds you the most!
Contact Info:
- Website: louiethelens.com
- Phone: 818.919.1583
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Personal photo: George Ohan
All other images Louis Katz
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