In our Facebook Education Group each month we choose one student to highlight on our blog and social media accounts. This month we’ve chosen photographer Lydia Fine of Apollo & Ivy Photography! Keep reading to get to know Lydia!

Business Name:

Apollo & Ivy Photography

Where to find her online:

Apolloandivy.com

Instagram: @lydia_apolloandivy

Location:

North Liberty, Iowa, USA (right smack in the middle of flyover country)

Why did you start your photography business?

“Last year, a friend asked if I’d take a couple of photos with my “nice camera” for their Christmas card, and I was sure I’d fail miserably. The pics were pretty terrible, but not as bad as I expected!! I have zero patience with myself when I’m bad at something (especially if I really *want* to be good at it), so I dove in, photographing my friends’ families, immersing myself in education, and learning how to edit. I work full-time in marketing, so the business side was easier; I just needed to get up to speed on everything else! I made it official earlier this year and Apollo & Ivy Photography was born. I’ve got a lot to learn yet, and I hope I never stop learning.”

What keeps you going when business is tough?

I joke that I run on chocolate, caffeine, and praise, so kind words from my clients are a big boost for me when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Working full-time in addition to running a small business on the side can be stressful, but I have a super-supportive spouse who jumps in to shoulder more responsibility around the home and with the kids whenever I’m super busy.

What are your goals for the next year?

To edit faster (my goal is 90 minutes max for a session), get it right in-camera more often, and some new L-series glass for my R6 would be pretty sweet.

What are you most proud of in your business?

I’m proud of myself for the hard work I’ve put in to improve. I’m finally taking the kind of photos I’ve always wanted: unposed, emotive photos that show connections between people who love each other. I’m also super proud when a client tells me they’ve had fun at their session. If they can have fun instead of stress out, I consider that a big win.

Are you a family photographer? be sure to join us in our Facebook Education Group! We’re in there teaching, interacting, and cheering you on every week!

Images provided by Lydia Fine of Apollo & Ivy Photography.