Meet Lila Ealy | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lila Ealy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lila, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Sometimes, I like to think I am a risk taker. Sometimes, I am not. When it has to do with my business, I am all about taking risks. Everything about owning my own business is somewhat of taking risks in a way, and I feel like that’s a good thing. I take risks when; I meet people I have never met before, when I invest in equipment not knowing whether or not I will make any sort of profit, or even when I showcase my work in hopes of people liking them. I believe that being positive and hoping for the best, helps people grow into someone they never knew they could become. With all of that being said, taking risks has helped me believe in myself, and has pushed me to become a stronger person who has reached specific goals.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My journey has definitely had its challenges, but I have never been more proud of myself than I am now. Having 2 kiddos, being a teacher, having my own business, and being a wife of a police officer has been quite difficult. Every journey has its challenges, but I can confidently say that I have learned so much over this past year. I have learned that; taking risks isn’t always a bad thing, that I am capable of so much more, and that challenging myself to reach new levels is where I have grown the most. With that being said, my goal for every session, is to make every client’s experience unique and memorable. I want to give my clients the BEST experience possible by being more than just their photographer, but i’d love for them to consider me as a family friend! I want them to have fun and enjoy themselves during our photo session so that they can remember the moments that I was able to capture. I specialize in capturing these candid connections with those you love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have to admit, I have become more of a homebody lately. You can catch me with a glass of wine watching; Rom cons, documentaries, and of course FRIENDS any day. But, If I had to, my friends and I would be travel outside of Texas to be honest. I lived in Italy for a semester, so I’m thinking that counts. My friends and I LOVE to travel, and a week in Italy with my best friend would be AMAZING. One thing I must mention, I don’t like to be limited and stuck to a schedule when traveling so this would be more of a suggested itinerary. First we would Fly into Rome, and do what every tourist would do and experience the city. We would visit the Trevi Fountains, the Spanish Steps, the Vatican, and maybe even meet the pope! We would spend hours at a restaurant talking about anything and everything, from children to about how adulting sucks. Next day, if we are up for it, we would then take the train and go to Firenze ( Florence), where I used to live. I would have them try the most amazing pizza ever known to human kind, Gusta Pizza. We would then buy a bottle of our most favorite wine, and sit along the Ponte Vecchio and continue talking about life. At night we would go to the lions Den pub ( I believe that’s what it was called), and we would write our names on the wall and karaoke until our lungs could not handle it anymore. We would meet so many people and make new friends! If we feel like moving on to the next city the next day we can do that, or we can chill by the DUOMO and eat some amazing gelato. We could even take a cooking class, gelato making class, my friends and I are literally up for anything! Before we leave Florence, we would hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy the views. After a day or two in Florence, we would visit, Capri, Cinque Terra, the Amalfie Coast, or even Venice. To be honest this trip would be more than a week!!!! Being able to just meet new people along the way, and have a good time is my kind of thing to do!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to SEVERAL people.

First, my husband. My husband has been there since day one, and has encouraged me to pursue my business because he believed I could. He reminds me to self-care, and praises me for never giving up and staying committed to my business. He reminds me that I can do anything I put my mind to, and likes to point out that I am a photographer, a teacher, and a mom to two of the most wild, yet amazing kiddos. So to my husband, thank you babe!!!

Second, my kids. I have a 4 and a 2 year old that always want mommy to play with them. They get sad when mom has to go to work, and my son always asks if I am going to teach or take pictures before I leave for a session, and 99% of the time I get that mom guilt. Its the love for pictures that reminds me that they aren’t so sad after all. Every night, my daughter asks to take pictures before she goes to bed. She likes to tell me to make a happy face, angry face, surprised face, sad face, laughing face, all the faces you could possibly make. Its that time I spend with her, that I know for a fact she loves being able to capture those memories of us being silly before bed. Same goes with my son, except I actually bought a film camera for him. He loves to take pictures of his family. one day he asked, ” mama, are you going to be taking other kids pictures so that they can keep their memories alive too?” From that moment on, I knew he was okay with it too.

Third, photographers and creatives I have met since I have started my business. You guys have been so amazing and so helpful with all the knowledge you have shared with me. Without you guys, life would not be the same!!!!

Lastly, to all of my friends, family, and clients. I cannot thank you enough for supporting me. You guys are the absolute best and I am so thankful to have you guys. Each and every individual I have met over the past year has helped me grow in more ways than you know, so THANK YOU!

Website: www.klphotography.net

Instagram: www.instagram.com/__klphotography__