Meet Holly Lynch | Photographer/Actor/Model/Work In Progress

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

Hi Holly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve been in front of the camera for 24 years now. I’ve always loved photography and the emotions it can pull from you. One day I decided to put my experience to use behind the lens. So I faced the crowds on a black Friday and bought myself a canon 5D Mark II camera and a 50mm lens with some money I had saved and put aside. I had no clue how to work the damn thing, but I knew how to capture images. I fell in love with it immediately.
Wasn’t hard to find my first test subjects, being in the entertainment business surrounded by beautiful interesting faces. As all of my fellow actor friends lined up to get their free headshots, my portfolio started to take shape and my modeling agency took notice. They sent me 10 models to test photograph. After I felt my experience grow, I felt I was ready to start charging and that’s when Holly Lynch Photo was born.
I was lucky that my process from hobby to business was so easy. I had models/actors at my disposal and have a very close friend who is a professional photographer that would give me advice along the way. Also, being on the other side of the lens definitely gave me a leg up in experience.
I thought this was going to be a fun side hustle, but its become much more than that. Its a part of me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
After day dreaming about being a model and traveling the world, that dream became my reality in the late 90’s. I found myself modeling for all the major labels and working all around the world. I was signed with the biggest agency, living the dream. My agent suggested I start auditioning for commercials. I knew this was the next level and I wanted to kill it so I decided to enroll in my first acting class. I loved it right away. I made friends that I still hang out with to this day. That acting teacher, Bruce Ducat, helped me get signed to my first commercial agency. I fit right into that world. Auditioning came easy and I booked everything!!!!I was a commercial success, auditioning and working 5 days a week for many many years!!
I was with that agency for 17 years!! My agent there, Jennifer Boyce, is still my favorite agent to this day!! Its hard to find agents like her, we were a real team. She’s now thriving in the coaching world. I still beg her to come back.
The commercials lead me into the TV/Film side of the business and I continued to book and have some real fun on so many incredible sets working with so many talented actors.
Over the years my career has moved and shifted with the business. It can be hard at times, but I still have my hands in many different creative fields and will continue to do so.
Recently, during the pandemic, I decided to yet again expand business into a different photo field. A friend and fellow photographer, Baron Silverton, approached me about photographing weddings. I was hesitant at first, but then thought why not!! I love capturing beautiful memories, then ‘Capturing Us’ was born. We photograph not only weddings but also do engagement shoots, maternity portraits, and general events. We both have our own unique styles and talents that come together so beautifully, giving our clients a unique experience which adds much more than your average photoshoot. On top of servicing the LA market, as of January 2023, we will be expanding into the Austin TX market.

I now have my hands in many creative fields. running multiple businesses, and I love every minute of it.

The path of an artist is not an easy one. You must have tough skin.
I worked very hard for everything I’ve booked, the success I’ve had, and where I’m at today. The work within will always continue, helping me grow as a person and as an artist.
I’m a much different person than I was even a year ago.
Lots of ups and downs along the way, but I’ve continued to find a way to create and share my voice.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles isn’t just some place you see in the movies. This has been my home my whole life. Over time, seeing the business I’ve invested my whole career in shift, and watching the city change so much, I stared to not like where I lived. I resented it even. I took it for granted, until I remembered how much you can actually do here!!! How perfect the weather always is. So many great restaurants to go to. I love the old Hollywood spots. Musso And Franks and Dan Tana’s. You just never know who you might see !! I love to hang out with the regulars, shout out to Cosmo and Derek, and people watch. Last time I was there I saw Richard Drefuss.
Depending on the season you can choose to hit the slopes in big bear or go roller skating on the beach! I love to do both.
Movie screenings in the park, Disneyland, escape rooms, great hiking, the beach, the mountains, concerts, bars ,comedy clubs, arcades,……..there’s truly so much to do in Los Angeles. Anyone that visits me is never bored, that’s for sure.

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?
Thank you to everyone who has stepped in front of my lens. For sharing your story, beautiful face and your energy. You make me love my job. To my family and close friends who continue to support my path and encourage me to always go further.

I want to thank Jennifer Boyce, my first commercial agent. To get an agent like this is truly rare, even more so these days. She cared deeply for all her clients. She wasn’t just my agent she became my friend. My commercial success is due to her guidance, stellar reputation in the business, and her genuine desire for my success.

Thank you Baron for all your knowledge, guidance, friendship, and partnership
To all my fellow artists out there who take the road less traveled, To those that struggle for their art, climb the tough mountains, take the rejections, and find themselves lost from time to time.

A huge thank you to all the amazing artists out there that inspire me in so many ways. Your books, your photographs, your films, your music,…all of these tell such a powerful story that help me tell mine.

Website: www.hollylynchphoto.com

Instagram: @hollylynchphoto

Other: www.capturingus.com @capturingusphotography

Image Credits
the main photo of me was taken by Casey Nelson