Meet Lettie Younger | Photographer & Stylist

My work-life balance has improved dramatically over the years, as has my understanding of self care in the work environment. In the past I’d repeatedly run myself into the ground, often under-paid and feeling guilty if I had any down time.

Implementing boundaries has played a huge part in my finding a better balance. There are many layers that fall under the umbrella of this word, but when it comes to the health of my business – financial, emotional and physical – the decision to commit to protecting it and my creativity by setting professional boundaries has been pivotal.

If you feel you are being under-appreciated, under-paid or are being asked to deliver too much, there’s a high chance you probably are. My choosing to let go of jobs that didn’t coincide with my values, along with clearly communicating boundaries within rates/scope/deliverables has allowed for wonderful client relationships and a work/business ethic that I’m proud of.

With this, a few years ago I made the decision to downsize and live in a van. My intensions were to thoughtfully curate simpler living and be closer to the ocean – a place where I can exercise mindfulness and find balance through surfing.

The substantial cut down of my overhead meant I no longer needed to take on every job that came my way and could focus on putting energy into work that felt more aligned ethically and financially – allowing me to nurture my independence and creative freedom. There are of course challenges that come with it, but the decision ultimately benefited me hugely and I now feel much more fulfilled with my work as a photographer and stylist.

Although living in a van will likely not last forever, I’m hoping the new balance I’ve found will. I can confidently say I provide better work as a result and have additional time and space to invest in the people I love, places I care for and to explore the other passions I have in life.

Growing up I struggled with direction. Unable to focus on studies and changing schools more than I did my hats, my educational career was short lived. With a wandering spirit and finding distractions in most places I’d go; I’d often need a sense of adventure or excitement to keep me engaged.

In my late teens, by chance when seeking out odd jobs to fund some travels, I fell into shadowing a make-up artist. The ever-changing canvas and thrill of each job taking on a life of its own was what led me down a creative path.

After initially investing years into my career as a special effects makeup artist, the decision to change direction was extremely difficult. While there were many elements I loved, I struggled deeply with knowing it just wasn’t for me. Having put in so much time, energy and money into the pursuit – I had even moved to the other side of the planet – made walking away from it all feel like failure.

However, the decision paid off. I feel fortunate to say that I have often benefited from taking risks. Some have been more calculated than others and some have brought bigger rewards, but I’ve learnt that when the opportunity arises to take a leap of faith, I trust my gut and go for it. If I have the chance to encourage others to do the same, I do, because at the very least I believe we learn something about ourselves or our creative process along the way.

That being said, I highly relate to the idea of feast or famine. It’s been my experience – and I understand it to be similar for others in the photography industry also – that work is either pouring in at an all consuming rate or slow enough that in moments you are picking up side gigs. It typically ends up balancing itself out but it’s certainly not for the faint hearted – the hustle is real!

I believe that images not only tell stories but they also inspire. Playing with color, light, texture and shapes, I hope to stir up emotions, nostalgia and memories, as well as create new ones.

Whether my photos provide a momentary vacation for the mind, help tell someone’s story, or encourage any one person to take on a creative endeavor or challenge of their own, then I’m one happy gal over here.

One of my favorite places to start the morning in LA, is the Downtown Flower Market. You can get there as early as 5am and the hustle and bustle, sweet smells and exciting visuals will get all of your senses aroused for the remainder of the day.