Meet Lily Fassnacht: Freelance Photographer

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

Hi Lily, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks in this line of work is how you really challenge yourself and stand out compared to other photographers. I realized how important taking risks were later on in my career, and made it a point to challenge myself. Risks aren’t always what you’d think, like putting yourself out there by cold calling companies or agencies for work, but also the financial ones. Is it worth it to spend out of pocket cash on a studio to improve your portfolio? Would buying a new camera and lenses benefit my work more than it already has? Does paying for hair and makeup for your creative shoot change the outcome of your photos? All of these questions I would answer yes. After experiencing such a hard year due to Covid-19, I took risks like these and spent money on the side to see how they’d pay off. By creating new relationships with in companies, along other freelancers related to the business, while creating professionally planned shoots with work to show from it, I was extremely pleased with the outcome of my hard work. I’ve become more confident in responding to emails for multiple clients, reaching out to various people to collaborate, and showing my price list. Taking risks pay off. Stay confident, healthy and happy!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m Lily, of Love, Lily Photography. I first started taking photos in high school and haven’t been able to put the camera down since. I truly love capturing every special moment as a memory that you’ll never forget. I attended OCC’s photography program and soon transferred to Cal State Fullerton to receive my Bachelor of Arts degree. Since graduating, I’ve built my business to where it is now. I worked photography assistant jobs on the side and gained some great contacts doing so. Starting your own business can be difficult, and kind of scary. It’s one thing to be a great photographer but another thing to be great on the business side. After many years of practice, I can finally say how happy I am with my business. Love, Lily Photography represents a fun, beautiful and professional photography service that keeps you coming back for more. I pride myself on making clients feel comfortable and to have fun during our shoot. I am a lifelong friend who takes your photos!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite places in California is Laguna beach. It’s a little slice of heaven. The beaches are different and the atmosphere is amazing. Urth Cafe is just around the corner for coffee and a salad. Later, there are rooftop bars over looking the sunset with sangria’s! Another wonderful place is Malibu. Again, the beaches are unreal and it’s a very chill place to hang out and shoot. I used to live in West Hollywood, so of course there’s a little piece of the typical LA seen. Maybe a fun hike to the Hollywood sign, and then drinks at the speak easy, No vacancy ( pre covid .)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout out to all my old photography professors over the years, including one from my high school. I was lucky enough to not only have all these wonderful, helpful teachers, but such a beautiful, supportive mother and grandmother who have helped me financially and mentally over the years. Thank you to my boyfriend of nine years who has seen me through it all and has pushed me even further.

Website: Lovelilyphoto.com

Instagram: @Lovelily.photo

Facebook: LilyFPhoto

Image Credits
Love Lily Photography