Meet Loreal Byers | Photographer + Owner of LorealMade

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

Hi Loreal, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Photography is an artistic medium that has become more and more available as technology advances. As familiar as society may be with photography, I still believe there are certain aspects to it that people outside of the industry may not be conscious of on their own.

Most strangers to the field still have the basic knowledge behind the creation of a good photo; there’s taking the image and there’s also a post process involved. Post process can mean anything from film development to pulling the digital files into your preferred editing software. However the slice of photography that I’d like to concentrate on is the importance of the decisions made in camera and at the moment you engage with the shutter. Most artists behind the camera have heard the phrase “wow you have a great camera” or “your camera takes amazing photos”. While this may hold some truth, the real greatness is held within the decision process of the photographer.

Photographers have honed their skills in order to bring an image from merely a thought to something that can be seen and held tangibly. This usually starts with them mastering the three main aspects of maintaining total control while operating their gear. These three key components are known as ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture – the tools that together create the image’s exposure. Along with these pieces a professional photographer will have an immense comprehension of light and how to manipulate it in the most beneficial ways for their vision. Direction of light, time of day, and artificial lighting options just skim the surface of what your photographer may be bringing into play when capturing their subjects.

So next time you see a breathtaking image shown by your favorite photographer just know that they were intentional with their light choices, manual settings, and artistic direction to create the first and most vital part of bringing that photograph to life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I take pride in focusing on connection over perfection in my photography work. I’ve reached a point in my artistic journey where I have learned all the rules and now it’s time to break them for the namesake of moments, memories, and genuine interactions. I will always choose a light brushing of hands across one another in a fleeting moment over a pinterest perfect posed shot on top of a mountain. This, at times, was a difficult approach to achieve. Although it has always been at the core of my work – it definitely has been hard to not feel swayed by the pressure of perfection (especially earlier on in my career). But by persevering to stay true to what matters to me + my clients I’ve been able to curate a community of clientele that upholds the same values within art as what I hold dear. It has been the most rewarding feeling to be seen by others that also prioritize human connection above all else. I’d say that if my brand had to be simplified down to one concept it would be that, the stories between loved ones. Some told within seconds and others told over a lifetime.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wow – okay I’m not sure where to even start! I really do love Indianapolis + the community that can be found here. Of course coffee is going to be my first location to check off of any kind of itinerary. That would lead us to Bovaconti Coffee, a locally owned coffee shop in the heart of our historic Fountain Square Area. From there I would say taking a stroll in that general area can make for good shopping, intake of art, and just the overall city scene. I choose to frequent the Fountain Square area for it’s city feel but on a smaller scale. You can actually see the entire Indianapolis Skyline from the area so for me it’s the best of both worlds. If you’re a burger fan then you definitely will need to pop into Kuma’s Corner. They have these amazing specialty burgers served on the best pretzel buns. Outside of the plethora of food options Indy offers, we also have a lot of great museums! My husband and I have made a habit of visiting the Children’s Museum (because honestly is anyone ever too old for that?!) as well as our State Museum. We’ve also been Zoo Pass holders, which makes for the best trips on those nicer weather days. One of the biggest perks of the zoo is the access you get to the White River Gardens and Greenhouse. My preferred time to visit would be at the height of butterfly season.

Lots of great options in the central Indiana area! If anyone is planning a visit I’d love to connect + offer even more of my favorite spots up.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to shoutout my parents for always humoring my obsession with obtaining the latest and hippest cameras during my childhood. Every camera they bought me (from my perfect iZone film camera that would shoot out the coolest one inch by one and a half inch photos to my bright pink Polaroid i735 with its whopping seven megapixels) made me into the photographer I am today. They supported + helped nourish my love for documenting the small moments, remarkable sights, and day to day life during those years even though I don’t think any of us grasped just what it would mean for my future. Thank you Mom + Dad for letting me geek out over photo gear even way back then!

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