Meet Noel Lay | Wedding and Elopement Photographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Noel Lay and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Noel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking was the basis of my career as a wedding photographer– I literally dropped out of a PhD program to pursue it.
Let me explain–I had never done professional photography, and barely knew how to work a camera, but I knew it was something I wanted to do (even though I was scared). My husband and I had done a few wedding videos, and I knew I loved weddings and people. At the time I needed to evaluate my changing goals and desires, and weigh which ones were worth the sweat, tears, and effort. I didn’t really know where this leap would take me, but in the spring of 2022, I mastered out of the program with an MS in Natural Science, bought a camera, and started shooting photos of anyone who was willing to step in front of my lens! Flash forward less than two years later, I am full time shooting weddings, I have built a whole new brand, I’ve built client trust, and I am fully invested in this world!
It’s scary, sometimes. No matter what career or path you take, there is always a question of what the right decision is. The ebbs and flows of imposter syndrome have been present in my life since graduating college; it persisted stronger than ever as a PhD student, and it continued when I left academia for a creative industry. But, I’m so thankful that the Lord is my provider, and always leads me! I also have such a supportive husband who helps me and makes decisions with me. God has been so kind to bless my hard work, and I trust Him to continue guiding me, through the risks and challenges of this career.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Couples always tell me after shoots, “We were pretty nervous, and always feel awkward in front of a camera, but you made it SO easy!!” My biggest strength is welcoming people in front of my camera, whether they’ve been in photoshoots before or have never even seen a professional camera in their life. My couples always have the best time because I love getting to know them, and I love guiding them as much as they need. That’s what makes the best art. Comfortable sessions lend to beautiful results.
My love for people has really played a part in where I’ve come professionally. This part has made it so fun to grow our business. There’s been challenges, of course. I’m naturally social and encouraging, so the people part came easy. But photography and business wise, I had a lot to learn when I first started.
I grew so much by listening to business podcasts, following educators on Instagram, devoting time to try things, and taking risks to get to where I am today. I still have so much to learn! But it is so fun to do this with my husband and build the lifestyle we love.
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?
If I had a friend coming into the LA area, we’d start by getting coffee in Pasadena and walking around Old Town. It’s small enough to walk the whole area, and interesting enough for a whole afternoon! We’ll start at Blue Bottle or Copa Vida, and then walk around the shops.
The next day we’d hike in Santa Clarita at the Placerita Waterfall hike! In the winter, there’s plenty of water running through the creeks and waterfalls, and the weather is PERFECT. We could get dinner at The Old Town Junction and have some amazing New American food on the patio.
Lastly, we’d end the trip with a relaxing day at the beach. Maybe we’d go up to Ventura and hang out on Main Street, spend time on the beach in the sun, and end the day at Madewest on the pier for housemade beers, and sandwhiches from the Beach House. Obviously we’d sit on the balcony during sunset.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, Jesus is the reason I am able to do anything with any level of success. Secondly, my husband has been extremely supportive. When I took the leap to jump into photography, he helped me immensely. I’ve learned so much about cameras from him. He’s always been excited for me in whatever work I do.
I also want to shoutout Mercy Hasselblad, who brought me two several weddings as a second shooter early on, encouraged me, lent me gear, and gave me so much confidence in shooting. The second wedding I did with her, she told me that she trusted me and to “do my thing.” That itself was HUGE in boosting my confidence. I still had (and have) SO much to learn, but her faith in me and support was a very pivitol part of my journey.
Website: www.jlayweddings.com
Instagram: @noeljlayphoto
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlaymedia/
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