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

Hi Stacey, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Honestly, my perseverance. If I want something, I go for it. I don’t sit and think about it for too long, I always take action. What’s the worst that can happen? It doesn’t work out and you move onto something else!

I find a lot of photographers get in their own way. Don’t overthink it and stop comparing yourself to others. Imposter syndrome affects all of us, myself included, but you have to keep pushing past it or you’ll get stuck! Keep trying new things, keep shooting and don’t let fear get in your way!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One thing I love about my job is that I am constantly growing and learning every single day. Sometimes I feel like I’m not where I want to be, but I take a step back and realize I am so much further along than I was even just a year prior. So much can happen in one year! To look back at my career as a whole, where I was when I started and where I am now are two totally different places.

The unknown can be a little scary but also so exciting. I chose this job because every day is different and the possibilities are endless. If I wanted consistency, I would have chosen a different path. The uncertainty can deter people from pursing this career, but I find each challenge a learning lesson and a push towards the next step. It wasn’t easy to get to where I am, and it still isn’t, but I keep going and trying new things. I never want to look back and regret not trying something because I was afraid it wasn’t going to work out. Typically the worst that can happen is a brand says no to you or you learn that you don’t like shooting something. Life moves on and you’ll walk away having learned more than you lost.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a west side girl (I never want to be too far from the beach), so here are some of my favorite things to do and places to visit when my friends are in town.

DO: Spend the day surfing and sunbathing in Ocean Park, Will Rogers or Malibu. Go to a flea market (Long Beach Flea or Rose Bowl if we’re up for the drive). Window shop and grab lunch on Abbot Kinney or Main Street in Ocean Park. Rent bikes and cruise along the coastal bike trail. Hike Los Liones and then get a smoothie from Erewhon. Drive up the PCH to Neptune’s Net and eat a fried seafood basket while watching the surfers at sunset.

EAT: Blueys, Great White, Night + Market SAHM, The Window (American Beauty’s daytime spot), Chulita, El Cholo, Rose Cafe, Jonah’s Kitchen, Little Fatty, Ginger’s Ice Cream, Broad Street Oyster, Neptune’s Net, Sun Life, Erewhon…

DRINK & DANCE: The Lincoln, The Little Friend, Firestone Brewery, Santa Monica Brew Works, Ashland Hill, Old Man Bar…

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of my greatest recourses has been my photography community. In 2021, I took an online course by Carly Dame (amazing, highly recommend) and some us branched off and created our own Instagram message thread. That has been such a blessing to me! I also have a few friends in the industry here in LA that I hang out with regularly. It’s so helpful to have other people to chat with, vent to, and ask questions who just get it.

If you’re seeking out your own photography community, I suggest reaching out to photographers who seem to be at the same level as you. It’s so nice to grow and succeed alongside one another!

Website: https://www.staceylambphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceylambphoto/

Other: My education website: https://www.staceylambeducation.com/ My Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staceylambphoto?lang=en

Image Credits
Models: Tash Gadget @ Ford Models, Gabriella Laws @ Ford Models, Abigail King @ Women Management, Kelsey Loren @ Women Management, Angie Yasmeen @ Women Management, Iskra Lawrence @ Ford Models, Sophie Adams and Kali Lespere. Stylists: Kate Longarzo @ The Rex Agency, Kiori Lee Hair/Makeup: Alaina Davenport, Laura Arango, Emma Caughman, Kimmie Shaye

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.