Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Chan.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
It’s been a unique and long journey to establishing my photography business. I began learning the basics back in high school. My freshman year I was barely 14 years old and I borrowed an old SLR camera from my uncle. I started completely on film and learned everything from shooting in manual, to rolling and developing my own film, making prints/enlargements in the dark room, etc. I was lucky enough to have a really amazing teacher and school with a full blown dark room in the school. I used to eat lunch as fast as I could and go work in the darkroom outside of class time because I couldn’t get enough of it. I started learning Photoshop in graphic design classes in high school as well.
I got my first digital SLR (DSLR, digital single lens reflex) camera in college and started working for the office of external relations doing campus/lifestyle work for their marketing pieces. All the while I was taking all sorts of other art classes whenever my schedule allowed but majored in something completely unrelated- youth ministry and non-profit business management.
I graduated college and got a typical salaried job all the while I started asking friends and family with young kids if I could photograph them and got as much practice as I could. In 2012 I officially formed a business but still worked my salaried job while running my photography business on the side. After our daughter was born in 2015 I felt the nudge to stay home with her and left my job. That fall business exploded and I’ve been working full time and staying home with the kids full time as well!
Please tell us about your art.
I’m a photographer, but also a storyteller! I do all types of portrait work but specialize in working with families with young kids.
Every family has a story to tell- all of the in between moments and marking milestones are important to me. As a mom of two young kids, I know how quickly they grow and change. You just can’t get those moments back. It’s also very important to me for parents, but especially moms, get in these photos WITH their kids. I love capturing connection, laughter, and real life moments between families. My inspiration are all of the little details that you never want to forget as a parent; a baby’s toothless grin, little wispy pigtails on a toddler that just finally grew enough hair to pull up, the little dimples on a baby’s hands or rolls on their thighs. 🙂
I hope people (and my clients) take away a genuine feeling of warmth and love for the work that I do. I put my whole self into each photo session that I do and want families to have photos that their proud to hang on their walls. I want to create beautiful work, but also work that people look at and can see the love and connection families have for each other!
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
As an artist and a business owner, I definitely have experienced my own share of struggles. The outdoor/lifestyle photography market is incredibly over-saturated. Everyone with a “nice-camera” or even a phone these days is all of a sudden a photographer. It takes a lot to run a legal, well established business. Quality equipment, insurance, paying taxes, permits for certain locations and other various expenses are all a necessity to my business. Often times people don’t understand this and it can affect the market when it comes to pricing. Many times I have doubted whether or not I could sustain my business due to these issues and I’ve frequently questioned myself as an artist because of it.
My advice to anyone struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns, would be to “put their blinders on” (like a horse) and focus on doing things the way they do- and just keep doing them well. Theodore Roosevelt said that “comparison is the thief of joy.” I believe this with everything in me- as an artist you just have to keep doing what you’re doing because you love it- the rest will come. Also, surrounding yourself with like-minded, positive and uplifting creatives (in my case photographers) that help support you and lift you up is a game-changer. I am proud to say that I have a wonderful network of other local photographers that I talk to regularly. Some people might consider these ladies my “competition” but there are plenty of clients to go around and supporting each other and valuing community over competition is so much more important. My business has only continued to grow and expand as a result of sharing life with other creative people and artists!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I frequently post and share new work in real time on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/photographybylindsaynapervilleil) and Instagram (@lindsaychanphotography) – my website is also a great resource for clients or potential clients looking for more info – www.lindsaychanphotography.com
You can support me by following along, liking and sharing my work with your friends! The greatest compliment I can receive is a referral to a new client!
Contact Info:
- Address: Serving the Western Suburbs & Chicagoland area- based in Naperville/Aurora, IL
- Website: www.lindsaychanphotography.com
- Phone: 630-209-1506
- Email: lindsay@lindsaychanphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lindsaychanphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/photographybylindsaynapervilleil
Image Credit:
Headshot of Lindsay:
Bari Baskin, Time Stops Photography
Other photos:
Lindsay Chan Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
