Meet Katie Lumsden

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Katie Lumsden.

Hi Katie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Many photographers talk about how they always knew they wanted to be a photographer from the start. I’m not one of them. I didn’t know I wanted to be a photographer until I became one. My journey as an artist, however, started way before I ever picked up a camera.

My creative journey started with a large box of colored pencils and a Strathmore sketchbook. I killed numerous pencils and many an hour surrounded by a world full of lines, colors, and endless possibilities. I thought that my passion for art was just a hobby and that my real career was in the animal care field, so I pursued a degree in Biology. Once I graduated, I started working as a zookeeper and wildlife rehabilitator.

I spent my days raising lions, feeding baby rhinos, and helping orphaned songbirds learn the skills to thrive in the wild. With little time in my busy days, I channeled all my creative energy into building enrichment items for the animals. I traded my colored pencils for old, donated, big-cat-destruction-resistant firehose, but it wasn’t quite the same. As much as I loved this stage of my life, I wanted a change.

I transitioned from the exotic animal care field to a dog and cat rescue job. I quickly noticed that the better photos we had of our adoptable animals, the higher their chances were that they were noticed, visited, and eventually adopted. My husband bought me my first camera, and I started taking pictures of our adopted animals at the rescue.

Saying that I fell in love with photography feels slightly like an understatement. I spent hours and hours behind the camera, taking classes, practicing the skills I learned on my two dogs (the perfect models). I started doing photo sessions for friends and family. I found a local photographer who became my mentor, and I shadowed her while she photographed weddings.

I learned quickly that weddings were my passion – I love capturing all the beautiful moments on such a special day, knowing that a couple will cherish these memories for years. I’ve been photographing weddings for years now, and I am so lucky to get to do what I do!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My biggest challenge has been dealing with imposter syndrome. While social media has some amazing benefits, it also makes it super easy to compare yourself to every other photographer out there. With so many amazing photographers all over the world, it’s so easy to see their work and to feel like you’ll never be as good as them.

I’ve talked with quite a few photographers, and they all seem to have similar feelings, no matter the style or quality of their work. My biggest struggle has been to get out of my own head and get out of my own way. My style of photography may not be for everyone, and that’s okay! It doesn’t have to be. I have my own style, my own perspective, and my own creative voice.

I love my work, I love what I create, and it makes me so happy to do what I do.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a traveling wedding and elopement photographer based in North Carolina. I’m a North Carolina native, and I love showing couples all of the beautiful places that this state has to offer. I also love to travel and will go anywhere you want to go to capture your special day.

I love nature and the outdoors and tend to attract couples that feel the same way. Do you want a photographer who can hike with you to a beautiful mountainside for your elopement, who can find you the perfect waterfall for your engagement session, or who travels to your international destination for the perfect couples session in Japan? I’m your girl!

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My passion is the driving factor for my success. I absolutely LOVE my job. Even when my job is tough, I love my job. Even when it’s rainy, or chaotic, or hot, or cold, I love to get to do what I do.

My passion for helping cultivate the most special and meaningful wedding day or elopement day for a couple makes obstacles feel like a fun challenge and pushes me to be the best that I can be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thelilaclionphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelilaclionphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelilaclionphotography

Image Credits
The Lilac Lion Photography