Meet Angelina Lontz | Photographer

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

Hi Angelina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
At the time I started taking photography seriously, I was unable to work a regular job. I had a health scare in August of 2020 that kept me from working for a long time. I remember one day my dad asked me what I wanted to do if I could work. I’ve always loved working with dogs, and with my new physical limitations my options were limited. I told him I wanted to do dog photography, but I didn’t think it was possible anymore. We talked about it for a while, and he convinced me to give it a shot. My parents bought my first camera and backdrop so I could start practicing on our dogs at home. In October of 2020 Angelina’s Pet Pawtography was born. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I loved taking pictures of everything. I quickly expanded my business from pets to all types of photography, and have been known as The Friendly Lens ever since.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
A lot of photographers I see like to stick with one style of photography. Some people specialize in landscape, others in weddings. I really like to keep myself open to everything. I started with pets, I soon did my first product gig, family portraits, and senior sessions. My favorite would have to be a model shoot I did while on vacation in Las Vegas. (Yes, I like to work on vacation too.) I think that was the first session I really started to notice a difference in my photography. I could tell that my quality of work was improving and I was so proud of the progress I had made. That progress didn’t happen overnight though. I’ve spent hours practicing on my dogs, and random products around my house. I would do little picture challenges to force myself to pick up my camera at least once a day. Now one of my favorite ways to get photos is by going on little “photography adventures” once a week. Every week I drag my friend along with me to a random location to take pictures. Sometimes the locations I find aren’t the best, but sometimes they are absolutely beautiful! Staying consistent with my photography can be challenging sometimes. At the beginning of 2022 I decided to do a 365 day photo challenge. One picture a day for a whole year. I was so excited, and doing great with it for the month of January. When February came around, I got covid and was stuck on the couch for an entire month. After recovering from covid, by body still struggled with weakness from my previous conditions. I had to stop with my 365 challenge, but have been able to continue my weekly photography adventures. It’s been difficult learning how to manage my medical issues with my business, but I’m determined and won’t quit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The top of my list will always be food!!! If you know me, you know I live to eat! We will be at The Green Machine Grill on the weekend eating all of the incredible dishes they have to offer! One of my favorite places to be in Colorado Springs is downtown! I love that everything is so close together. My favorite secret spot downtown would have to be Allusions Speakeasy inside of Rooster’s House of Ramen. They really go all out with their themes! We would definitely have to make a stop at The Beauty Bar on Tejon for a nice pedicure/cocktail! I think a great way to end things is with a movie at the drive-in theatre! Great entertainment, and the fresh summer air just can’t be beat.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a HUGE shoutout to my parents! I seriously could not have even thought about pursuing photography without their love and support. They helped pay for the equipment I needed to get started, and have been there to support and encourage me 100% of the time. The Friendly Lens wouldn’t exist without them!

Website: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRddVJ3G/

Instagram: I’m on Instagram as thefriendlylens. Install the app to follow my photos and videos. https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=902wq3tgeuzs&utm_content=khakf4q

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefriendlylens2000/