Meet Lori Lankford | Photographer, Workshop Instructor and Digital Artist

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

Hi Lori, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risk are critical for growth as a person and business owner. I have had to take “leaps of faith” in my career and when starting my photography business. Without risk, you cannot grown, evolve and find your true path. I took a risk by offering my first photo workshop over six years ago. I was scared no one would participate, they would not like it, and I would fail. But with hard work and a passion for my craft, it was a success, and the business has grown.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a digital artist who started in the landscape photography world but discovered my true passion for creative close-up photography. I have spent over ten years studying, practicing and honing my craft. I am a gardener and love all things flowers, plants, and digging in the dirt. At the beginning of my photography journey, I thought I had to be ” a landscape” artist. Until I was exposed to flower photographers like Caroline Jenson and Kathleen Clemmons I had no idea that the genre was available and accepted. I had to really work on this style of photography and discover my visual style, and be true to that. As time progressed and my confidence grew, I wanted to share that in my local community, so I started hosting small workshops. I loved it! Teaching and sharing my passion brings me joy. The biggest lessons are to know your worth as an artist and stay true to your goals, visions and dreams for your business. It is rare to have overnight success, but if you put one foot in front of the other, you can grow. Continue learning!

My brand and story is all about helping others find joy in photography, throwing away the rules, and exploring the world in creative expressive ways. I teach workshops and courses that help people express their world beautifully – from creative shooting to digital editing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Visiting the DC metro area is so easy – there are endless opportunities to explore. I would take them to the national mall and explore the incredible botantic gardens, the national art gallery. We would spend a day walking thru Georgetown, having coffee at a local coffee shop, shopping in the boutiques, and dinner at a local veggie taco bar, On a gorgeous spring day we would take a picnic of wine and snacks to Dumbarton Oaks garden, a historic home and garden created by one of the first female landscape designers, Beatrix Farrand. It is a magical place that feels like you escaped to Europe. We would spend a day out in the wine country, hitting local antique shops and having sunset at one of the wineries.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Inspired by the Click in Moms organization and photographer Kristen Ryan, my photography journey started. Finding the Click in Moms community and online courses changed my life and set me on the path that I am walking today. I found a supportive learning community and inspiration. I received key learning and encouragement that I now give to others.

Website: www.lorilankford.com

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

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

Youtube: @lorilankfordphotography5574