This interview is part of the Entrepreneurial Women Series, a column published by Leila Lewis, to shine the light on the inspiring women making waves in the business world.
Lisette Gatliff is the owner and founder of Lisette OC Photography, a wedding photographer based out of Fullerton, California serving the surrounding Southern California areas (and beyond!). With a passion for capturing every little detail and creating a way for clients to relive the most special times in their lives, Lisette’s photography style is all about joyful moments! Her work has been featured on top-tier outlets such as Style Me Pretty, Bridal Guide, and Destination I Do – and that’s just the beginning. We were honored to hear more of her story!
Interview with Lisette Gatliff, Founder, Lisette OC Photography
What inspired you to start Lisette OC Photography and how has it grown since then?
The birth of my first child sparked a desire to capture her every milestone, which led me to investing in a professional camera and taking some local photography classes. All of a sudden, I was in love with this new creative outlet, and I wanted to do more with it. I started taking portraits of family and friends, then was asked to shoot a couple weddings, and in 2016, I decided to officially start my photography business focusing mainly on weddings.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
I quickly learned that if I wanted my business to grow but maintain a healthy work/life balance, it meant giving up some control and delegating certain tasks to other experts, such as a virtual assistant and public relations firm.
What is your key to standing out in your industry?
In this oversaturated industry, for myself the key to standing out has been not comparing myself to other photographers or following trends. Instead, I try to come up with innovative ways of giving my clients the best, most unique experience that hopefully exceeds their expectations!
What excites you most about what you do?
What truly excites me is working with all types of wonderful couples and having the ability to tell their stories through my lens. Making my clients feel as if they can be their true selves around me is something I pride myself in!
What’s something people might not guess about the photography industry?
Photographers are a lot more supportive of each other than you would imagine, hence the popular hashtag #communityovercompetition. We can appreciate that there is a corner carved out for every one of us without stepping on each other’s toes.
What is the number one thing you want people to know about Lisette OC Photography?
My work is much more than simply photographing a couple’s special day. My couples tell me that viewing their images is like re-living the day all over again. My goal is always to capture every detail and candid moment while also conveying the joyous occasion with colorful, light-infused images.
Rapid Fire!
What’s one thing you always start your mornings with?
A quick workout!
What are 3 words you’d hope clients/customers would use to describe your brand?
Bright, joyful, natural.
Favorite PM drink:
Red wine.
WRITTEN BY
Leila Lewis