I’ve gone back and forth on writing this.

Because I share a lot online—sessions, smiles, big moments, game days, senior year excitement—but there’s a difference between people knowing what I do and people knowing who I am.

And if you’re trusting me with your memories—your kids, your senior, your family, your wedding day, your business—you deserve more than a pretty portfolio. You deserve to know the heart behind it.

So this is that.

This is the version I don’t usually post.

Not because I’m trying to be mysterious, but because I’m a real person with a real life, and I’ve learned it’s okay to have boundaries. I can be honest without handing over every detail.

But I can tell you the truth about what shaped me—and why I photograph the way I do.

Turning Point #1: When I realized photos aren’t “extra”

For a long time, photos felt like something you did if you had the money.

Like a luxury.

And I get why people think that—because when budgets are tight, you’re not thinking about a family session. You’re thinking about groceries. Gas. Bills. Keeping your head above water.

But life doesn’t pause until things are easier.

Kids grow anyway.

Grandparents get older anyway.

Senior year flies by anyway.

And the truth is, the people who most deserve photos—the people working the hardest, juggling the most, stretching the farthest—are usually the ones who feel like they can’t justify them.

That’s one of the reasons I’m so stubborn about keeping quality photos affordable.

Because I don’t want you to have to choose between “memories” and “responsibility.”

Turning Point #2: When I learned confidence is part of my job

Here’s something I didn’t understand early on:

A camera doesn’t just capture what’s there.

It captures what people feel.

If someone feels awkward, rushed, judged, or like they’re “doing it wrong,” you’ll see it in their shoulders, their smile, their eyes—even if they’re trying their best.

So over time, I stopped thinking of myself as someone who just takes pictures.

I started thinking of myself as someone who helps people feel safe enough to be themselves.

That’s why I talk you through things.

That’s why I’ll crack jokes, fix a collar, adjust a hand, take a breath with you.

That’s why I’ll say, “You’re doing great,” and actually mean it.

Because when you feel seen, valued, and appreciated—you don’t have to fake confidence. It shows up naturally.

Turning Point #3: I learned the camera (and I’m still learning)

This is the part I really want people to understand:

I work at this.

Constantly.

I’m always learning and growing, because photography isn’t just “having a nice camera.”

So many people have been gifted a camera (or finally bought one), and they come to me and ask:

“Okay… now what do I do?”

And my answer is always the same:

Learn your camera.

I had to do that from 2009, when I got my first big camera, all the way to now.

Because photography is all about light—and light manipulation.

And if you don’t know your camera and those settings, you won’t have control of the light.

Yes, you can run in Auto and get lucky on some photos.

But if you can’t run in Manual, and you can’t learn how to control light in different situations, you’re going to struggle getting those beautiful photos you’re wanting.

And here’s the truth: I still work on this today.

I still learn.

I still practice.

I still chase better.

Because you don’t “arrive” in photography. You grow.

Turning Point #4: When it became a business (11/26/2020)

I’ve been behind a camera for a long time.

But 11/26/2020 is the date I consider the moment it became more than “something I do.”

That’s when I got serious about building Lilley Photography as a real business—with real intention.

Not perfect. Not polished. Not “I have it all figured out.”

But committed.

Committed to learning.

Committed to showing up.

Committed to doing it the right way, even when it would’ve been easier to keep it casual.

And honestly? That shift was exciting—and scary.

Because once you decide it’s real, you also have to face the parts that are hard:

• putting yourself out there
• hearing “no”
• getting ghosted after inquiries
• wondering if you’re good enough
• wondering if you’re charging too much—or not enough

Which brings me to the part I don’t usually say out loud.

One hard truth: I’ve doubted myself more than you probably realize

I know I can look confident online.

I can post the wins.

I can share the beautiful images.

But behind the scenes, I’ve had plenty of moments where I’ve questioned myself.

Moments where I’ve thought:

• What if I’m not “real” enough as a business?
• What if people don’t see the value?
• What if I’m trying too hard?
• What if I’m not trying hard enough?

And if I’m being completely honest—one of the hardest parts for me has been follow-up.

Not because I don’t care.

But because rejection stings, and sometimes it’s easier to stay quiet than to risk feeling like I’m bothering someone.

I’m working on that.

Because I’m learning that following up isn’t pushy when it comes from a place of care.

It’s just saying, “Hey, I’m here if you still want this.”

One promise: I will never treat you like a number

I can’t promise every session will be perfect.

Kids are kids. Weather is weather. Life is life.

But I can promise this:

I will never treat you like a transaction.

I’m not here to rush you through a pose, click a button, and send you on your way.

I’m here to make sure you walk away feeling like:

• you mattered
• your story mattered
• your session was made for you

That means I’ll slow down.

That means I’ll stay longer when it’s needed.

That means I’ll reschedule when the environment isn’t right.

That means I’ll do a retake if you’re not 100% happy.

Because I remember what it feels like to spend money you didn’t really have and walk away disappointed.

I don’t want that for anyone.

Where I’m going (and what I want this year to look like)

This year, I’m not just “taking photos.”

I’m building.

I’m building a business that stays personal even as it grows.

I’m building a client experience that feels calm, supportive, and customized.

I’m building a future where more people in our area can access quality photography without feeling like it’s only for “other people.”

And I’m building it with faith.

I’m not saying it’s easy. I’m not saying I never worry.

But I do believe God provides.

My job is to show up, work hard, treat people well, and keep my heart in the right place.

Because at the end of the day—the money matters because bills are real—but the people matter more.

Real Talk question for you

If you’ve made it this far, I’d love to hear from you.

What’s the biggest thing that makes you nervous about getting photos taken?

Next up in this series: the difference between the early years and the moment it became a business—and what changed when I decided to build this for real.