Today we’d like to introduce you to Laie Holloway.
Hi Laie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was a graphic artist. I used to edit and retouch friends of mine pics. Then she said that if I got a camera, we could shoot more since I know what to look for and she felt comfortable with me. Since I was already editing other friends’ pics, it was an easy transition. It worked out well because I got to practice lighting and poses while they got pictures. Some were great pictures, and some we never talk about, haha. Also, my uncle coached in the NFL for years, so he’d get me in on games and I got to mingle and pick the brains of pro sports photographers
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s had its ups and downs, especially the during covid year and I couldn’t really go out and shoot. I just went back to old shoots and did more edits and practice on shooting inside with random objects.
Some struggles I’ve had along the way were when I had my truck broken into and my camera, laptop, and hard drives stolen. I basically had to start from scratch. I’ve also had hard drives crash before I could back up the pictures. It all was a learning experience, I know how to avoid those situations. I know that there are some obstacles that I have yet to face but I know to always stay ready
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a photographer, you start to see things differently. I find beauty and art and everything. From the produce at the local farmer’s market to a stray cat walking in an alley. It’s all about trying to capture it in a way to show the viewer what you saw. So being known for glamour and boudoir pictures, I try to shoot in a way that isn’t basic and cliché. I want to tell a story or make the pics have that WOW factor.
I’m thankful for being able to travel and the models that let me tell my story as well as theirs through photography.
The one thing I would say that sets me apart from others is my graphic design background. I can not only just take the pic, I can retouch it and then edit it with some designs.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First and foremost, my parents. I got my love for photography from my mom. Growing up, she ALWAYS had a camera and at least 3 rolls of film with her. She always took pics at family events and random outings. My family was always thankful and asked for pictures from her. We still have boxes of pictures and I love that feeling you get looking at memories and such. Then my dad has always supported me. In fact, he found my first DSLR. I told him what I wanted and a week later he said he found one that I might be interested in. Then asked me what else I would need. When I wanted to do a shoot in an auto shop, he let me use his.
Fellow photographers Mike Wilkes and Brian Anderson were my mentors. They taught me different lighting techniques and general knowledge of cameras. Words can’t express how much they actually taught me. Jonathan Voor helped me get my foot in the door with swimsuit models and has become a good friend since.
There have been several models that I’ve ended up developing friendships with but a few that stand out are Sammy Jo, my first muse. We would shoot all over the place, coming up with different ideas Jadyn Sharp and Aly Vargas, they were very very helpful and welcomed me with opened arms when I moved to Louisiana for a couple of years. They helped me by critiquing my work and helping me with social media. Jessica O’Connor, has always had my back and is always fun to shoot with. She’ll travel to me or I’ll even travel to her. Briana Agno would send me outfits to shoot models in. OMG, there are just so many, I could go on for hours.
Contact Info:
- Website:www.thelhway.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelhway
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theartoflaie
- Twitter: @thelhway
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheVidsofLaie
- Yelp: The Art of Laie Photography
Image Credits
Clanci
Vanna Einerson
Kelsey Perlman
Lindsey Allen
Alexis Savanna
Bee Ortega
Chelsea Haley
Ashley Bunya
Kenzie Werner
Meaghann Appling
Jadyn Sharp
Shawna Alderman
