Local photographer Lisa Jones is known for her artistic touch and passion for professional portraits and headshots – and her heart for capturing the personalities of local rescue dogs.
“I was 52 when I decided I wanted to pursue photography as a business,” said Jones. “With phone companies having made it their business to make everyone a photographer, I knew I didn’t want to just be a photographer – I wanted to be an artist.”
Jones’ first goal was to achieve certification. To learn the technical aspects of photography, she studied for a year, while practicing her skills and building a portfolio.
“After achieving my certification from Professional Photographers of America, I achieved two Masters Accreditations from PPA and Portrait Masters,” she said.
Jones said that within the industry, she is known as a high school senior portrait photographer.
“When I first started working with high school seniors and teens, I knew I didn’t want to offer what every other senior photographer offered,” she said. “I was drawn to low key portraiture and loved the moodiness that often accompanies that style of portrait work. I also loved the timeless look of studio portraits and decided that would be my concentration. I knew the only way I would find success was to offer something different and unique.”
She continued, “Fast forward to 2020. I don't need to remind anyone about the year the world came to a screeching halt! While headshots have always been part of my business, suddenly they became the bulk of my business as companies turned to online meetings and everyone realized the importance of having a professional headshot. I now do several hundred headshots a year – for businesses, corporations, pageants, actors and models.”
While headshots and portraits have been the mainstay of her business, Jones said her passion has always been fine art portraits.
“I love every aspect of the process, from planning, creation, retouching to printing and framing the finished work of art. I love to plan and create these works for myself as a creative outlet,” she said. “Headshot sessions have given me the opportunity to meet and connect with so many amazing people. My clients are absolutely wonderful and I value each and every one. However, headshot sessions don't necessarily feed my creative soul.”
Jones said she’s always loved animals and is excited when a portrait client asks to include their pet, typically their dog.
“I've had a couple of cats, horses, cows and even a ball python, but for the most part the pet requests have been for dogs. I love having dogs in my studio and decided I wanted to focus more attention on studio pet portraits,” she said.
Jones has a special connection with local, nonprofit, foster-based organization Paws Up.
“Having attended a photography conference last year on pet photography, I listened to almost every speaker talk about how they worked with rescues and how much difference professional portraits were making in helping find forever homes for rescued pets. I reached out to Paws Up and asked if they would be interested in having me take portraits of their rescues, knowing this would give me the opportunity to practice this genre of photography while at the same time hopefully making an impact for their rescues. They responded immediately with a YES!”
Jones said working with rescues isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.
“Some dogs have been severely traumatized, others come in with completely broken spirits because they don't understand why their owner has abandoned them. When a dog enters my studio my goal is to build a sense of trust. I want them to feel safe, protected and loved. I let them explore. I get down on their level and offer treats. I introduce them to the camera and flashing light,” she said. “With the help of Paws Up and an occasional volunteer, I've managed to get a portrait of every rescue they've brought to me. I work to capture their personality. Sometimes that is one of sadness and heartbreak, but every portrait helps tell their story and hopefully find their forever person.”
“Working with rescues has been the most fulfilling work that I have done to date. My reward has been lots of hugs and kisses from the dogs, along with watching so many of them find homes once their portraits are shared online. I have to believe God created dogs as a way to demonstrate His unconditional love for us. In the words of Charlie Brown, ‘Happiness is a warm puppy...or two or three’ (I now have four).”
www.ljonesphotography.com