Today we’d like to introduce you to Lexi Poulakos.
Lexi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I honestly can barely remember a life that didn’t include some type of camera in my hand. Whether it was taking goofy MySpace photos, my friends modeling for me, or taking waaaay too many photos of a flower while practicing manual mode — a camera has just always seemed to be an extension of me.
Although I had shot on the side on and off from for years, it wasn’t until I was working for another photography company that didn’t treat me well for me to fully make the plunge and bet it all on myself. I quit without a 2 weeks notice and dove head first into entrepreneurship. I am so lucky to say that my business boomed quite quickly and I’ve been running at full speed (or sometimes on fumes!) ever since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am truly so lucky to say that for the most part it really has been a smooth road. I’d like to think it’s because I’m doing *exactly* what I’m supposed to be doing. I am so incredibly grateful for how this path unfolded with such ease as I know that isn’t usually the norm. Don’t get me wrong, I have spent more time than not working and have run myself into the ground just grinding out work, but it’s because I have a genuine love for this industry and my amazing clients keep me so busy!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
This is always a tricky one because I feel like my niche has really transition throughout the years. In the beginning I was primarily a couples photographer who would take on some families in the mix. I said a million times that I would absolutely never photograph newborns. But now? Well those fresh little babies and families with some of my favorite little friends have completely taken over my calendar! I think I have officially traded bridal parties and gorgeous wedding gowns for jack-o-lantern smiles, sticky hands, and hand drawn pictures from my tiny toddler friends.
Regardless of what type of session I am photographing, I’m honestly most proud of the relationships that I have built with my clients. They greet me with arms wide open and allow me to be an unofficial family member year after year. It’s just as special to be there for their big milestones as it is for the yearly family photo sessions where I get to find little glimmers of magic in the mundane everyday moments. I am so thankful for all of the amazing people I have gotten to love through my work and the trust they give me is priceless.
A running joke is that people hire me for my photos but keep coming back because of my personality. I’m not saying that I’ll be everyone’s cup of tea, but I can promise you that I genuinely care about each and every one of my clients. People are often surprised about the little details I remember from conversations during sessions, but that’s because I’m not transactional. I care about the loose teeth, making the soccer team, all of the rounds of IVF, and everything else that’s shared with me. Whether it’s when you’re in front of my camera or from the sidelines, I am always going to be your biggest cheerleader
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
ANXIOUS! Ha! But really, I have been anxious since at least kindergarten. I never wanted to get in trouble or draw attention to myself. A lot of my clients are surprised to find this out as I know I come off as confident and extroverted. Honestly though I think my anxiety can be a positive for my business because even though the thoughts can eat me alive, it makes me always give 110% to each client because your happiness is so important to me. As I’ve gotten older I’ve definitely grown out of some of the attention-drawing anxiety thankfully. But the internal need to do the right thing, make others feel loved and included, and not getting into *too* much trouble has stuck with me!
Aside from that though, I think it’s safe to say I’ve always been the quick-witted one that’s ready to rip a one liner or lighten the mood. For as long as I can remember I’ve been told I should give stand up a try, but since photography keeps me so busy I think we’re saving all the good stuff for my future memoir! I’ve always been a huge animal lover, and when I was younger I was dead set on being a vet (until I realized it wasn’t just going to be about snuggling dogs and cats all day). For now all of my love goes to my own cat and dog as well as all of my clients pets, but I would LOVE to have lots of space to foster and rescue in the future.
I have always had a love for photography though and that has never wavered. Back in the day though instead of beautifully curated galleries it was just SD cards full of goofy photos of my friends and myself from field trips, weekend shenanigans, and ~artsy~ photos we thought would get us MySpace fame.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lexpoulakos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexpoulakosphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexpoulakos
Image Credits
Lex Poulakos: Photographer
