Daily Inspiration: Meet Lenn Wetzel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lenn Wetzel.

Hi Lenn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After coaching cheerleading and choreographing routines for 8 years, I needed another creative outlet. For Christmas 2015, my husband bought me my first camera to help me find that outlet. I could not wait to use it. So I quickly went out to take photos of everything that I could. When I got back to my computer and uploaded the photos, I hated what I saw.

The vision in my head did not match the images in front of me. I immediately was frustrated and returned the camera to the store, and used the money to buy something else. My husband believes in me more than anyone in the world and I love that about him. For mothers day 2016, he bought me another camera and told me not to give up. He reminded me that things take time and that I am not going to immediately know how to get the results that I want.

I dove into online photography classes, set up free sessions in all kinds of light, listened to podcasts, and basically ate, breathed, and lived ph0tography. Within the next year, I started charging to do sessions. I had built a small business. But it was not very successful at first. I remember photographing a group of young cheerleaders and it was the worst job that I had ever done. I wanted to quit but I had offered to photograph a wedding the following month so I had silently planned to quit after the wedding.

But something happened, after the wedding that I shot, the bride asked me if I took a photo of a man that was randomly wearing overalls at the wedding and I did. She told me that it was her uncle and he had passed away soon after the wedding. She was so glad that I took that photo. Then I remembered losing my brother back in 1999 and not having enough photos of him to look at frequently. This is when the true meaning behind L. Rene Photography was born. The L. in L. Rene Photography is for my first name and the Rene is my little brother’s middle name.  The name serves as a reminder to never gift up.

I continue to grow my business and gain more talent and business intelligence each and every year.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As mentioned, it was not easy. I struggled with light. I couldn’t figure out what my style was. I hated some of my work. I didn’t value myself as a true artist. I have learned to value my work and to also charge what I am worth as well.

Now my only challenge is to learn how to balance my busy schedule.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider my work to be bold and bright. Depending on the situation, I tend to dip into the moody and gritty style at times.

I photograph families, babies, seniors, boudoir, and weddings. A session with me will be fun and full of energy. I like to fully understand my client’s expectations so that I can make sure that they get the experience that they are looking for. I also work with Santa every year for the Santa Experience which is the highlight of my year.

The Santa Experience is simply about the experience with Santa and the magic of Christmas.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Speaking of luck. I met Santa through a friend of a friend I have been able to spread the magic of Christmas every year since. I also think that being at the right place at the right time has given me a good customer base. I rarely advertise.

Pricing:

• Newborn Photography starting at $250
• Family Photography starting at $200

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.MemoriesByLRene.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/LennofLrene
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LennofLRene

Image Credits
L. Rene Photography, LLC.