Exploring Life & Business with Lily Clark of Through Lily’s Lens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Clark.

Hi Lily, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a photographer. I used to make my friends and siblings do photoshoots with me all the time. It was always a dream of mine, but for a long time I thought it would just stay that, just a dream.

Everything really changed in Christmas of 2022 when I received my first camera and editing software as a gift. That is when my love for photography truly grew into something serious. I started practicing constantly and learning everything I could.

In 2024, a friend asked me to take her pictures, so I did, and just for fun I created an Instagram page to post them. After that, more and more people started reaching out, which was the biggest blessing. Soon people from my work and school were asking for sessions, and I dove headfirst into every opportunity. What started as something fun quickly became something I knew I wanted to pursue seriously.

Since then, I have had the opportunity to complete nearly 60 paid shoots and gain experience in a variety of settings, and I am continuing to grow through my minor in Digital Media Broadcasting. It has been incredible to see how something I loved as a child has turned into something real, and I am excited to keep developing both creatively and technically.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. Especially in the beginning, I struggled a lot with second-guessing myself before shoots. I often felt like an imposter and questioned whether I was truly qualified to be doing what I was doing. Walking into paid sessions as a high school student felt intimidating.

Over time I learned that growth comes from stepping into opportunities even when you feel unsure. One of the biggest lessons I had to learn was that I did not need to be perfect in the beginning. By being able to push past my doubt, I have been able to experience opportunities I never thought possible. The feedback and encouragement from my clients made a huge difference. Hearing that they felt confident and beautiful in the photos reminded me why I started in the first place. Helping people feel seen and confident is my ultimate goal, and that purpose has helped me push past self-doubt and continue improving.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Through Lily’s Lens?
Hi, I’m Lily Clark, a portrait and lifestyle photographer based in Cincinnati, Ohio. I specialize in portrait photography, specifically capturing seniors, couples, and individual portraits through my lens. My goal is to create images that feel natural and true to who you are.

What sets me apart from other photographers is that I truly do this because I love it, not just for the paycheck. Photography is something I care deeply about, and that passion shows in the way I approach every session. I want every person who steps in front of my camera to leave feeling confident and satisfied.

I prioritize constant communication during my sessions. I check in often, allow clients to adjust anything they would like, and create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their ideas. I believe the best photos come when people feel heard, so building that trust is extremely important to me.

I am most proud of the opportunities photography has given me. I have worked in a variety of areas including sports, corporate events, corporate product photography, and engagement sessions. These experiences have strengthened my skills and allowed me to build meaningful connections within my community. I love the sense of community that photography creates.

If someone chooses to book with me, I want them to know that I will do everything I can to make it the best experience possible. My goal is not just to deliver beautiful photos, but to create a session that feels encouraging, fun, and meaningful.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something most people might not know about me is that I have a twin sister, and we are completely opposite from each other. Even though we go almost everywhere together, people are often surprised to find out we are related.

She actually played a huge role in how my business started. When I first got my camera, she helped take my senior photos. After I posted them, other people began reaching out and asking if I would take their photos too.

It is funny to think that something as simple as my twin taking my pictures helped launch what has now become my business. I am incredibly grateful for how it all unfolded.

Pricing:

• $120 senior session, 1 hour, 60+ photos
• $100 couple photos, 1 hour, 60+ photos
• groups (3+) $50 each
• $100 graduation session

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_throughlilyslens