Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa West.
Hi Lisa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the world of photography began at the age of twelve, sparked by the moment my father gifted me my first camera. I fell in love with the medium instantly, spending my youth taking modeling shots of my friends, composing formal family portraits of my baby brother, Glenn, and capturing the unique personality of our dachshund mix, Patches. Driven by a desire to document every moment—from family vacations to daily life—I found joy in making those around me feel like professional models in front of my lens.
Eventually, as life changed, I transitioned into a career at a local hospital as a medical records analyst. It wasn’t until years later that I felt a strong calling to return to go to school for photography. I enrolled at Pittsburgh Filmmakers, where I spent four years studying fine art photography. It was during this period that photography evolved from a hobby into my life’s primary passion. I would spend entire days in the darkroom, mastering the delicate chemistry of developing film and the meticulous art of printing black-and-white images. There was magic in watching an image slowly emerge and I thrived under the guidance of very talented instructors who pushed me creatively. Even today, as I work in a digital world, I deeply miss the hands-on, creative intimacy of the darkroom—the soft glow of the red light, the specific scent of the chemicals, and the high-stakes knowledge that every negative was precious, as any error in processing meant a captured moment was lost forever.
After completing photography school in May 2006, I launched a boutique pet photography business, traveling to clients’ homes to set up professional mini studios for pets and their families. I have a deep love for animals, and I combined that with my love for photography. I’ve had many pets throughout the years, and they got me through a lot of hard times in my life. This personal connection allowed me to resonate profoundly with clients who shared that same unconditional bond with their animals. I understood firsthand that our “fur-babies” are members of the family, and I realized how vital it is to capture beautiful, professional images of them while they are still with us. By combining my lifelong love for animals with my technical fine art training, I found my true niche. Over the years, I have grown the business to include weddings, high school senior portraits, surprise proposals, and commercial pet photography. I have now been photographing weddings, engagements and portraits for approximately 18 years.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Just one year after launching my business, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, followed shortly by a diagnosis of celiac disease. I was forced to pause my career to undergo radiation therapy and focus entirely on my health and recovery. Fortunately, the cancer was caught in its early stages; I healed quickly thanks to the Lord above and a gluten free diet. As of June 2026, I have been cancer-free for nearly twenty years.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I focus on creating timeless, high-quality imagery, I specialize in a diverse range of photography, including weddings, family portraits, and high-school senior sessions. I also have extensive experience documenting the raw emotion of surprise proposals and the unique personalities of pets. In addition to my work with families, I am available for commercial projects and brand collaborations.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Returning to the industry required me to navigate the complexities of modern business management, from building websites to mastering contemporary digital workflows. I entered the professional field two decades ago during the rapid transition from film to digital photography, a time before the sophisticated client management and communication software we utilize today existed. While I often reflect that a degree in business or marketing would have smoothed the path, I was never a traditional student—I was always an artist first. Learning to design service packages and manage the administrative intricacies of a creative enterprise involved a learning curve, but it was a necessary evolution in building the heart-centered practice I lead today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lisawestphotos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawestphotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaWestPhotography
