Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Lake.
Hi Lisa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into photography began at age 12, when my father gave me a Kodak Instamatic camera. I carried it everywhere, eagerly dropping off rolls of film and waiting for prints to come back from one-hour photo booths like Fotomat. Growing up around my father’s small advertising agency, I naturally gravitated toward commercial photography, eventually shooting products with a 4×5 camera. By high school, I had developed a deep passion for concert photography, drawn to the energy and storytelling of live music.
After graduating, I attended The Art Institute of Philadelphia, where I initially studied Commercial Photography before switching my focus to Music Photography. I spent years hustling—working with local music management companies and reaching out to record labels—but sustaining a full-time career in Philadelphia proved challenging. I returned to the Lehigh Valley, where I worked at my father’s agency during the day and freelanced nights for a local newspaper, covering events and concerts. At the same time, I worked with a local news company running camera, fueled by a growing interest in video production.
In 1999, I took over my father’s advertising agency and eventually made the difficult decision to focus my energy there. Along the way, I continued freelancing for publications such as Lehigh Valley Style and secured a Getty Images stringer position in 2004. I’ve spent decades building a successful career as both a graphic designer and photographer. As technology evolved and traditional creative work shifted, I adapted—expanding into drone photography and real estate imaging while continuing to offer full-scale creative services. Staying current with emerging technology, software, and production tools has always been essential to my work, and it’s what continues to drive my passion today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. After taking over the family business, I faced several unexpected challenges. I lost my full-time graphic designer and navigated a difficult period while working in a building owned by my mother, which added emotional and professional strain during an already transitional time. Following my father’s passing, I felt a deep responsibility to keep the business moving forward. Quitting was never an option.
Determined to push ahead, I taught myself the design software, made the decision to relocate, and rebuilt on my own terms. Those experiences strengthened my resilience, sharpened my skills, and ultimately shaped the independent, full-service creative business I run today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I run a full-service creative studio, Lisa Lake Creative, where I specialize in branding, graphic design, commercial photography, video, and FAA-certified drone imagery. I’m known for blending strategy with execution—helping clients not only look great, but communicate clearly and consistently across every platform. Because I come from both an advertising and photography background, I understand how visuals need to function in the real world, whether that’s on a website, a product package, a trade show floor, or a billboard.
I’m most proud of the longevity and adaptability of my career. Over the years, I’ve worked with national brands, local businesses, nonprofits, and media outlets, while continuing to evolve with new technology and creative tools. Securing a long-standing role as a Getty Images stringer and being trusted to visually represent major events, brands, and stories has been especially meaningful.
What sets me apart is that I’m a lean, hands-on creative partner—not a large agency with layers of account managers. Clients work directly with me from concept through delivery. I think strategically like an agency, produce like a photographer, and design with purpose. That combination allows me to move quickly, stay flexible, and deliver cohesive, high-impact work without unnecessary overhead or complexity.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people know me from my byline in the local newspaper or recognize my work as a photographer, but what often surprises them is that I’m a full creator and brand specialist. Photography is just one part of what I do. Behind the scenes, I’m developing brand strategies, designing logos and packaging, planning campaigns, and making sure every visual works together across platforms.
Because I grew up in advertising and ran an agency for years, I think beyond the image. I’m always considering how a photo, video, or design fits into a bigger story and business goal. When people realize that I can concept, shoot, design, and deliver an entire brand or campaign end-to-end, it usually changes how they see my work—and how they work with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lisalake.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisalakecreative
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisalakephotoanddesign/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisalakephotodesigncreative/
