The word “fierce” has many definitions, it can be used to describe boldness, it can be used to describe the combination of a positive mental spirit, bold words and unapologetic actions used collectively, it can also be used to describe something or someone outstanding.
A series of ups and downs in 2017 inspired me to begin this series. In early spring of 2017, I was desperately searching for other women, building a brand, that I could support. Ultimately, I was hoping we could support and learn from each other in order to achieve our goals. After a few failed attempts to build this type of relationship, I was about to give up. Luckily, I decided to try one more time and I’m so glad I did.
The one door that opened eventually led to another open door and over the course of a few months, I began to realize I wasn’t alone. There actually were other women out there who understood the power of “collaboration and community over competition.”
I am beyond excited to begin a monthly year long series on the blog featuring women who embrace their passions, support other females and truly embody the definition of fierce. These women have inspired me with their stories, motivated me with their words and have left me in awe of their ability to find beauty in everything.
This series is dedicated to those women, those I’ve met and those I still hope to meet, working hard to achieve their dreams while supporting others.
Thank you to my dear friend Lizzie for her enthusiastic response to kicking off this series. I can’t wait for you all to get to know her, so here we go!:
Tell us about yourself
Hi there! My name is Lizzie Harrell. I’m a portrait photographer specializing in contemporary feminine portraiture. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, moved to New York City at 22, and then to Portland, OR in 2016 where I now live with my husband (Adam), our pup, and two kitties. When I’m not behind the camera, you can find me mixing up a classic cocktail at my home bar or cuddling on the couch with my furbabies and my nose in a book.
What inspires you?
Girl power! Seeing women support and empower each other is incredibly inspiring. When I was younger, I often felt pitted against my female peers and in competition with them. Changing that mindset, choosing community over competition, and knowing that we all are elevated when we lift each other up is what it’s all about.
When did you first discover your love for photography?
The love story begins my junior year of high school when I took a photography class. My dad dusted off his 20 year old Minolta X-GA for me and I was off snapping 35 mm black and white images. Photography was the perfect hobby for an introvert like me. It made me more comfortable in social situations to have a lens to hide behind. I also loved developing and enlarging my images in the solitude of the dark room. After high school, I sort of lost touch with photography. I still enjoyed taking photos casually, but I didn’t take it seriously. My focus was on performing theatre, dance, and improv. Then, about 4 years ago I was burned-out from performing and felt this creative void in my life. I mentioned to Adam that wanted to get back into photography and he surprised me with a camera for my birthday. Something just clicked — pun intended 😉 — and not long after I knew I wanted to be a professional photographer. These days, my approach to photography is completely different than socially-awkward teenage me. Connecting with the people I’m photographing, getting to know them, finding what makes them tick, is a big reason I love what I do.
What inspired you to start Lizzie Harrell Photography?
I knew that I wanted to be a business owner, that I wanted to do something that would impact women’s lives in a positive way, and that I wanted to do something creative. For a while I didn’t know what form that would take. Photography became the perfect trifecta for me when I realized I could help women recognize their own beauty. As someone who has struggled with body image a lot, I understand how important it is for women of all shapes and sizes to feel seen and celebrated. It’s slowly getting better, but women are still bombarded with images of idealized beauty everywhere we go and it takes real effort to resist comparing ourselves to unattainable beauty standards. My mission is to get every woman I possibly can in front of a camera to show how beauty comes in endless shapes, sizes, colors, and ages. The more we actively look for beauty in ourselves and others, the more we see and appreciate it.
What is your personal mission statement and how does it impact your business?
“Approach each day with an open mind and open heart. Bring love and light to everyone you meet. Leave everyone better than you found them.” Business has always been about people to me. I love serving my clients, giving them an incredible experience, and wowing them when they see their images. There is nothing more rewarding.
If you could tell the teenage version of yourself one thing, what would it be?
You are enough. You are worthy of love and belonging just as you are.
I hope you all enjoyed getting to know Lizzie Harrell, my January Fierce Female! Be sure to check out her blog and photography on Instagram.
Stay tuned for more fierceness in February and throughout the year!
