Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Brand.
Hi Lydia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The start of my motherhood journey in 2016 is what sparked my interest in photography in the first place. At the time, friends and family would see me as the mom constantly with her iphone in hands, capturing all of the milestones and family memories. But it wasn’t until I found out I was expecting my second little girl in 2022 that I decided to make the jump and learn professional photography. My goal was simple: to take beautiful pictures of my babies growing up. After 2 years of investing in multiple photography courses and perfecting my craft, I finally had the confidence to take the next step. In 2024, I created Lydia Suzanne Photography, LLC and was finally proud to officially call myself an Austin Family and Newborn Photographer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting my own photography business definitely came with its fair share of challenges. What started as a “fun” adventure filled with excitement quickly turned into something a lot more overwhelming than I could have ever imagined. Like most creatives, I chose to start a business to share my art with people and fulfill their desire to capture their family memories in a tangible way. Most of us are not natural entrepreneurs with all of the business wisdom needed to grow a successful business. Despite having a degree in Marketing, I had absolutely no idea where to start with marketing my own business. My first year was spent going through a lot of trials and errors, without a clear strategy in place. And without a clear roadmap, you can only imagine what my business looked like – it was not profitable despite pouring so much of me into it.
That’s when, in early 2025, I had a choice to make – let it all go or seek the help I desperately needed. I chose to invest in a coach and have spent the first half of 2025 building the strategy my business had been lacking, defining a clear set of actions to produce actual results, and building the confidence in me to keep pushing forward.
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’m a Round Rock-based portrait photographer serving the greater Austin, TX area. With a light and airy style, I specialize in lifestyle newborn, maternity, and family photography. As a mom of two, I always knew that family and all things motherhood was going to be my niche. I understand that memories are fleeting, and our babies don’t stay little for very long. My goal is to help families preserve these memories in a meaningful and tangible way.
That’s why I offer my clients a full-service photography experience. From their initial consultation with me to their reveal appointment and artwork design, I guide them every step of the way. To me, it’s not just about showing up to a quick session and leaving my clients with an overwhelming gallery of images. Most of my clients are busy moms – moms who are navigating the newborn stage for the very first time or may be in the thick of it with their toddlers. I want them to feel supported – from planning their outfits to prepping the kids for the session and helping them enjoy their photographs to the fullest.
In a digital world, we often find ourselves with thousands of photos buried deep into our camera roll, never to be seen or touched. I want so much more for the families that I serve. Whether it’s an heirloom album to physically hold and look through with their children, or a beautiful framed gallery on their wall, I offer my clients something that lasts – something that won’t be lost or accidentally deleted. And most importantly, something they can proudly pass on to their children and future generations to come.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, if you asked my family to describe me in one word, they would without a doubt have chosen “shy”. As a child I had a very small circle of friends, and never felt the need to be the popular kid. I was always looking for real friendships, the kind you remember for a lifetime. And I think I carried this with me through life. I value deep connections with people, both in my professional and personal life.
From a young age, I would also always find myself drawn toward the more artistic activities. I took dance classes for 8 years and dreamt of becoming an interior designer. And while today I’m neither a professional dancer nor a famous interior designer, I found in photography the perfect artistic outlet – one where I can pair my love for people (especially tiny humans) with my creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lydiasuzannephoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydiasuzannephotography/
Image Credits
My Headshot: Adriana Gage Photography
