More people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park than any other park in the United States. The park receives approximately 9 million visitors a year. Established on June 15, 1934, the park consists of over 500,000 acres.
For anyone who has seen her photography knows that Knoxville’s own Lori Hensley has taken what once was a basic photograph and has made it into a visual dream that tells stories of not only the subject and its contents, but what’s behind the eye of her extraordinary creativity. Lori’s photography enables unimaginable journeys, breaks the barrier between real and surreal, and is beauty at its finest through the lens of her very own imagination. She believes in photography as the true gift of art and has given each and every one of us a reason to pick up a camera and explore the possibilities. With her awe-inspiring images and an online brand name and presence that has set her apart, HometownSevier.com decided to sit down with Lori Hensley and delve deep into the mind’s eye of her distinctive creativity, her life’s passions, and what’s next for this beautifully creative photographer.
Tell us about yourself?
Where does one start? I’m oober girlie, love most outdoor activities, a kid in a 25 year old’s body, and dream of living in a downtown loft with my super-awesome husband and our 2 children (2 boxer puppies). I think that about covers it. Oh, and I’ve recently taken the leap to turn my passion into a career, photography. I can finally officially claim “artist-hood” and I am thrilled that my new job allows me to die my hair whatever color I want! Colors of the moment: brown + purple.
What is your photography background? Training, Schooling, etc.
I took a small 101 class this past summer to learn the basics. Mostly trial and error has led me to how I see a good picture. I’ve toyed with the idea of going back to college for photography, but I’m pumped about how fast the business is growing and don’t really want to slow it down with added workload. I also know my learning style, which is more hands-on than class structured curriculum. Because of this, I’m headed to Seattle in December for an 8-hour mentor session with an award-winning photography couple, Sarah and Chris Rhoads. I’m so excited about this and hope they teach me everything they know!
How would you describe your style of photography?
I try to think outside the box when I’m shooting. The reason I love my job is I’m able to create all day. Black backdrops, matching outfits and tilted heads frustrate me to no end! I’m always trying to make my next session fresher than the last. I have a hard time even taking clients to the same location I’ve already shot. Of course, I must get over this. Knoxville isn’t that big. I always suggest that my families bring an activity they would normally do together to have fun. My favorite shots are when families are laughing and being themselves. I want to capture the true personalities of my clients.
What type of camera(s) do you shoot with?
Canon 1Ds Mark III and Canon 5D Mark II
What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
My wide-angle lens. I love shots from floor to ceiling or from the street to the top of a building. These tend to not be the shots that sale, but they have an artistic feel that I enjoy. There are many times I’ll take interesting shots that I know the client won’t be into, but it stretches my creativity. I figure 10 out of 300, the client won’t mind. The best part is when they love them too.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
My 14-70mm 1.8L for the reasons explained above. It’s funny because this one is also the least expensive!
How important is Photoshop and Lightroom in your final images?
Lightroom is the best thing to happen to photographers. Being new in the biz, I can’t imagine life without it. I typically take about 1000 pictures for a 2-hour session and 3000 for a wedding. Although I still go image by image to edit each one, Lightroom makes mass editing a breeze. This leaves more time to spend on the select few that I’d like to transform into art.
What has been your most memorable assignment/photoshoot and why?
It’s no doubt my senior portrait session with Brooklyn from Central High School. I love when clients have creativity and spunk. This girl had lots of both! We started our session at the Fountain City Coin Laundry in her sequined black dress and finished things off in an open field with a Kroger shopping cart spray painted pink! We had such a blast.
Do you have an assistant/2nd shooter that accompanies you on photoshoots?
Yes, either my husband, David, or my super talented sister, Kayla. That girl is a born artist.
How many images do you average per shoot and how many do you usually present to your clients?
For a 2 hour session, about 1000. After editing is complete they will end up with about 300.
What do you feel is the most challenging thing about the art of photography and why?
I see photography as an art. For years I was able to do whatever I wanted with a shot and not have to run the idea by anyone else. It was so freeing. I’ve shot a few weddings where the customer wants to do the same old thing. Traditional placing of the bridal party, traditional posses for the bride and groom and that’s just not my style. I’m looking forward to the day when a bride will know my style so well that she just trusts the ideas I cook up (however odd they may be). That will be an awesome day! I have a summer full of weddings lined up for next year and several have made it clear they love my artistic approach, which I’m pumped about! Stay tuned to see the good stuff that come from those weddings!
Have you ever had anything go wrong at a wedding and if so, how did you handle it?
I guess I really haven’t had any bad experiences so far. I’m a little OCD when it comes to planning for a wedding. I pretty much have the whole event mapped out in my head before I arrive. My second shooter knows where to stand at all times. I just see the wedding day as the most important day of the couple’s lives; the pressure is on to not screw it up! I’m very aware of what that would mean!
How do you shoot and make your clients feel relaxed in front of the camera?
Before shooting I try to get to know the client before shooting. Facebook is a great tool for this, and that sounded super creepy. Really, I just try to connect with them right off the bat and find something we have in common. We end up laughing, a lot, so it’s worked well so far!
How important is a website and online networking sites for your business?
Hugely important! The internet is an incredible resource for photographers. Especially for my generation who relies on the internet for almost all information. We also judge companies based on how good their website is. I feel photographers/artists above anyone should have the best websites out there, because visual media is our world! As far as networking sites go, they THE best invention for photographers. Facebook is where the people are. When you get your work in front of the people, your business grows. I haven’t spent a dollar on advertising, just constant Facebook/Twitter promotion! I don’t feel the need to advertise anywhere else any time soon. It’s an amazing tool! Check out “Crush It” by Gary Vaynerchuk, social media marketing guru.
Is there anybody or anything you would love to photograph?
I follow these amazing wedding photographers in California and NY. They travel constantly.
I’m hoping to one day be able to do the same thing and take pictures of the people of other cultures. I look forward to it!
What do you do when you’re not working and shooting?
Ha! I’m sitting behind a desk looking at Lightroom for about 12 hours a day. No lie. My husband designs websites on the side, so we’re sitting right there in the office together. We have to schedule days off so when that happens, we’re either off to the mountains to camp or snowboard. We also love our church, One Life in Powell. It keeps me sane!
Which five words would your friends use to describe you?
Here lately, work-aholic! Energetic, fun loving, smiling, bad-driver. 
What kind of music do you listen to in the editing room?
Mellow, acoustic stuff: John Mayer, Dave Barnes, Amos Lee, Shane and Shane and I love me some Dolly.
What’s next for you?
Honestly, I’m just so thankful to be doing what I love! I’ve been a 4th grade teacher, mortgage collector, and loan officer. I’ve also had 5 business licenses in the last 3 years, not including the one I have for photography. I finally found what I love and it was there all along. There’s no stopping me now! Ha!
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Lori is an amazing photographer. Her stuff always looks very professional! I would recommend her to anyone! Great Article!