This is: Lions Lens
Photo Courtesy: Lions Lens
Mark Dodson is the owner and photographer at Lions Lens, a photography business that services all of Southwest Florida. I met Mark when I was still in the nonprofit world, he actually helped us out with some photography while the event was going on and not only did that show me how good of a photographer he is, but also that he cares about the community. Here is Mark’s story and how his business came to be:
1. Tell us a little bit about your background and how you end up in SWFL?
LL: “My family moved to SWFL when I was 2, I consider myself a SWFL native for 35 years. I currently live in Cape Coral with my wife and our 3 kids.”
2. When did your passion for photography started?
LL: “I really didn’t have a passion for photography until my early 30s. Just taking pictures with my phone of my family and friends and random things got me started exploring the craft, and that is how I started.”
3. What led you to start Lions Lens?
LL: “When I started Lions.Lens I literally didn’t own a camera. Yes, I started a photography business with literally 0 equipment. A good friend of mine had a basketball league and lent me his camera to cover the league. From there, I fell in love and Lions.Lens was born.”
4. Tell us a little bit about the type of services you offer.
LL: “We offer a wide variety of services such as:
Family portraits
Birthday shoots
Event coverage
Fitness photography
Branding and Content services
Product photography
And more, you don’t need a niche to be successful.”
5. What is your favorite part about photography?
LL: “My favorite part of photography is providing clients with not just great images, but a memorable experience. It not just an in and out process, we try to start your experience from the time you inquire about booking a photo session with us!”
6. What is your favorite thing about SWFL?
LL: “My favorite thing about SWFL is the variety of landscapes and backdrops at our disposal. From the beautiful beaches, lush wooded areas, to downtown Ft. Myers there is something for everyone!”
7. What inspires you daily?
LL: “Being able to provide quality of life and time freedom for my family is what drives me daily. Being able to create my own schedule and be present for my family is a driving force to keep lions.lens going.”
8. Any advice for people wanting to start their own local business?
LL: “Just do it! You don’t have to have everything to start your business. You have to have the drive, the passion, and the vision that you will make it work no matter what! Everything else will come if you have those 3 things. Set goals but remove expectations, and just don’t give up on your vision.”
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