Lionel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Cameroon. A country located in central Africa. From a young age, I started traveling with my family because of my father’s job. I was exposed to a multitude of different cultures located all over Africa, Europe, and Northern America. After graduating from high school, I decided to attend college in the US at the University of Tampa. There I studied Marketing and Entrepreneurship and joined the varsity Division two soccer team. I began modeling as a way to make some extra money while in college, which is how I was introduced to the craft of photography. I worked with several photographers as a print model. That’s why it occurred to me that I could produce a high quality of imagery with practice and proper guidance. I invested in a cheap camera and began my journey into the world of photography and videography. As I developed my skills, I was lucky to receive some support from some of my business professors, who then pointed me in the right direction to build my business. I now own a media company specializing in producing an array of visual work in the form of photography and videography. Last year, I had the distinction of being named the best Fashion/Editorial photographer in the Tampa Bay area by a national magazine.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Paving a way in the arts is never an easy one. Along the way, one has to spend a tremendous number of hours to get better and the lack of stability isn’t always. Despite all these obstacles, I’ve been blessed to support family and friends throughout the process.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am originally a fashion/ editorial, beauty, commercial, and portrait photographer. On top of that, I also provide headshots, engagement shoots, and for a select clientele, wedding photography. I am also a videographer. I have worked on short movies, music videos and I’m currently working on some new projects. My visual style separates me from the rest. This is precisely the reason why clients come to me. I have an innate appreciation for clean, rich, and avant-garde imagery.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Although I feel that I’m still at the beginning of my ascension in the field I am, I believe my attention to details, constant work on improving my craft, a fresh approach to everything I work on, support from everyone around me, and lastly but most importantly, faith in the unseen/ future have all contributed to much of the success I have had thus far.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3333 West Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, FL 33609
- Email: info@lionelco.com
- Website: www.lionelco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionelcophotography/
Image Credits
Lionel&Co. Photography Lionel&Co. Media Lionel Noah Hair N Motion Delyx Ltd Chelsea Dorsey Hayley Stodart Alana Dalonde Clark Julie Michelle Valerie Ngolle Sophia Franceschini Polina Pyshkina Vivi Prince
