I was 14 and wanted a $1,000 camera that my parents were unsure if I'd ever use.

"but i really want it", I pleaded. My parents were (rightfully) unsure if they should get me this for my 15th birthday-- this DSLR (fancy camera) I had my eye on. So they made me a bet-- that if I got straight As, they'd buy me the camera in June. It was September. Hell-bent on having that camera, I worked my butt off in school that year to earn it. Once I got it, I really never put it down.

it all started with a bet...

I started photographing hardcore bands, friends, and families.

Whoever would let me, really. The love for curating images, or not curating them at all, and simply shooting life exactly how it was became an art I became obsessed with. Developing a photojournalistic approach, with natural light, traveling and shooting portraits became my first love. There were years I sold my camera, years I told myself I had to "focus" and run the business I had started but I've come to realize the two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, it goes better when I do it all. I specialize in branding, design strategy. and marketing-- within my company Maximum Potency. It really all goes together. While I consider my art a part of "the american vagabond studio" the lines are blurred (and I'm okay with that). 

Arizona based.

I'M OBSESSED WITH:


the spiritual archetypes

MY FAVORITE PERSON IS:



my mama

I STARTED THIS BUSINESS:




at age 14, technically


MY PERFECT HOBBY:





road trippin'

What I am currently into

I COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT:


spotify

BEST VACATION SPOT:


costa rica

MOST IMPORTANT LESSON:



hug 'em while ya can

favorite dessert:



key lime pie

OUTDOORS

COFFEE

SUNSETS

live music

extrovert

introvert

CITY LIFE

matcha

SUNRISES

DJ

THIS or THAT

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hey, i'm Lyss

i love to shoot offbeat, funky, quirky, expressive weddings, elopements, engagements, or just plain portraits & events. if you are are a sunshine-chasing, rule-bending human brimming with ideas, wonder + whimsy, i’m down.