We had the good fortune of connecting with Lynn-d Gunter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lynn-D, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my photography business shortly after my daughter was born. One day, I looked at her and realized she was already 9 months old. It struck me how quickly time had passed and how much of her early days I had already forgotten. The tiny newborn details that I cherished had quickly transformed, and it saddened me to think those memories were fading. That’s when I decided to invest in a camera to document this fleeting time in our lives. What began as a personal mission to preserve these precious moments evolved into a passion for motherhood photography, allowing me to capture and share the beauty of these experiences with others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I consider myself an artist, though it’s sometimes hard to say that out loud. Becoming a mother dramatically shifted my purpose and life’s vision—I was no longer the most important person in my own life. This profound change shaped the way I approach my photography. Motherhood, with all its joys and challenges, has deeply influenced what I seek to capture in my imagery.

I believe with all my heart that every mother deserves beautiful pictures with her children. This belief is the mantra I repeat to myself before meeting a new family in a field or garden. It’s what drives me to capture the fleeting details of our children, the moments that pass by so quickly. My goal is to preserve those precious, intimate memories that tell the unique story of each family I work with.

Deciding to become an entrepreneur has been one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences of my life. I can’t fully express the mental battles that come with starting your own business—the self-doubt, the shame, the lack of confidence in your abilities, and the overwhelming number of times I’ve wanted to quit. What I’m most proud of is my decision to persevere through those moments of doubt and negativity.

Every time I’ve felt on the brink of giving up, one successful session reminds me of the God-given talent placed in my heart. Winning the award for Best Family and Newborn Photographer in Columbia, SC, in 2023 was a significant milestone that solidified my belief in myself and the path I’ve chosen. It’s a testament to the dedication and passion I’ve poured into my work, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur, especially in photography, is knowing when to say no. In the beginning, it was difficult to set boundaries because I never knew when the next opportunity would come. I often found myself sacrificing time with my own family to capture special moments for others.

I quickly realized that overbooking my weekends and scheduling multiple sessions in a day took a tremendous toll on my physical and mental health. It also created unnecessary stress and chaos in my personal life. While I’m still learning how to balance it all, I’ve come to understand the importance of prioritizing my family. This has significantly influenced the times I’m willing to take on new work and how far I’m willing to travel to serve a client. Nowadays, I focus on serving families within the surrounding areas of Columbia, SC, ensuring that I maintain a healthy balance between my professional and personal life.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that I want you to feel seen. I understand your desire to hold onto the fleeting moments that seem to be passing us by so quickly. My goal is to document families in a way that tells the story of their home—not just the physical space, but the emotional security and love found in the embrace of a parent, especially the nurturing touch of their mother.

I strive to capture all of those fleeting moments for you. The way it felt when a mother runs her fingers through her child’s hair, the way it felt when she pulls their face close to hers, or the way it felt to be cradle so tight on her hip. These are the moments that define a child’s sense of home and comfort. I’m passionate about my work not only for what it means to the mother but also for what these images will mean to the children someday. This belief is at the heart of everything I do, and I hope that more people will come to understand and connect with this aspect of my art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Quite honestly, I don’t get out much—so much of my life revolves around my children and ensuring they have a fun-filled childhood. Most weekends, you’ll find us at the zoo, riding the carousel, visiting the animals, or soaking up the sunshine at the splash pad. When it comes to kid-friendly dining, we love places like Boho Pizza and Mellow Mushroom. These spots are perfect for a relaxed family meal where the kids can enjoy themselves, too!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow, where do I begin? Once I started gaining traction in my business, I was fortunate to receive encouragement from many veteran photographers who truly inspired me to pursue this passion. There were countless side conversations that uplifted and motivated me, but two photographers stand out as true cheerleaders: Danielle Hobbs Photography and Good Graces Photography. They have been instrumental in my growth, offering invaluable guidance on both the creative and business sides of my journey.

Additionally, the insights and community support I received from The Motherhood Anthology played a significant role in shaping the direction of my business. Their influence helped me refine the offerings I provide to the families I serve in Columbia, SC, and the surrounding areas. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and inspiration I’ve received from these amazing individuals and organizations.

Website: https://www.lgunter.com

Instagram: lynndgunterphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lgunterphotography/

Image Credits
Lynn-D Gunter Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.