Living the Dream
Living the Dream: How Lyss & Lens Was Born
Just about a year ago, I officially started this business—and what a wild ride it's been. There have been moments of doubt where I truly didn’t think anyone would want what I had to offer. But here I am, and honestly, I get teary-eyed thinking about how far things have come.
I've always loved filming. Ever since I was little, I’ve documented my life in ways that made my heart melt. I used to post on a tiny Instagram account called “aksfilms” (now known as the much more official Lyss & Lens), and I’d go out with my Canon T6i and film anything and everything—sunrise hikes, silly downtown adventures with friends, little moments that meant everything. At the end of each year, I’d edit all those clips into a highlight reel and name it “2020” or “2021.” You know the kind. I’d spend hours editing and send the videos to my best friend, Brynn, who’s been cheering me on since day one.
Music has always been a huge part of who I am. I make playlists for fun (like, all the time), so naturally, I found myself drawn to wedding films more than photography. There’s something magical about syncing the right clip to the right beat—about turning real, emotional moments into something timeless. For me, it’s more than a job. It’s my passion. It’s that rush I get when I know a moment I captured will make someone feel something. Sometimes I’m so excited after a shoot that I’ll start editing clips at red lights on the drive home (not proud, but very real).
When I was nine years old, I wrote in my dream box that I wanted to be a travel photographer. I still hold onto that. I really believe God puts people and moments in your path for a reason. Brynn (yes, same Brynn) married into a family that hosts annual barn dances, and I’d always bring my camera to create recap videos. I did that for three years. Looking back, those videos were rough—but they were full of heart, and each one got a little better than the last. That practice—filming my life for 50 followers on Instagram—ended up laying the groundwork for something so much bigger.
Eventually, Brynn’s brother asked me to film his wedding. I’d only been to one wedding before—hers—and I was so nervous. But something clicked: Why haven’t I been doing this all along? This is literally what I love.
I saved up every extra penny and bought a Sony mirrorless camera. People asked, “You’re buying a whole new camera for one wedding?” But I knew in my heart this was what I was meant to do. I took a leap of faith and followed what I believe was God’s plan for me. I was terrified—but as I filmed the quiet moments before the ceremony, like the empty venue with summer air floating through the barn doors, I felt peace. That moment told me: This is it. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.
Since then, I’ve been chasing that feeling. I’ve done complimentary shoots to gain experience—studio headshots, golden hour field sessions, you name it. I never let that voice of doubt win. I thought about my 15-year-old self, editing on her laptop, pouring her heart into every cut. And I pushed forward.
One of the most impactful weddings I’ve filmed so far was for Pressley and Josiah McKenzie, family friends of mine. It felt like a movie. That day changed something in me. I stepped out of my comfort zone, tried new things, and saw what I was truly capable of. I started believing in my ability to capture emotion in a way that feels real. I learned how much song choice matters. How deeply music shapes the story. Since that wedding, I’ve booked more, received more inquiries, and felt that dream I wrote down as a child coming to life.
Today, I’m on a mission: to work for myself, set my own schedule, and glorify God through every story I tell. As I sit here and reflect, I realize—I’m living the prayers I once prayed.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” — Ecclesiastes 3:11
If you're in a season of doubt, wondering if your dream is too big—whether it's photography, nursing, or anything in between—please know this: we all start somewhere. Let this be your reminder that the first step matters. That growth takes time. And that passion, when followed faithfully, really does lead you home.
This blog will be a space where I document the entire Lyss & Lens journey—raw, real, and full of heart. I’m so excited for what’s next.
Until next time,
Lyss 🤍
Living the Dream: How Lyss & Lens Was Born
Just about a year ago, I officially started this business—and what a wild ride it's been. There have been moments of doubt where I truly didn’t think anyone would want what I had to offer. But here I am, and honestly, I get teary-eyed thinking about how far things have come.
I've always loved filming. Ever since I was little, I’ve documented my life in ways that made my heart melt. I used to post on a tiny Instagram account called “aksfilms” (now known as the much more official Lyss & Lens), and I’d go out with my Canon T6i and film anything and everything—sunrise hikes, silly downtown adventures with friends, little moments that meant everything. At the end of each year, I’d edit all those clips into a highlight reel and name it “2020” or “2021.” You know the kind. I’d spend hours editing and send the videos to my best friend, Brynn, who’s been cheering me on since day one. Here is one example, yes I know - not the best but just so you get the gist of it all :)
Music has always been a huge part of who I am. I make playlists for fun (like, all the time), so naturally, I found myself drawn to wedding films more than photography. There’s something magical about syncing the right clip to the right beat—about turning real, emotional moments into something timeless. For me, it’s more than a job. It’s my passion. It’s that rush I get when I know a moment I captured will make someone feel something. Sometimes I’m so excited after a shoot that I’ll start editing clips at red lights on the drive home (not proud, but very real).
When I was nine years old, I wrote in my dream box that I wanted to be a travel photographer. I still hold onto that. I really believe God puts people and moments in your path for a reason. Brynn (yes, same Brynn) married into a family that hosts annual barn dances, and I’d always bring my camera to create recap videos. I did that for three years. Looking back, those videos were rough—but they were full of heart, and each one got a little better than the last. That practice—filming my life for 50 followers on Instagram—ended up laying the groundwork for something so much bigger.
Eventually, Brynn’s brother asked me to film his wedding. I’d only been to one wedding before—hers—and I was so nervous. But something clicked: Why haven’t I been doing this all along? This is literally what I love.
I saved up every extra penny and bought a Sony mirrorless camera. People asked, “You’re buying a whole new camera for one wedding?” But I knew in my heart this was what I was meant to do. I took a leap of faith and followed what I believe was God’s plan for me. I was terrified—but as I filmed the quiet moments before the ceremony, like the empty venue with summer air floating through the barn doors, I felt peace. That moment told me: This is it. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life. After the video was finished, I received tons of amazing feedback - which only made me hungrier for more. When I re-watch the video, I see so much room for improvement. But we all start somewhere.
Since then, I’ve been chasing that feeling. I’ve done complimentary shoots to gain experience—studio headshots, golden hour field sessions, graduation and engagement sessions, you name it. I never let that voice of doubt win. I thought about my teenage self, editing on her laptop. And I pushed forward.
One of the most impactful weddings I’ve filmed so far was for Pressley and Josiah McKenzie, family friends of mine. It felt like a movie. That day changed something in me. I stepped out of my comfort zone, tried new things, and saw what I was truly capable of. I started believing in my ability to capture emotion in a way that feels real. I learned how much song choice matters. How deeply music shapes the story. Since that wedding, I’ve booked more, received more inquiries, and felt that dream I wrote down as a child coming to life.
Today, I’m on a mission: to work for myself, set my own schedule, and glorify God through every story I tell. As I sit here and reflect, I realize—I’m living the prayers I once prayed.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” — Ecclesiastes 3:11
If you're in a season of doubt, wondering if your dream is too big—whether it's photography, nursing, or anything in between—please know this: we all start somewhere. Let this be your reminder that the first step matters. That growth takes time. And that passion, when followed faithfully, really does lead you home.
This blog will be a space where I document the entire Lyss & Lens journey—raw, real, and full of heart. I’m so excited for what’s next.
Until next time,
Lyss 🤍