Living the Dream

Living the Dream: How Lyss & Lens Was Born and Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset.

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. Filming and photographing has already become something I can’t imagine my life without. Right now, I’m balancing two jobs—working a full-time 7–4 and building this business from the ground up. It’s not always easy, but it’s taught me a lot about discipline, growth, and the shift in mindset that comes with stepping into creative entrepreneurship.

This season of transition—from a steady job into something built entirely by me—is hard but exciting. I’m learning how to be both patient and bold. How to trust myself. How to make space for creativity after a long day. And how to believe that this can become more than a side hustle—it can be a career rooted in passion, intention, and storytelling. Every wedding I film confirms it: this is what I’m meant to do. And even though I’m still growing, still learning, still figuring out how to balance it all—I’m all in. I’m building this one story at a time, and I’m so thankful you’re here for it. This journey has taught me how to step out of my comfort zone. How to trust myself and God. How to be patient. How to stop comparing myself to others. How to target your audience. And most of all, how to continue to work hard even in times where you feel like you aren’t going anywhere. Yes - at times I still feel this way.

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 and videographer. 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.

The second wedding I did was in Pennsylvania in late October. I have a love for traveling, fall, cabins and photography. So of course I was in my element. I was so nervous to film this one for many reasons. The morning of the wedding, my boyfriend (who is amazing) was driving me around trying to get me a coffee. The first coffee shop was closed. I had a pounding headache. I was anxious, un-caffeinated and irritated. Basically my worst nightmare (and his). I was nervous about making it on time because the area we were in didn’t have much to offer (other than the gorgeous landscaping). I got even more anxious because I was on a time crunch and now had to drive all the way across town for a coffee. We arrive at Poured Out (the name of the place) and I order the usual - an iced vanilla latte with 4 shots. Yes, four. I was still very anxious. I look down and I notice this sticker laid out on the counter right in front of me. It said “Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created.” And in that moment, I realized that this is the Lords plan for me. I had a sudden mindset shift. I became more confident (and caffeinated) and pushed through. That sticker now sits at the front of my Jeep as a constant reminder to keep going. It’ll all be worth it one day. I’ll always remember this sticker and how it made me feel in that moment.

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 🤍