“I am not a rock star.” is what Mindy says when asked for her bio. Yet while she may lack a grungy wardrobe or a collection of tattoos, she is indeed a rock star to her clients. With a dedicated focus on both superior and consistent imagery, paired with celebrity-level customer service, she launched her wedding and portrait business into a financial realm where few tread. Preferring to stay out of the limelight, Mindy’s authentic and down to earth personality is a refreshing guiding light in this evolving industry.
After recognizing a need in the photographic community a few years ago to find a way to help photographers with their digital workflows, Mindy and her husband Mike formed the post production company Lavalu. Lavalu was the first full service post production company dedicated to providing a helping hand to busy photographers. With hundreds of clients in the United States and abroad Lavalu is recognized as the industry leader.
Mindy and Mike still photograph weddings with the same passion as when they started in this industry (www.mindysonshine.com) but since the birth of their twins have also enjoyed the calmer pace of helping other photographers reach their potential.
What got you into wedding/portrait photography?
When Mike proposed to me, he was an engineer and I was an economist. I don’t think I even owned a camera! In the process of looking for our own wedding photographer I was less than thrilled with the options and thought “I could do this better.” And we did! We both quit our jobs a few weeks later and the rest was history.
What are your favorite types of subjects to shoot and why?
I love photographing people in love. Sounds cheesy I know, but it’s true! Whether it’s a couple at their wedding (and yes, I do still cry a little at many of the ceremonies I attend) or a parent’s love as they shower affection on their child, there is nothing more beautiful than true love.
What is your favorite piece of photographic equipment?
I’m not really a gear hound – to me it’s just a tool to capture the moment. But if I HAD to pick, I’d say my favorite lenses right now are my 135 2.0 and 50 1.2.
What ProDPI products do you use?
I use Pro DPI for all of my proofs, reprints, enlargements, mounting services and press printed products.
Are there any ProDPI products that have enabled your success?
Executive Drop Shipping!!!! This service simplified my life so much, saved me money by allowing me to reduce my need for in house help with fulfilling reprints orders, and provided a faster and more efficient level of service to my clients. I’m SO exited about the new green executive drop shipping – it looks fantastic!
Why do you love ProDPI?
I love ProDPI because of the people. It is so rare to find a company that truly cares about my success. They are amazing at customer service but not just in the traditional ways – when I make a suggestion they not only listen, but ACT on it to tailor their services to my needs. I feel so lucky to work with a lab that cares so much about their photographers, does a fantastically high quality and consistent level of work, and is run by wonderful people who share my same business philosophy of ethical and responsible business practices. I couldn’t ask for anything more. ProDPI rocks!