Lisa Schwerin
Lisa Schwerin is a professional photographer and studio owner based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, operating Lisa S. Portrait Co. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Arkansas and spent roughly 25 years working as a medical laboratory technician before transitioning into photography full-time. Photography began as a side venture while she was still in the medical field, eventually growing into a business that replaced her prior career income.
Now focused on portrait-based work, she specializes in branding and headshots, boudoir photography, and personal portrait sessions. Her studio approach is highly client-centered, beginning each project with a consultation to understand the individual’s story, goals, and how they want to be represented. She typically works with one client per day, incorporating professional hair and makeup services and guiding clients through a full-session experience designed to be comfortable, personalized, and confidence-building.
Across her work, Lisa emphasizes authenticity and meaningful representation, aiming to create images that reflect who her clients truly are rather than a standardized look. She balances technical skill with interpersonal connection, drawing on years of professional discipline from her scientific background. Outside the studio, she is also involved in volunteer work supporting therapeutic horseback riding programs for children and values time with her family, especially her granddaughter.
• University of Arkansas - B.S.
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say being able to just keep going, because there's many times, you know, business doesn't do so good, or you do have that failure moment, but just to keep going regardless. That persistence and consistency has been key to my success over the past 13 years.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received, which I also give to others, is to not think of failure in any piece of it as 'I'm done, I can't do this.' Instead, view it more as a learning experience. The key is to move forward and not make that mistake a second time, but just to grow, learn from that mistake or that failure, and keep moving forward.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say to focus on your individual client that you're working with, and make everything you're doing about them to help them in their journey and their life. Just focus on the client, not on what you're getting out of it. When you make it all about serving them and understanding their needs, that's when you'll find real success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say the challenge now, especially from a headshots and branding perspective, is AI. It's been interesting to deal with and watch people use AI to create those images. I've seen even past clients do it. The key is trying to get across to clients who are thinking about doing that to come in to me instead, so I can show their personality a little better and who they are, rather than just that AI image. I think you just have to show your clients the value of working with you. Another challenge has been the economy being in a bit of a downturn, though not terribly so.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say honesty, being trustworthy, and just being kind. These are the values that guide both my professional work with clients and my personal relationships.