Meet Lily Armentrout | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lily Armentrout and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lily, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Since childhood I always had a love of the arts. I found myself always drawing, painting, making my own clothes for my Barbies and taking photos with my dad’s Nikon SLR. Twenty years ago in college I majored in Biology/Pre-med to pursue a career in pediatrics which was my lifelong goal. After graduating college I took a year off to study for the medical school entrance exam only to find myself working for the University of Miami and the Medical Examiners office. While I immersed myself in learning hands on gross anatomy I spent my free time photographing rock bands at local South Florida venues. My love of music and photography began to take up a good portion of my personal life. At that point I had not considered making photography a career as it was simply something that I enjoyed as a hobby. I continued working in the medical field but the love of the arts always drew me in. I continued on to graduate school and graduated with a Master’s in human nutrition but after having my first child in 2009 I switched gears and my photography was inspired by my son. My husband gifted me with a new Canon camera and I haven’t stopped since. I believe in restoring health and preserving life as a nutritionist , so it only makes sense that I preserve moments in life through my lens. A passion that filled my creative void became a growing business for over 10 years.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 2014 I was invited to be part of the Public Breastfeeding Awareness Project by Leilani Rogers. The project consisted of 60 photographers around the globe to help spread awareness of breastfeeding in public, by showing the beauty of breastfeeding in real life. The project went viral and some of my photographs were published in Huffington Post, Babycenter, Popsugar among others. Since then other images have been requested for publication in both online and print magazines. My style of photography has evolved over the years but children are still my focus-whether it be portraits or fashion photography. . I am inspired by nature and rustic locations to create a warm and inviting feel to my images. Another way that I have been able to give back as a photographer was through the Gold Hope Project. As a volunteer photographer, I was able to gift families photo sessions of their child fighting cancer.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d start the day with Toast Avenue Cafe in Hollywood, take a stroll down Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Stop in Jaxson’s Ice Cream. For a little history and nature, the Bonnet House and south to Bill Baggs Cape Florida for a view from the lighthouse.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to recognize my sister Doxia. She has always supported my career and was my first ever photography assistant and child wrangler. Having a second pair of creative eyes on location helped me to visualize images and make the process go more smoothly. Today I love photographing and eating Doxia’s creative bakes. You can find her on IG: @challahatchagirl and YouTube

Website: http://www.lilytaphotography.com/

Instagram: @Lilyta_Photography

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