Meet Lizie Ben Shmuel | Photographer, Set Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lizie Ben Shmuel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lizie, what are you inspired by?
People. All of the crazy sh*t they say and do. From weird silly rituals, to blunt statements they make when they think no one is really listening. Watching them pick fruits at grocery stores and how they explain things to little kids, almost making “where did cheese come from?” sound like magic.

This is why I love photography so much, I try my best to capture the moments in between. I get so inspired just being outside and around the rush, it’s really that little second of capturing sonder.

This feeling brings me so much joy and inspiration, realizing that I’m not the only one with a complex life – the person passing you on the street, at a party, or the one that cut you off… has a life they’re living too. Full of doubts, happiness, love, and passions.

How exciting is that? What will come next and what else can we capture?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s always a bit hard to talk about my own art. Maybe it’s the small percentage of imposter syndrome that likes to come out from time to time. Usually when things start to feel too real, like when a “big job” approaches and the anxiety kicks in.

But this is what keeps us going, if it was always easy it would be boring.

I like to think what sets me apart is my love for keeping things light, even when I myself feel like things are on fire. I try to remember we’re all still on Earth and nothing is as big of a deal as you think it is.

When I think of what I’m most proud of when it comes to my work is my love for trying it all — I don’t think I can remember the last time I said no to a new creative opportunity. I like to think you’re never too good or too experienced to assist and learn from anyone. TAKE THE RISK OF LOOKING STUPID!! You’ll never know unless you do it. What if this silly little day became your future passion?

The risks I’ve taken along the way made me who I am (and still figuring that out really). I really can’t count the amount of times I almost backed out of what I thought would make me look ridiculous or stupid. No regrets, really always leaving with stories, new friends, and EXPERIENCE.

The lessons I’ve learned are to always be kind, no one wants to work with an asshole and people don’t forget the way you treat them. Circles are smaller than they appear (especially creative ones).

I’d like the world to know I’m here to capture as much as I can with the best company and leave something lovely behind.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you’re in Miami you have to go to these spots –

– Get yourself a Publix Sub and go sit on the beach

– Margot for yummy wine and snacks

– Grab some goodies and have a picnic at South Pointe park

– If you’re feeling boujee go to The Standard and get a day pass

– Katana for the best sushi in town (may regret this later)

– Ball & Chain to show off your best dance moves

– Lung Yai for Thai tapas

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I give a huge shout out to all of the teachers that didn’t let the sh*tty work slide. The ones that pushed me because they knew I could do better (even if it meant tears at times lol we can laugh now). A big shoutout to Ms.Funcia, she may have saved my life. Senior year of high school was a very tough time for me and she allowed the dark room to heal me. I owe her for her understanding, teaching, and insane amounts of inspiring material.

Soon after high school I joined a portfolio photo program. The head of photography, was named Ginny. This teacher absolutely kicked my ass. I am so grateful for it looking back. This bad ass photographer took us on several road trips to North and South Carolina in a huge van full of photo nerds. She made sure we got up at the crack of dawn just to get the shot.

I’m also thankful for the people along the way, the photographers I bonded with that will always hold a place in my heart.

The ones that didn’t gatekeep, that complimented, that assisted and let me assist.

Thank you all for everything.

Website: https://www.liziebenshmuel.com/

Instagram: liziegettinbusy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-ben-shmuel-a80265108/