I don’t even remember where I first saw Lisa Wiseman’s photography. The internet being a small world, I randomly stumbled across some of her fine art photography and was immediately smitten.

Little did I know our paths would cross in the most unexpected of ways. We emailed for a bit and then I scheduled a portrait session with her for the 1st iteration of The Girl Who Knows (back when I had long hair). I’m still in love with those images (you can see one of the shots here).

Lisa’s work is deeply evocative. She is one of the few photographers whose work moves me to feel things. Sometimes it’s joy. Other times profound sadness. Even loneliness and claustrophobia. And I love every minute of it.

Her images push me, emotionally and that excites me. The way she sees and captures the world is fascinating, complex and beautiful.

I’m beyond honored that Lisa agreed to be a contributing photographer to The Girl Who Knows. And that we got to chat a bit more about what inspires and delights her. Read on for a glimpse behind-the-lens, with photographer Lisa Wiseman!

xo

 

 

I’m so honored you wanted to be a part of our work here at The Girl Who Knows and do this interview. So, to get started, tell our readers a bit about you. What do you do + create + love? 

Of course! I’m Lisa Wiseman, a photographer based in San Francisco, CA. I grew up in the Bay Area, went to both college and art school here and have never left! I travel all the time both for fun and for work, but San Francisco is the city I adore and call home.

I grew up doing every sort of creative pursuit under the sun you can imagine from ceramics to painting to hip-hop to ballet. I even tried to intern with a glass blower at one point. I started photographing at age 13 and never stopped. I realized that shooting is like breathing for me and the rest is history – I haven’t put down a camera since. I was a wildly exuberant kid brimming with curiosity and creativity and I’ve grown into someone with the same innate bright and shiny excitement about life.

And if you want to know a few other tid-bits about me, check out this.

I know how you feel about San Francisco (a place I used to call home as well). It’s no wonder you grew up so creative, with the Bay as your backyard! Out of all your creative pursuits, why photography? How did you decide to start being a photographer (as a business), instead of just for fun?

I never really decided to “start” being a photographer, I always just was one. I’m pretty lucky to have always had a sense of what I wanted to do. I learned early on how to make photography my business and have since then meshed creativity with practicality.

 

I love what you said about being a photographer, instead of becoming one – beautiful! I’m curious, being a creative person, how do you stay inspired and motivated (in your work and in life)?

I live a love-centric and family-centric life and that keeps me inspired, nourished, and alive. I read constantly, look at art, follow tech and science research, dance, travel and take naps! I spend a lot of time doing things that make my heart and my body feel good.

I love that! You seem to have self-care down. That’s SO important. You mentioned feeling good and as you know we’re all feeling good (while living life through your six senses) around here. What is your favorite (or predominant) sense? How do you use your senses to help you ‘feel good’?

I live through my eyes! I’m absolutely unequivocally visually oriented. The pure simple act of looking gives me unbelievable pleasure and I’m lucky enough to make my living looking and sharing what I see with others.

 

Why do you think the senses are so important to living our lives fully? 

The senses keep you rooted in the now and actively participating in the world around you.

Practically speaking, what are some of your favorite ways to indulge your senses?

I love swimming, sunset-hunting, running, hot-tubbing, singing, twirling, laughing, hugging, dancing, practicing gratitude, doing pilates, seeing my family, loving, playing, inventing, cooking, reading . . . I could go on and on. Just about everything lights me up!

And what specific things light your senses up?

Putting clean sheets on the bed, sitting at Mile Rock Beach at sunset listening to the waves and pelicans, noshing at Pizzetta 211, dancing with my husband in our kitchen, hanging out with my family, traveling, reading in front of a fire.

 

Now, shifting directions a tad, let’s talk birthdays (because I love ’em). What’s your idea of the BEST way to celebrate your birthday?

I love birthdays too! I try to always spend mine doing my favorite thing: hanging out with family. We keep it low key, just shooting the breeze, cooking, chatting and relaxing. And if the weather is nice, a big bonus is doing so under twinkly lights alfresco in someone’s garden.

The only exception to laying low was my 30th for which I spent a year with a fab team (you included Stephanie!) designing a worldwide charitable art project called The 30Love and raising cash for a local charity.

 

One last question: what do you know, for sure?

Love is all there is.

~

Such a joy to get to know a fellow creative, the mega-talented and heart-centered photographer Lisa Wiseman.
Lisa, I am so grateful we met years ago and that you are part of our sensory and soulful world here at The Girl Who Knows. Thank you for sharing your creative gifts with the world – and helping us all SEE the world in all of its beauty.

Please visit Lisa’s Contributor page. Reach out to her on social media and check out her website to see even more stunning images!

Thanks for being here and getting to know Lisa today. It’s a gift to share these amazing and inspired creators with you! Have a beautiful rest of your week.

If you have someone you think we should Get To Know, contact us and let us know!

xo
Stephanie