Ep #98: Print Your Legacy: Lawrence Nalls on Multi-Generational Photography and Pride

Summary of the episode

Lawrence Nalls, managing photographer of Forty Photography, shares the profound journey of building a multi-generational Chicago photography studio rooted in legacy, storytelling, and community service. In this conversation, Lawrence reveals how his father's Vietnam War documentation sparked a family tradition that's now entering its third generation. We explore the emotional weight of photography as both art form and responsibility, the importance of print over digital, and why Lawrence believes every photograph should make you feel something. From learning to "figure it out" with his first camera to teaching his sons the business, Lawrence offers candid insights on building trust with clients, the hard lessons of running a creative business (yes, take deposits!), and how to help people see past their insecurities to capture pride. This episode is a masterclass in intentional photography, sustainable creative practice, and the power of printed images to preserve family legacy.

What we're getting into

You know how some conversations just feel like sitting down with someone who's lived it and learned it? That's this whole episode.

• The origin story of Forty Photography - from Vietnam War footage to a thriving multi-generational studio
• Why prints matter more than digital files - and how Lawrence shifted his entire practice around this philosophy
• The business side of photography - storage systems, deposits, redundancy, and the stuff nobody talks about
• Building trust and managing client insecurities - including Lawrence's "word bank" technique for portrait sessions
• Keeping enthusiasm alive after 19 years - the daily present philosophy and why relationships are wealth
• Film vs. digital and intentionality - how shooting film shaped Lawrence's approach to digital photography
• Parenting, sports, and passing down the legacy - raising two sons in the family business

Folks and Things We Mentioned

• Forty Photography - Lawrence's multi-generational Chicago photography studio
• John H. White - Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and church friend who inspired Lawrence
• Gordon Parks - Legendary photographer and director of Shaft
• Annie Leibovitz - Renowned portrait photographer
• Richard Avedon - Fashion and portrait photographer
• Sarah Oliphant - Artist who hand-paints canvases for photography backgrounds
• Chicago Alliance of African American Photographers (CAAAP) - Organization focused on documenting Black life with pride
• Rainbow Beach - Lawrence's "happy place" on Chicago's South Side
• Artist Admin Hour - Stephanie's Wednesday accountability sessions for artists (artistadminhour.com)

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction to the Conversation

• 06:49 - The Legacy of 4D Photography

• 12:36 - The Transition to Digital Photography

• 15:50 - Documenting Family Memories

• 22:50 - Capturing Moments: The Art of Photography and Trust

• 34:11 - Managing a Photography Business: Insights from Experience

• 42:12 - Lessons Learned from Hard Experiences

• 44:32 - The Importance of Sports in Parenting

• 49:44 - Exploring Photography and Relationships

• 56:15 - Reflections on the Podcast Journey

All about Lawrence

You're gonna love Lawrence—he's a third-generation photographer, cigar enthusiast, devoted father, and the kind of creative who believes every photo should evoke a sense of pride. His studio, Forty Photography (named after doctors told his father he'd be lucky to live to 40 after Vietnam War injuries—he's turning 80 next month!), serves families, schools, and organizations across Chicago. Lawrence approaches photography with intention, encouraging clients to think beyond social media and put their memories on the wall. He's also the guy who will absolutely not participate in your negative self-talk during a photo session—instead, he'll have you build a word bank of how you want to feel, then help you embody it.

Connect with Lawrence Nalls

• Instagram: @fortyphotography
• Website: fortyphotography.com
• Location: Bridgeport, Chicago

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Episode Credits

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Theme Music Lyrics: Queen Lex

Theme Music Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Recorded Live at Lumpen Radio, Chicago

This episode was recorded live on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Lumpen Radio in Chicago.