Indianapolis is famous for the Indy 500 and cars reaching speeds over 200 mph. Yet the shutter of a camera can race at 1/500th of a second or faster to capture quick-moving action. In this episode I moved quickly to capture the unique generational story of Lesle Lane, CEO of Studio 13 in metro Indianapolis. Lesle comes from a long line of award-winning photographers, each of whom made their mark with their images and vision for the business. Lesle shares her lifelong involvement in the business and is candid about the rational and emotional happenings along the way. Merge into the fast lane for this 62nd episode of GENeration EXcellence with Lesle Lane.
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Lesle Lane: Photographer and Owner of Studio 13
Host: Marc My Words
Lesle Lane took over the family business at a very young age. A lot of life and business lessons were learned along the way due to stepping into an entrepreneurial role after starting out as an office manager. Lesle shares wisdom that she learned from her days as a professional ice skater and how she overcame all of the obstacles that were thrown at her in order to become a successful photographer and entrepreneur.
Corporate Photographer Lesle Lane
Host: School for Startups Radio
Lesle Lane is a third-generation photographer with more than 3 decades of personal experience in the industry. She serves on the Alumni Board at her alma mater, Butler University, and earned her MBA from Indiana Wesleyan. Lesle has raised a couple of children into adults and loves being “Bam” to her grandkids. She and her husband live in Noblesville and enjoy days on the lake boating with their two fur babies.
From Ice Rinks to Boardrooms: The Entrepreneurial Journey
Host: Business Chop
In the ever-evolving world of photography, adapting to change while honoring tradition is a delicate balance. This episode of Business Chop features Lesle Lane, a third-generation photographer who has successfully navigated this challenge, transforming her family’s legacy into a thriving modern commercial photography brand.
Lesle shares her journey from competitive ice skater to pioneering businesswoman, offering valuable insights on resilience, innovation, and the power of embracing new technologies. Her story is a testament to the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship, especially in creative fields.
Blending Legacy with Innovation
Lesle’s narrative highlights how she:
- Transitioned from film to digital photography
- Invested in cutting-edge equipment to stay ahead of the curve
- Integrated AI into her workflow to enhance efficiency and creativity
Lessons in Leadership and Team Building
Drawing from her experiences, Leslie discusses:
- The challenges of leading a team at a young age
- Her unique approach to building a flexible, results-driven team in the gig economy
- The importance of showing appreciation and fostering team spirit, even with contractors
Nurturing the Next Generation of Creatives
Lesle’s passion for mentoring shines through as she emphasizes:
- The balance between artistic talent and business acumen
- The value of under-promising and over-delivering
- How to maintain professionalism in challenging situations
Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs
- Embrace change and new technologies in your industry
- Build a support network to help you through tough times
- Find creative solutions to staffing and team management
- Balance personal passions with professional growth
Navigating the Challenges of Photography
Host: The Profitable Creative | Christian Brim, CPA/CMA
PROFITABLE TALKS… In this episode of the Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim interviews Leslie Lane, a third-generation photographer and owner of Studio 13, a corporate photography business based in Indianapolis. Leslie shares her journey of taking over the family business at a young age, the challenges she faced, and how she adapted to technological changes in the photography industry. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding client needs, the role of customer service, and the strategies Leslie employs to identify her ideal customers. Additionally, they discuss delegation, compensation structures for photographers, and the ongoing challenges of business development and marketing in a competitive landscape.
PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS…
- Leslie took over the family business at 23, facing many challenges.
- Adapting to digital photography was crucial for survival.
- Understanding client needs is essential for success.
- Customer service plays a significant role in photography.
- Identifying the ideal customer is key to business growth.
- Delegation is important for managing a photography business.
- Compensation structures should reflect the value of work.
- Business development is a major challenge for Leslie.
- Experience in photography helps in handling difficult situations.
- Building relationships is more important than just selling services.
Behind the Lens with Photographer Lesle Lane ’91
Host: CCOM Pawcast | Butler University
Lesle Lane ’91 graduated from Butler University with a degree in Liberal Arts and has earned a successful career in photography, now running Studio 13.
She has been awarded national recognition for her images and helped Studio 13 come to serve global manufacturers, distributors, and bio-tech organizations.
In this episode of the CCOM Pawcast she joins Joe Valenzano, Dean of the College of Communication, to discuss her background, the role of AI in photography, her Butler memories and excitement about the future of the university, and being better at accounting than math.
Visit the official website for Studio 13
This episode was produced by Butler students: Chris Palmer ’25, Blake Richmond ’26, and Toni Jazvic ’28.
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Want to Elevate Corporate Image Making? An Interview with Lesle Lane, Founder of Studio Thirteen
Host: The Doctor of Digital
What does it take to build a legacy in the world of corporate photography? Join me as I sit down with Lesle Lane, founder of Studio Thirteen, to explore the secrets behind her family’s multi-generational business. With over three decades of experience in the industry, Lesle has honed her skills as a photographer and leader, earning her MBA from Indiana Wesleyan and serving on the Alumni Board at her alma mater, Butler University.
Lesle’s extensive background in corporate image making has equipped her with the expertise to deliver high-quality assets that support her clients’ brand strategies. With a diverse team of photographers and associates, Studio Thirteen has built a reputation for excellence, accuracy, and brand transparency. As we dive into our conversation, Lesle will share her insights on what sets her company apart and how she approaches collaboration with clients to elevate the custom photography experience. Episode During this episode, we’ll do a deep dive into the changes and hot topics of photography & the biggest challenges. I will leverage the expertise of my guest and how to navigate the unique dynamics of the field.
Lesle Lane is a 3rd generation photographer with an excellent eye to help you create a compelling vision for your business. Still photographs are not a thing of the past. In fact, they can make or break your website, brochures, social media, and bottom-line profit. Listen to this lively conversation and you will understand how important it is to engage with Lesle and her team as they help you create a compelling vision for your business. Learn more about Lesle at her website.
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Discover how resilience and creativity blend in the world of photography with Lesle Lane, an inspiring third-generation photographer from Studio 13 in Indianapolis. Lane shares her journey from a family legacy in portrait and wedding photography to her unique niche in corporate and commercial photography. Her background as a national ice skating competitor has honed her adaptability and competitive spirit, guiding her through the challenges of an industry that demands both creative vision and business savvy. Learn about her innovative strategies, from embracing new technologies to building a robust team, all while maintaining a strong client focus. Join us as we unravel the complexities of balancing the artistic and entrepreneurial sides of photography. Lane offers her insights into the evolving commercial photography sector, where the affordability of high-quality equipment has intensified competition. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing personal relationships with clients, which has become even more crucial in the post-COVID business landscape. Networking platforms like Accelerant have been pivotal in her journey, offering B2B connections that differ from traditional groups like BNI. Discover how Lane is navigating the unpredictable market while ensuring her business’s growth and sustainability.
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From Ice Skating to Modernizing a Legacy: Lesle Lane’s Entrepreneurial Journey, Host: WIL Empowered
In this episode of the Women in Leadership Talk podcast, Vicki Bradley sits down with Lesle Lane, a third-generation photographer and founder of Studio 13. Lesle shares her inspiring journey from competitive ice skating to transforming her family’s photography business. Key Topics Covered:
- The role of mentorship in fostering growth
- Innovating and modernizing a family legacy
- Balancing work-life demands as an entrepreneur
- Embracing discomfort to achieve personal and professional growth
Discover how Lesle’s passion and adaptability have shaped her career, the importance of community support, and why continuous learning is the key to success in today’s evolving business landscape.