Dylan received a diagnosis of mandibular dysphasia with deafness and progeroid features (MDP syndrome) when he was 10 years old. He became interested in photography when he was at school, and found it helped him through tough times as it was a way of immersing himself in another world. What started as a hobby has now turned into a business for Dylan and he hopes to showcase his work and talent to more of the world

RARE entrepreneur series: meeting the beating hearts behind the RARE brands

1.

What was the driving force in starting your own business in the rare disease space? Was there an unmet need you were responding to?

I got interested in taking photographs by looking at images in newspapers and magazines which inspired me to take my own photographs. Also, my grandpa used to take photos when he was travelling, particularly of New York.

I really want to get my work out there and for more people to see it. Most of my work is based in Scotland and so starting a business could help me showcase my work to more of the world.

Being interested in photography has helped me in so many ways. It’s helped me to connect with new people and have conversations about my photographs and where I travel to when I’m taking them. It’s also helped me show people how I see the world and to showcase my personality.

Finally, photography has helped me express who I am as a person and how I feel. Many of my photos feature one person in them because that’s how I feel sometimes: lonely and vulnerable.

2.

How does your business benefit the rare disease community?

My business helps to tell people in the rare disease community that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. If you put in the hard work, you can achieve and be successful. It also helps people in the rare community to think bigger: always follow your dreams and do something you’re passionate about. 

3.

What advice, if any, did you get when setting up your business? Has there been anyone in particular who has been pivotal in supporting your business?

My dad has been really supportive in helping me set up my business and create a website to showcase and sell my work. Many people have been interested in buying prints and have really enjoyed looking at my photos. 

4.

How do you manage the demands of running a business with your own health needs, those of someone you care for, or those of your employees?

I set a plan before I go out and shoot for the day. I plan where I want to take photos and I travel there by foot or on my electric scooter. I update the website when I feel I have a new collection and it’s ready to showcase to my audience. I have help and support from my dad to assist me in organising the layout, help me with the money and get the photos printed ready to be delivered to the customer. 

5.

What advice do you have for someone starting their own business?

The advice I would give is to create categories and projects. Doing a project is a good way to get creative and it helps to expand your ideas and increase your understanding of your business. 

6.

What are the most rewarding aspects of establishing and running your own business?

The good thing about running your own business is that you have control over what you include. Also, your business may lead to new opportunities and those opportunities may help you to grow and make the business more professional.

7.

What would you consider to be the greatest achievements of your business thus far?

I think being able to sort out my photos into themes and sell them for money to buy new camera equipment. My business has also helped me reach a larger audience.

8.

What advice would you give someone considering working in the rare disease space?

I would say to be yourself, and share and have conversations with people who need support in the rare disease space. If someone wants to set up and start a business I would say showcase something that is appropriate and something that you are interested in, don’t let someone else decide and tell you what to do. Present it in a way that’s understandable and easy to follow if someone was to buy, read or purchase from your business. 

9.

What are your hopes for the future of your business?

My hopes for the future are to have my business shared with advertising companies and help create content for them. 

I would like to write a book explaining my business and how I got into photography and why I’m so passionate about it. Also joining a brand or company that I’m interested in to help reach more people and get my work seen.

10.

If you hadn’t founded Dylan Lombard Photography, what was Plan B?  What did your 10-year-old self want to be?

If I hadn’t founded my business and discovered my interest in photography, my plan was to be a football commentator because I love football and I’ve always loved checking and reading out the football scores to my family and friends.