Meet Laura Mariani of Boulder CO

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Mariani.

Hi Laura, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my photography journey in 2012, while I was still working in hospital administration. I felt stuck in a routine and needed something more creative in my life. That’s when I signed up for a photography class, and it completely changed everything. I had the opportunity to learn and grow with one of the most important wedding photography studios in Milan, which gave me a strong foundation and invaluable experience in the field.
When I moved to Colorado in 2019, I gradually shifted my focus toward portraits. While I still photograph weddings, my true passion now lies in portrait photography. I love capturing the unique beauty and personality of each person, creating images that feel honest, elegant, and timeless. Through my business, Laura Mariani Photography, I work mainly with women, families, high school seniors, and couples, always aiming to create a meaningful and empowering experience for my clients.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting over in a new country was already a big challenge—when I moved to Colorado in 2019, I had to rebuild my network, find clients, and adapt my style to a completely different market. On top of that, just a few months later, the pandemic hit, and like many photographers, I lost work and had to rethink how to keep my business going.
There were also more personal struggles: learning to balance motherhood, running a business on my own, and building everything from scratch without the support system I had back in Italy. At times it felt overwhelming, but each obstacle pushed me to grow—not just as a photographer, but as a person. I’ve learned to be more flexible, to trust myself, and to keep showing up, even when things feel uncertain.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a portrait and wedding photographer, and I specialize in creating natural, elegant images that truly reflect the personality and emotions of the people I work with. While I started in wedding photography, my main focus now is on portraits—especially working with women, high school seniors, and couples. I love helping people feel seen and beautiful, often in moments when they need a little confidence boost or are celebrating meaningful milestones.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients. Many of them tell me they were nervous before the session, but afterward, they felt completely at ease and even surprised by how much they enjoyed the experience. I believe that connection and communication are the foundation for great photos. I take the time to understand each person and guide them in a way that feels natural—not forced—so their true self can shine through.
What sets me apart is my intuitive approach. I don’t force artificial poses or make people act a certain way. Instead, I observe and adapt to who they are—whether they’re playful and full of energy, or more quiet and introspective. I work mostly with natural light, and my style blends softness and simplicity with emotional depth. My goal is always to create images that feel timeless and authentic.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise people is that I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a photographer. I actually worked in hospital administration for years before even picking up a camera. I used to follow rules, routines, and a very linear path—so shifting to a creative career felt like a huge risk. But once I discovered photography in 2012, it completely transformed how I see the world and myself.
Another thing people might not know is that I’m not a fan of hiking or the typical Colorado outdoor lifestyle. Even though I photograph in beautiful natural locations, I actually prefer calm, accessible spots and love working in my studio, where I can create a serene, intimate atmosphere for my clients.

Pricing:

• Essential Moments Package – 30 minutes – starting at $375
• Signature Portrait Session- 1 hour – $650
• Premier Photography Experience – 2 hours – $1200
• Quick Headshots Session- 10 minutes – $250
• Mini Branding session – 30 minutes – $400

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lauramarianiphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramarianiphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraMarianiPhotography

Image Credits
Image credits : Laura Mariani Photography