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Meet Lauren Lane

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Lane.

Lauren , please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a kid, I dreamed that I would never have a desk job. I wanted adventure, I craved the outdoors and more than anything I wanted something that was always changing, something that was not monotonous. I liked the idea of being challenged each day and not really knowing what to expect. I was always artistically inclined. Not in the way of crafts or things like that but I loved music and nature. I remember always wanting to freeze how a moment felt, or how beautiful the sky would look during certain times of the day. I would buy disposable film cameras and take photos of Pike’s Peak, my friends or anything else that interested me at the time. I saved every single photo and still have shoe boxes filled to the brim in storage.

After high school, I felt disoriented because I had this deep underlying pressure to go to the traditional college route even though I had no idea what I wanted to do. I went for some time but was left spinning because I didn’t truly believe in or love what I was doing. I decided to take a step back and go to a trade school for massage therapy. Something I could do that made decent money while I tried to figure out the bigger picture.

In 2010, my husband bought me a Canon Rebel. It was my first DSLR and I had no intention of doing anything business related until I was asked to photograph a friends wedding. I left that day full of ideas and inspiration. That’s the moment I fell in love and knew I could make this my job! I slowly started doing more photography on the side. Friends and family here and there but nothing too serious.

I kept this going until shortly before I was pregnant with my first son, Elliott. It was after that we found out he would be born with half a heart and would require heart surgery while in the womb at twenty-four weeks gestation, as well as three open-heart surgeries before the age of two. This major life event was pivotal in my journey as a person. I was left heartbroken, having to question life and death and everything in between. Life from then on was hung in a delicate balance between feeling so fragile yet so sweet. Time felt like a thief and I did what I knew to do best. I documented it by taking hundreds of photos, I wrote blogs and in personal journals about Elliott and the journey we were on.

Being a stay at home mom was never in my plan, but after the surgeries were completed I knew in my heart I couldn’t do anything different. I had this major blessing, this huge opportunity to soak up every moment with the son I could have very easily lost. During this time, we welcomed a daughter named Josephine. I spent my days with them until Elliott started school full-time last year. That’s when the creative itch came back. I remembered that this love for photography that I had found so many years ago was still very much a part of me. Even better, I could make it a career. The very next day, I went to work to launch my photography business as a legitimate LLC. That was in December of 2017. Since then, I have photographed so many couples and families. I really started learning my “niche” and what I love in this industry and what truly fulfills me. I’ve been able to serve clients I truly love, while also being there to take take care of my family. It truly is the best job ever.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I truly believe in the saying that nothing worth having comes easy. With that being said, no. This journey has actually been very difficult. I don’t have a degree in business or any formal training. I’ve had to learn everything and seek out knowledge on my own. I had to learn and perfect manual on my camera, how to market, create content, bookkeep, build a website and a blog, proper client communication, questionnaires, and contracts… the list goes on. I laugh because owning a photography business is truly only about 10% photo taking and then the other 90% is all behind the scenes work, all while wearing multiple hats. But I LIVE for it all because it means I get to do what I love.

The journey to becoming a photographer has been long and has been put in the back burner multiple times in my life. Deciding to make a business out of a passion can often times take away your “why.” This, in turn, can dull your creativity and purpose. I think it’s pivotal as a business owner to constantly be reminding ourselves, that while this journey may not be smooth, our “why” should speak louder than our fears and our doubts.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a lifestyle portrait and wedding photographer. I specialize in documenting life stories in an intimate and genuine way. I believe we all have a unique story to tell and I work really hard to get to know each individual I take photos of. I think we are happiest when our true selves are reflected in photographs.

I am known for being vulnerable with my clients so that in turn, they can be vulnerable to me. The result is perfectly imperfect photographs documenting a special time in their lives. I feel so privileged to get a window into special moments. I believe my approach and personality is what sets me apart from others.

I’m really proud of the relationships I’ve built on this photography journey. My clients are like family to me. I follow along with them through texts and social media. I see their babies reach beautiful milestones. I see them go through difficulties and accomplish big things. I’m here to support and cheer them on. It’s really cool to actively participate in watching them grow and become.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
A little bit of grit and a lot of determination and passion.

Pricing:

  • Family Sessions start at $300
  • Weddings Packages start at $2,100
  • Engagement Packages start at $350

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Lauren Lane Photography

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