Meet Lauren Leighton

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

Lauren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was teaching college-level psychology on the east coast when my parents called me and told me they were moving back to Colorado. I used to live in Colorado as a child and visited Vail every winter since then. Colorado has always been my favorite place due to its endless natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. After the phone call with my parents, I quickly put my newly purchased house on the market, finished up the school year and drove myself, my dog Briny and all my belongings to Colorado. Over the summer I borrowed my parent’s old canon camera and traveled the state taking photos and teaching myself how to shoot manually. A few months after I arrived in Colorado I realized I wanted to pursue Photography as a career. I loved being out in nature and capturing the beauty this world had to offer. I began my career shooting for outdoor brands and then slowly but surely began working amazing clients for their weddings, family portraits and portfolios. I knew I had found my calling when I was able to work outside and work with wonderful people.

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?
Once I got back to Colorado I was homeless. My house hadn’t sold and I had no job. I had to move into my parent’s basement at 26 years old. It was a humbling experience, to say the least. When my photography started to get some following I knew I had to challenge myself and learn as much as I could so I could be worthy of future clients. I surrounded myself with artists who were better and more talented than me. I took odd jobs to pay for my travels and even took some classes at a local community college. There were times where I questioned my decision to make this my career… those few times where I questioned myself where usually when I was unable to pay for my own camera or gear. But I persisted. I kept shooting, perfecting my editing style and creating my own brand. Finally, after over a year of hard work and living with my parents, I made enough to have two of my own cameras, plenty of lenses, and amazing gear.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
2themtn Photography began as a passion and I’ve been fortunate to now turn that into a thriving business. The heart of my company is capturing those precious moments that last a lifetime. Whether it be a glowing sunrise hitting the peak of a mountain, the grasp of a hand from a loving grandmother, the first kiss of spouses or the twirl of a dress in a field of flowers, my goal is to ensure that those precious moments never fade from memory. I am proud of 2themtn Photography because it enables my clients to relive those wonderful, loving, pure moments. It’s pure love, joy and beauty. I think 2themtn Photography differs from other photography business because I’m not just about capturing photos. I believe in creating inspiration through capturing natural beauty and emotion in order to drive people to pursue their passions and take risks for love and betterment. To get outside, to climb their mountain, to get to wherever their dreams lie. Photography isn’t just a picture. It’s an opportunity to share a story and change someone’s life in just one click.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think the one quality that feels most important to my success is compassion and empathy. Empathy is incredibly vital, and taking action on one’s empathy is even more crucial. I want to understand my clients and the world around me. I want to make sure everyone and everything I encounter is happier after we meet. My entire goal in my business is to make this world a better place, even if it’s in small ways.

Pricing:

• 30 minute portrait session: $200
• 8 hour wedding day: $3,000
• 6 hour wedding day: $2,500
• 60 minute session: $450
• Engagement session: $775

Contact Info:

• Website: www.2themtnphotography.com
• Email: lauren2themtn@gmail.com
• Instagram: @2themtn
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pg/2themtn

Image Credit:
@2themtn

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