Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Hi there! I'm Laura - a wife, a mother of two and a photographer. I am a dreamer, a hopeless romantic, and I wear my heart on my sleeve.
I grew up in Orange County, California. I was born and raised there. I'm a self-taught wedding, portrait and lifestyle photographer currently located in Los Angeles, CA.
I’ve always had a love for photography. My passion for photography sparked when I was in middle school. I was always the one with the camera, snapping pictures of my friends and family. I didn’t think I could have a career in it. I went to college, and I got my degree in teaching. A couple of years after teaching preschool kids, I had kids of my own, a boy and a girl – how lucky is that! Once my second baby was born, I decided to stay home and raise my kids. The initial plan was to stay home for a few years and then go back to teaching. That never happened! I decided to get the best of both worlds, stay home with my little ones and follow my passion. My heart wanted to become a photographer. I decided to take a leap of faith to make this dream of mine a reality and I haven’t looked back ever since. I feel blessed to pursue my dreams. It is incredibly tough being a business owner and a mom but it is very fulfilling doing what you love and what makes you happy.
What is the number one best piece of advice you would give to a beginning photographer?
I would tell a beginning photographer to worry and focus less on trying to create a perfect business. No one starts a business and has it all figured out. It takes time to nurture and develop a business where one is completely happy with the outcome. It could take years to get to that point. We learn as we go. Take a moment to reflect and realize the purpose of starting the business. The imperfections are what make a business beautiful. Embrace them and I would also like to encourage anyone out there that has a dream to not give up. It takes a lot of hard work to be successful. Go with your gut, go with your instincts and don’t worry about failing. There will be a time where a job goes horribly wrong. Learn from it and keep pushing forward. You got this!
How would you define your style of photography? What do you aim to capture in your photos?
I would define my style as romantic, feminine, and luminous. There are three words that I aim to capture from my images: emotion, connection, and light. I strive to do so by documenting stories through a genuine and lifestyle approach by capturing those 3 elements. I enjoy getting to know my clients in order to provide them with the best experience. By getting to know them on a deeper, personal level it helps me to capture their real emotions and connections. Whether it’s capturing a couple’s love story or a parent celebrating the pure joy of a new baby. I want to capture it all. Whatever your story is, I feel honored to capture it in an authentic and intimate way. My passion lies in creating timeless heirlooms that will be cherished for years to come.
What is your favorite piece of photography equipment?
Obviously, I love all of my photography equipment equally!! However, I couldn’t do anything without my camera and my go to lens, the 70-200. It’s not the lightest lens (I may or may not have to see the chiropractor) but I absolutely LOVE to capture those emotional and raw moments of a couple crying while exchanging heartfelt wedding vows. I am able to get those shots because this lens allows me to witness moments further away. It’s like I’m not even there!
Do you have a picture you are most proud of? If so, tell us a little bit about it and what it means to you.
This is one of my favorite images! I love this image because it has beautiful light and is a sweet moment between brother and sister! I love the emotion that is coming through with this image.
What is the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Website: https://lauracolbyphotos.wixsite.com/photography
