Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Grimes.
Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve loved taking photos for as long as I can remember. I had a pink toy camera as a little girl, and when I was a teenager, I had a point-and-shoot Canon film camera that I took with me everywhere. I have memories of completing a roll of film (that was back before affordable digital cameras and smartphones!) and going with my dad to have it developed.
Around 2009, while in college, I had finally saved up for my first digital DSLR camera and started taking photos of anything and everything around campus. I would post the photos to Facebook (Instagram wasn’t a thing yet!) and eventually, people started asking me to take photos of them for Christmas cards, engagement pictures, headshots, etc. And goodness, I was TERRIBLE! I had absolutely no clue what I was doing or how to work my new fancy camera. But somehow people kept asking and I found that I loved providing priceless memories for others.
I eventually invested in photography education to better hone my skills and the rest is history! I always say that this passion of mine found me. I had never intended to become a portrait photographer – I just kind of fell into it – but I’m so grateful to have stumbled upon something that I love. I consider it an honor to provide precious memories for others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Probably the biggest obstacle I’ve faced has been myself! If you had told me in high school or college that I would be an entrepreneur I would have laughed that silly notion away. When I thought of Entrepreneurship back then the things that came to mind were risk and uncertainty – two words that this Enneagram 6 doesn’t like to have in her vocabulary! For some, risk is energizing but that’s not naturally me! There have been many seasons where I’ve had to really fight through self-doubt and the fear of failure in order to move forward. But when I find myself in those seasons I’ve learned to pause and take a look back at where I’ve come from and that always gives me the motivation to keep going. That’s something I absolutely love about photography. I have physical, tangible proof of my growth as a photographer over the last decade. It’s so humbling and motivating to look back on what I’ve accomplished over the years.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am portrait photographer and I mainly photograph High School/College Seniors and families but I also offer portraits for brides, engaged couples, headshots, maternity etc.
I’d describe my work timeless, bright, and colorful.
I’m most proud of providing timeless memories for people to cherish. I used to struggle with my worth as JUST a portrait photographer. I felt my work was insignificant compared to a wedding photographer. There’s a weight that comes with wedding photography – a day so many dream of when growing up – that just isn’t there with yearly family photos. But a few years ago, a family I had done multiple photoshoots for lost a child unexpectedly. Overnight those seemingly routine annual family photos became that family’s most prized possession.
That experience really shifted my perspective and gave me a mission behind what I do. I don’t take what I do lightly!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
From a photography standpoint, I have benefited so much from education put out by Katelyn James, Amy and Jordan Demos, and Hope Taylor. Their resources have helped me hone my craft, learn how to truly serve my clients, and provide a great client experience from Inquiry to Photo delivery – and beyond!
Honeybook is my Client Relationship Management (CRM) system and I couldn’t run my business without it! It helps me stay organized with amazing workflows and provide a seamless onboarding experience for my clients.
I also love Emily Ley’s resources on how to live a simplified life.
The book “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz has been an amazing resource for me and I would recommend it to anyone who feels a little lost when first starting out in business. Especially if you have no prior business experience. I wish I would have found it years ago!
In life, my husband and I follow many of the principles from Dave Ramsey. His Financial Peace University course helped us become completely debt-free by the age of 30.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurengrimes.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/laurengrimesphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/laurengrimesphotography
Image Credits:
Lauren Grimes Photography
