Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Kellerman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The Grapevine Edit is a recently created Instagram account aimed at promoting everything we love about our city. It’s a way for my new portrait photography studio in historic Downtown Grapevine to connect with the community and tout the town around me. We started with our new neighbors on Main Street, all of which are fellow small businesses. I loved listening to the stories they had to tell, and it’s been fun creating reels for @TheGrapevineEdit that showcase so many unique discoveries right in the heart of DFW. We just made it through the Christmas Capital of Texas season are now having a great time featuring all the new businesses opening in the city.
I’ve been a portrait photographer for more than a decade but recently opened my first brick-and-mortar studio at College Street and Main Street right behind Bull Lion Ranch Winery. We’re open by appointment only and specialize in family, newborn, and senior portraits. I take what’s now considered an old-school approach to photography. Too often, families’ best pictures live in thumb drive thrown in a drawer. Maybe they’re on Facebook with a few comments that the kids will never even see. Laura Kellerman Studio specializes in full-service portrait photography, which means I’m there with you until the artwork is hanging on your walls… offering custom heirloom pieces that will last generations.
My husband and I are both from North Texas, but we’d lived out of state for several years. We were happy to finally return in 2019 and chose to put down roots in Grapevine. Boy was that a great decision! When the pandemic began in our first year of being here, we did everything we could to support local businesses and particularly fell in love with Main Street. I had been looking at various studio spaces for the past couple years, and my heart kept hoping for a spot downtown. As it turned out, 2022 brought the perfect space and the perfect timing for expanding the business and getting involved in our beloved Grapevine.
Alright, 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?
Well, we’re in a historic district, so it took a few months for the sign to go up on the studio!
On a more serious note, it was difficult to try and transition a business from Little Rock, Arkansas to the DFW area even without a global pandemic. The best clientele grows from a strong reputation and referrals, so starting from scratch in late 2019 was challenging. Then there was a period in 2020 where the business essentially went on pause for months. Slowly I was able to get out and connect with people in person and get them in front of my camera. I have some amazing colleagues and clients from the Little Rock area who recommended me to their connections in North Texas. Before you knew it, we were able to build a base of clients and look at expanding into a physical studio.
As a newer portrait photographer to the area, building The Grapevine Edit seemed like a great way to connect with area businesses and community members. We’ve visited dozens businesses across the city, met some really fabulous people, and started to build up a base of followers. Our goal is to keep working to grow the account, partner with local businesses on giveaways, and share some of the work being done at Laura Kellerman Studio with our followers. For now, building community is our number one goal.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Today everybody knows somebody who’s a photographer. There are hundreds and hundreds in DFW. The majority will email you a download and leave the rest up to you. What sets us apart is the full-service aspect of the studio. Not only do we work together to create portraits that you’ll cherish and that reflect your personal style, but I make sure they’re printed to perfection, framed to best match the spot in your home where you want to hang them, and even hang the pictures if needed. I’ve gotten pretty good at gallery wall installations over the years! (For those whose walls are a no-photo zone, my heirloom albums and desktop pieces are big favorites.)
Our goal is to get your portraits in your hands. Not only is it a daily reminder of the love shared in the home, seeing their portraits displayed boosts self-worth and confidence in children. That’s one of the reasons I have a particular love for teens and tweens. It’s a really fun challenge for me to set a scene and evoke an emotion that gets to the core of who they are. I can spot a fake smile from a mile away, and I’m pretty stealthy at making connections that coax out the real deal.
This past summer, I hosted my first-ever camp at the studio. We had three sessions across two weeks and worked with the kids to understand composition, lighting, perspective, etc. The camps ended with a gallery night where their families got to come to the studio and see their amazing work on display! We also worked with the kids to submit their work to the State Fair of Texas creative arts competition. I’m happy to report the group brought home 5 ribbons including one first place!
What makes you happy?
As a Christian, it’s always my goal to serve others and try to love the people around me. I’ve found time and again that when I’m cranky or upset, reaching out and doing an act of love for someone is a quick way to get out of my funk.
Also icing.
Workwise, selection appointments make me happy! There is nothing like presenting a client with their images, watching their reactions, and knowing that I am playing a role in preserving their family’s legacy. I’ve had people in front of my camera who have passed away — both young and old — and knowing that the tiny amount of time I was able to spend with them made a difference in the way they story will be remembered is the ultimate treasure.
Contact Info:
- Website: laurakellerman.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura.kellerman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurakellermanstudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-kellerman-94523077/
- Other: instagram.com/thegrapevineedit
Image Credits
Laura Kellerman
