Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Seewoester Bute.
Laura, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I developed my interest in photography in high school. I remember really loving the chemical smell of the dark room, which is ironic since no one uses a dark room anymore.
After a photojournalism degree and a short stint as a lead photographer/photo editor at a news website, I decided it was time to branch out on my own. I specialize in editorial and travel photography but dabble in a little bit of everything.
Has it been a smooth road?
Making money doing exactly what you want to do has been the biggest struggle. I don’t know how many times people have asked me “Why don’t you take photos of (fill in the blank).” My answer is usually something to the effect of “I hate weddings.” ‘I don’t do children.” “I don’t own a studio.” or “Pets? Really?”
At the same time, you always need a side hustle until you can build enough clientele for the work you’re passionate about. I don’t care if it’s real estate photography or dog walking, as long as it’s somewhat consistent income to help you fill in the blanks during slow seasons. The hardest part is keeping things balanced so the real work you want to do doesn’t feel like the side hustle.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
While I shoot everything, I specialize in environmental portraits and food/product images. Those two disciplines are kind of two different sides of a coin, but that’s what sets me apart. I can look at the big picture when shooting details and food, and look at the details when shooting portraits.
I’m also a minimalist when it comes to equipment. Some photographers prefer to control everything. For me, the more equipment you use the more opportunity there is for that equipment to not work properly. I also find the problem-solving skills needed in available light lead to better images for me personally. There are so many opportunities for fantastic imagery that I would have missed if I rested on artificial light. Evaluating a shoot/situation and shooting it in the best way possible is just part of my process.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, Dallas is a great city to be a photographer. There is a lot of work here across all disciplines within the very large umbrella of photography.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurabutephotography.com
- Phone: 512-417-9288
- Email: laura@laurabutephotography.com
- Instagram: @lbute
Image Credit:
Laura Seewoester Bute
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