Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Lawson.
Lauren, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a Tulsa native and my story starts there. My husband and I both graduated from a small town in Oklahoma and started dating shortly after college. I was a teacher when we met and I loved my job. I went on to get a master’s degree in counseling. Shortly after we got married, I got pregnant with our first child. The pregnancy and birth were uneventful, but around five weeks old our son, Ben, grew very sick. He was admitted to a local hospital where we learned that he had an extremely rare form of liver disease and he would need an eventful transplant. It didn’t take long for us to realize that I could no longer work a full-time job outside of the home and that we would need to move closer to Children’s Health in Dallas where he was followed by the GI and transplant team.
During all of this, I had the time and the inspiration to channel into my hobby and love of photography. What was just photographing my son turned into paying jobs. My son had a transplant in 2015 and has been much healthier as a result. He is now a thriving kindergartner and has a little sister who adores him as much as his daddy and I do.
My photography business is also thriving which has been a tremendous blessing to our family. I truly believe my experiences with my son and my background in teaching and counseling make me a better photographer. I appreciate the normalcy of life that others may overlook.
What are crumbs to sweep on the floor are remnants of success to me as Ben was tube fed his entire life until he received a transplant. A messy face and a messy kitchen make my heart soar! I hope to capture all the little things that make a family who they are. Tiny new baby toes, chubby toddler hands tugging momma’s shirt, the way a groom looks at his soon to be wife for the first time. These moments are ripples in time and the reason I love my job so much. I hope to spend the rest of my life chasing these moments and freezing them in time both for my family and many other DFW families.
Has it been a smooth road?
I can’t imagine the beginning of any small business can be void of struggles. I do clearly remember feeling like I was gaining momentum in building a clientele in the DFW area when Ben suddenly became very ill and was admitted to ICU. I had to cancel many sessions and give my clients to other photographers. I waited a long time before jumping back in and I had to start all other again.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Lauren Lawson Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a natural light inspired, lifestyle photographer. In short, that means you won’t find me in a studio surrounded by lights and backdrops. I like to be in the environment. I love to photograph in beautiful parks and urban areas, but I also love to be where real life takes places for families…in their home. Whether they are decorating a Christmas tree, snuggling a brand-new baby, or having a tea party with their toddler I want to be there to photograph those moments! Some photographers specialize in a specific area, like newborns, but I love to photograph every season of life. I enjoy the variety and it keeps my job exciting. I may go from photographing a rustic, country wedding to a cake smash for a one-year old, ornery little boy to capturing a stunning senior all in one weekend! I love that constant change of pace!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think photography is constantly evolving. I feel like the current trend is moving away from the sitting, posed portraits to the more lifestyle look. Technology will continue to advance making it easier for everyone to take great photos. However, what will remain to set apart the great photographers from those with just some great equipment are the ones who can find beauty in the ordinary.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurenlawsondfw.com
- Phone: 918-637-5773
- Email: laurenlawsonphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://www.instragram.com/laurenlawsonphotography
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laurenlawsonphotography
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