Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Labra.
Hi Lauren, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I never would have thought that photography would have really been the creative avenue I would pursue. I’ve always loved taking pictures and I’ve always been drawn to photographers and their work but never, in a million years, did I think I could do what they did. I really knew I loved it after I borrowed my brother-in-law’s camera for a trip to the beach about two years ago. I wanted cute pictures of my husband and my son on the beach and sometimes phones just don’t cut it. So, I decided to give it a try and I have been in love ever since. After I started borrowing the camera for little things until I was able to get my own. I started taking photos of our church services and I did my first real photoshoot in July of 2020. My very dear friend had been accepted to a Respiratory Therapy program and she wanted to take some photos to celebrate her achievement. Then, I did my very first proposal in September of 2020 for the same brother-in-law and his beautiful now wife. Yes, the same brother-in-law whose camera got me hooked on photography in the first place! Talk about full circle moments. After those sessions, I just knew that I could really do this if I put my mind to it. So I did! With the support of my amazing husband, I was able to get my own equipment and get this thing started! I owe so much to him, he is my biggest supporter and my rock. I love you baby.
I started Lauren Labra Photography in February of 2021. I think being a small business owner is kind of in my blood. My grandparents owned and operated a western wear store in Richland, Mississippi for 30 years. My parents currently own their own contracting company, The San Gabriel Group, LLC. My sister is a freelance graphic designer running her own business, Nicole Lethin, since 2018 – she also designed all my branding for me. She’s brilliant at what she does and has been a pillar of support for me. And several other family members with their own businesses. Now me, with my photography business. So, I think it’s safe to say it runs in the family.
I do still have a full-time job, two if you count being a mom. But having the opportunity to do photography as a side-hustle has been so much fun. I haven’t been open long but it has been a wonderful learning experience. With every session, I learn something new. It has been so much fun up to this point and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.
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?
I don’t think that any new business starts on a smooth road. That has definitely been the case for me. Like I said, I am still a new business, not even a year old so there are plenty of learning curves, disappointments and challenges. However, I know that everything is designed and strategically orchestrated by God and He allows me to go through the trying times so that I can become better for having experienced the “downs”. If life were all “ups” there wouldn’t be very many lessons learned, I think. If I keep Him first, he will continue to guide me down the correct path.
My struggles have mainly been just getting my name out there; getting people to see my work. When I first started, I did several model shoots just to build my portfolio and get my name out there but it has still been a challenge. I am surrounded by supportive friends and family who refer me and mention me as often as they can, and that is appreciated more than they know.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a freelance lifestyle photographer. I specialize mostly in families and children. However, I don’t stop there; I also do parties, engagements, seniors and portraits. I strive for authentic, genuine photos. When I’m photographing children, I see it the most. Kids are honest and their little faces and actions will let you know exactly how they are feeling in that moment. I think I am the most proud of my growth from the beginning until now. Just the other day, I did a side-by-aide comparison of one of my very first photos and a photo I took just the other day of the exact same clients- which is already super cool- and I was blown away. I had never really compared my current work to the beginning because I didn’t think there could possibly be that much difference I such a short time. But wow! It really showed me that I can do this and that I am learning. I realized that day that I shouldn’t ever doubt myself or my abilities. God gave me the talents I possess – they are there for me to use for His Glory, not mine. I am proud of the fact that if I can continue to grow and learn, I will turn this business into something really special to be able to further support my family.
Pricing:
- Mini Sessions – 30 min, 20 images, $100.
- Standard Session – 60 min, 30 images, $150
- Extended Session – 90min, 40 images, $175
- Engagements – 90 mins, 50 images, $250
- Parties & Events – $250 for up to 5hrs. $20/hr for each additional hour.
Contact Info:
- Email: laurenlabraphoto@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/laurenlabraphoto
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren.labra.photo/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Lauren-Labra-Photography-102235298683725
Image Credits:
Main photo (of me) – Gabrielle Silva Photography The remaining 9 photos- Lauren Labra Photography
