After attending Webinars this week + reading through a couple successful photographer’s blogs I realized there was a huge part missing from my blogging experience. That part is me. The personal side to my business that I seem to have kept under wraps for the past three years. Yes, I have the about me section but how much can you truly learn about your photographer by reading that? Not very much in my opinion. There is always something going on in my business life that I forget to take a moment and cherish the small things happening daily. I want my clients to feel like they are a part of my life + already know what is going on just by following my updates through this blog. I want this blog to be more than just a blog, but rather a part of the Lauren Myers Photography experience. So, with that said, I need to start somewhere so I will start with who is who. Many of you already know me but for anyone who is just stopping by or is interested in telling their love story through me…

Hello, I’m Lauren!

As the Owner + Head Photographer of Lauren Myers Photography I have found no greater joy in my life than pursuing Wedding + Lifestyle Photography. Growing up in the beautiful country-side of Northern Maryland I learned at a young age that photography allows me to express myself creatively without saying a word. (I’m a pretty shy gal) After attending 5 years of Art school I started working for a “portrait studio” where I was going to be photographing school portraits for kindergarden- fifth grade. After my first week of training, I decided that wasn’t the path I was meant to be on. (ps I have a brand new RESPECT for teachers- kids are a lot of work, especially trying to get them to smile!) So, here I am, waitressing + confused about what to do with my life. Did I waste 5 years of my life studying art to graduate and not love it anymore? It wasn’t that I didn’t love art anymore, it was that my creativity was being so limited I lost site of what I truly had always wanted to do with my life. Capture Weddings.

When I attended Maryland Institute College of Art I KNEW in my heart I wanted to be a wedding photographer. At MICA we took 6 hour studio courses + would have critiques weekly. I kept getting remarks that my work was “too commercial” and to them, that was an insult. To me, it was exactly what I wanted to hear- I wanted to be a commercial artist with a Fine Art Photography background. I wanted to create breath-taking wedding photos and make a living doing it. So at the age of 21, as I’m making an OK living waitressing at a local Greene Turtle, I decided it wasn’t enough for me anymore. And that’s when Lauren Myers Photography took flight! This year marks my third full year with this company + my second FULL year capturing weddings as my full time job! I can’t even put into words how amazing/ crazy/ exciting/ overwhelming the past few years have been. There were moments I wasn’t sure if I could keep up with the fast-paced life a wedding photographer has- no free weekends, editing during the week, updating galleries, blogging, marketing, branding, designing packaging, buying new products- it can be very overwhelming. I’ve spent long nights alone in my office crying from the stress of owing my own business at 24. There are always the same things that remind me why I chose this career path- its the love between people two people, capturing the moments, giving them a piece of you + your heart through your work. It makes it all worth it. I tear up still at every ceremony + every daddy/daughter dance. I can’t help it. Its those moments that I capture that people will remember forever, and it makes me love my job that much more.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (Above)

When I have free time I also love (LOVE) working out and being a die hard foodie. I love the challenge of pushing my body to the limits to see how many miles I can bike without collapsing or how much weight I can leg press. It may seem silly to some people but its a part of my journey through learning how to enjoy being me & loving every part. On the complete other spectrum I love to cook. I love experimenting with food + transforming “comfort foods” into healthier options that are just as tasty! Wine is also a necessity in our household, I mean, its all about the pairings… right? Speaking of wine, I can thank my mother, Stephanie, for introducing me to the beauty of wine. She always made it very simple to me wine > beer, any day. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a nice cold beer but wine is so…. relaxing. Anyways, I’m getting off track

Meet Stephanie!

Stephanie is my mother + assistant! We are a powerful-duo who gets things accomplished in a timely manner! My mother is a full-time real estate agent, part-time assistant, and full-time lover of God. She has the sweetest heart! Anyone who has had me as their photographer KNOWS “Mama Steph” is there + ready to help, always looking for that piece of hair thats covering my brides eyes or collecting the drunk groomsmen (Trust me, for a Godly woman, she can handle her own with those guys! Haha) She’s always been such a huge part of Lauren Myers Photography, the biggest support system I have! Whenever I make a decision regarding my business she is the first one whose advice I seek out. You will definitely LOVE her!!! (Did I mention she is also one of CAROLL’S BEST!! Like Mama, like daughte)

now for some love….

Meet Edward!

Eddie + I have been together for almost 4 years now (I can’t even believe its been that long- time does fly!) He has been by my side through everything with starting this business! At the end of the day you just want to spend your time with someone who brightens your day & Eddie is definitely my person. He has the kindest heart, keeps me constantly laughing & encourages me to not take life so seriously. The past 4 years we have been through a lot together (college, starting a business, moving in together, traveling, adopting our “babies”, and so on) I couldn’t imagine anyone else to share this life with. Although he only assists me when I really need help, he helps make big decisions when it comes to Lauren Myers Photography- from pricing, to marketing, to branding & beyond. He’s everything + more to me <3

 

Last but not least… Just for fun, meet my “babies”

Tanner + Tyson

Tanner (left) is a soon-to-be one year old kitten we adopted last year!  From the moment I saw a picture of him as a peach little fur ball that could fit in the palm of your hand I knew I was in love. I grew up strictly a dog-lover until Tanner came into my life + now, yes, I’m the crazy cat lady who always takes Snapchats of her cat doing normal, cute things. I can’t help it. He’s my baby & I’m obsessed with him! I mean, the second I leave the room he starts crying and looking for me… HOW COULD I NOT LOVE HIM TO PIECES!!

Tyson (right) is our 5 year old playful boxer Eddie adopted a couple years ago! When he is not out running around the neighborhood, he is sleeping away either by the front door or on the couches. He has NEVER barked since we have owned him (we even encourage him to bark & nothing!). Its nice though having a quite house when I’m working, since I grew up with 5 loud yorkies running around! He LOVES visitors & gets so excited when people come over he does a little dance.. He’s a ladies man, thats for sure!

Hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about the more personal side of Lauren Myers Photography! Stay tuned for blog posts about my amazingly talented + gorgeous second shooters (Katie V, Katie M, Brianna & Karen)

Happy Monday!