Meet Laura Hartmann | Photographer & Wedding Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Hartmann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
This may sound cheesy, but I think the saying that your purpose will find you is true. I had been creating videos for years as a hobby, but filming a wedding for the first time changed everything. A friend of mine reached out to me asking if I would create a video for a wedding happening in two weeks, because the bride’s family was from Russia and was unable to get a flight to the US. After creating that video, members of the bride’s family reached out to me with such kind messages, thanking me for allowing them to feel like they were at the wedding too. Reading those messages made me realize the impact videography and photography can have on someone, and I knew I wanted to create a business so I could keep sharing that impact with others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My primary artistic focus is crafting timeless wedding films. I want each film that I create to feel like an authentic representation of the couples I capture, whether that means a quirky mountain elopement with pizza, or a traditional wedding day. It’s such an honor to be a small part of so many special days, and I love knowing that the videos I create will be a family heirloom!

As I keep learning and growing as an artist, I’m excited to expand my creative boundaries. I’d love to take on more conceptual photo sessions, or collaborate with other artists. It’s easy to keep making the same type of art, but I find that I get the most inspiration after taking on a project that I’ve never done before.

I’m so grateful to be able to create art full time, because the path to getting to this point wasn’t necessarily a smooth one. I remember being riddled with anxiety and imposter syndrome whenever I would share my latest projects. Honestly, I still have days where I get caught in the trap of comparison, but thankfully, those days are becoming less and less frequent. I think the largest aspect of working through those feelings and becoming successful at any form of art is to just keep creating. Take photos on the days when it feels like there’s nothing interesting to photograph. Post that video you’ve been working on, even if you can’t stop comparing your work to other great videographers. I’ve been lucky enough to capture nearly 100 weddings at this point, and the consistency of creating has not only expanded my technical skills and confidence, but also grown my business through word-of-mouth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado is filled with so many of my favorite places, but I absolutely adore the entire Colorado Springs area. I don’t think you could miss with taking your friends to Garden of the Gods! I love that so much of the park is easily accessible for those who aren’t advanced hikers, and the view is unmatched. After working up an appetite, I’d take everyone to Paravicini’s Italian Bistro. The food is heavenly and last time I was there, the waiter even suggested the best wines to pair with our meals. Another one of my favorite places in Colorado is Great Sand Dunes National Park. I could quite literally just stare at the views all day. I love how the view changes as you hike up the dunes, and boarding down the sand is definitely on my bucket list! The last place that is an absolute “must-do” is a visit to 11 Mile State Park. I’d say that has to be the most peaceful place I’ve ever been, and I also don’t hear it mentioned as often as it deserves.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my husband, Caleb. Without his constant help and encouragement, I don’t think I would’ve ever been able to create or grow my business.

Website: laurahartmannfilms.com

Instagram: laurahartmannfilms

Facebook: Laura Hartmann Films LLC