We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Holmes and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lauren, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Relocating to Colorado from Columbus, Ohio 5 years ago was a huge decision that has contributed to my success both professionally and personally. I do occasionally shoot some in-home newborn photography sessions but the majority of my shoots are outdoors. The natural landscapes we have here in Colorado are a major component of what makes my images so beautiful. Connecting with other Coloradans and celebrating special moments in their lives while taking in mountain and red rock views is really what fuels my passion.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
There are about a million portrait photographers on the front range of Colorado you could choose from. What sets me apart is my personality, there is only one me. My clients and friends tell me that they have fun during our sessions and don’t feel stressed out by overly complicated posing or ‘getting yelled at’ (true story, some of my clients had a horrible photography experience during their wedding of all days and were so relieved by how laid back my approach is). I understand that everyone is super busy and my clients are fitting their session into a busy evening or weekend so we should just jump right in, have a few laughs and get some great images. It doesn’t need to be a huge ordeal. It has not been easy, especially with photographing young children. I have a toddler myself so I know first hand that they can be extremely wild. I like to focus on the kids during the session and have zero embarrassment of how goofy I come off at times. Photography is definitely an art and I love the creative aspect of it but at the end of the day I am providing a service to my clients and your satisfaction with how you are treated is absolutely critical.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I rarely venture into Denver so when friends come to visit me we head straight for a higher altitude. If we want to stay somewhat local we can head to a hike at Reynolds Park, enjoy the amazing vistas at the top and then head over to Mac Nation for some delicious mac and cheese and a bloody mary (yes, I love a good bloody mary any time of day).
If we had a lot of time and money there is no question we would road trip it the 6+ hours to my favorite place, Telluride. Hike to bridal veil falls and head back in town for some delicious food and drinks at Smuggler’s Union.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Self doubt, imposter syndrome and fear can cripple creativity and entrepenuership. I would not be where I am today, running a successful portrait photography business, if it were not for the encouragement and support of my husband. I was always taking photos and having so much fun with it and as we went through major milestones that called for a photographer (eloping in Telluride, having a baby) I would casually mention that I would love to do photography for other people instead of just our family. My husband and friends encouraged me and I’m so glad they did because it has really been so fulfilling to connect with people during special times in their lives as well as the entire process to create their images.
Website: https://www.laurenholmesphotography.com
Instagram: @laurenholmesphoto
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenholmesphotography
Other: lauren@laurenholmesphotography.com
Image Credits
All credit to Lauren Holmes Photography