Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Meyer.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
After graduating from Columbia College in 2006, I began working as a freelance photographer, doing various small shoots for the Redeye newspaper. I also worked in the restaurant industry to help pay bills as a transition from student to professional. A co-worker asked me if I could photograph her wedding that was a couple of months away. Since it was the first wedding I had ever photographed, I agreed to do it as a gift. I fell in love with wedding photography and started focusing on weddings. I built a website that showcased my student work as well as professional work, and started booking other weddings as well as portrait sessions. I made new connections in the wedding photography industry as I assisted other photographers and made some new friends. My second year in business, 2007, I booked 12 weddings!
Now, nearly 13 years later, I am documenting moments and memories for couples and families. Most of my family portrait sessions have come from past wedding couples. It is such an honor and a blessing to watch families grow from behind my camera. In addition to photographing weddings and portraits, I have started to branch out into corporate photography as a professional portrait and branding photographer. I am the main photographer for The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce. I really enjoy helping other small business clients with their photography needs. I enjoy the variety of photography that I create. I am helping people showcase their business and capture moments and memories for couples and families.
Please tell us about your art.
I like to say that I am documenting life’s story for couples and families. I photograph in a natural way, capturing personalities and moments as they are unfolding in front of me. Real smiles, real laughs, real love. Most of my family portrait sessions have come from past wedding couples. It is such a privilege and a blessing to watch families grow from behind my camera over the years. In addition to photographing weddings and portraits, I have started to branch out into corporate photography as a professional portrait (a.k.a. headshot) and branding photographer. Having quality photography is so important for websites and for your online presences/image. I really enjoy helping people with photography for their businesses and helping them grow as well.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Chicago is a wonderful city for photographers, there are a lot of network opportunities. There many small groups and independent photographers that are willing to network with each other. I belong to several Facebook groups for independent photographers that are in the Chicagoland area. We help each other with advice, selling and buying equipment as well as referring work to one another. We also plan for meetups a few times a year, it is really great!! I have made some amazing friends over the years. It is wonderful to have someone to bounce ideas off of. It is also wonderful to have a list of other talented Chicago area photographers on hand. I have heard that other cities are not as friendly within the industry, I cannot even imagine what that would be like.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find my work online at the Laura Meyer Photography website. We also have informative blog posts, feature other talented area wedding vendors and venues. There is also a newsletter you can sign up for that shares helpful tips and tricks for photography and wedding planning. You can always see what is new on Facebook and Instagram. We would love for you to follow us on social media and keep up to date with Laura Meyer Photography and be the first to know of any special opportunities we offer throughout the year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurameyerphotography.com/
- Phone: 16305617043
- Email: laura@laurameyerphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurameyerphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurameyerphoto/
Image Credit:
All images by © Laura Meyer Photography 2018
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