Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Anderson.
Lauren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I fell in love with photography when I was 17 years old during my own senior portrait session. The photographer didn’t just take my picture—she created an experience, made me feel beautiful & ultimately inspired me to serve & love others that same way. With a borrowed camera from my digital photography class, I photographed my first senior session for a friend of mine later that year. A passion was ignited in my soul & I knew I wanted to pursue photography as a career & a means of ministry.
After graduating high school, I studied business administration at Illinois Wesleyan University traveling home often on the weekends for sessions. I photographed everything from families & children to seniors & everything in between. But when it came to weddings, I sort of looked the other way. That is, until May 2012 when I photographed my first wedding—I was hooked. Over the past 6 years, as I have grown & changed, so has my business.
Where I was once portrait-focused, I now devote my Saturdays to photographing weddings alongside my husband & second shooter, Ryan. We often find ourselves humbled by the opportunity to share in one of the biggest days of our couples’ lives. Just when we thought we couldn’t be more blessed, 18 months ago we welcomed our son, Jethro (Jet for short) into the world. I absolutely adore what I do, but my business will always come second my calling as a wife, mother & daughter of the King.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think if the road had been smooth, I might have never been forced to grow. One of the biggest hurdles I’ve had to overcome is the voices inside my own head. You know, the one that shouts, “You’re not good enough!” when you’re struggling to book another wedding or the one that whispers, “You can’t grow a successful business.” when you look at your bank account.
Working from home & for yourself can certainly have its perks, but it is also very lonely & mentally demanding. I honestly don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t sought out other photographers in my area to “yoke up” with. We encourage & inspire one another, create space for dreaming, & simply walk through the ups & downs of business ownership together. It has been so beautiful to see the fruits that have resulted from embracing the whole movement of the community over competition.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lauren Anderson Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Weddings & engagements are the heartbeat of my business. I love all things “love” &, over the years, I have found that zeroing in on what brings me the most life ultimately makes me a better business owner. I am a big fan of the light & airy feel in images & if I can somehow sprinkle in a little bit of light pink, my favorite color, we’re golden! In the most humble way, I believe that I am what sets my business apart from others & I try to embrace this truth in the way I love & serve my couples.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Besides winning the lottery, buying a nice house on a lake, & meeting Paul Rudd, I’m not too sure of what the future holds… & that sort of excites me. Lately, I have felt a tug toward teaching—not to the masses, but to a few. I have really developed a heart for people who are passionate about what they do & I think there is a lot we can learn from one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://laurenandersonphotography.com
- Email: hello@laurenandersonphotography.com
- Instagram: lauren_anderson__
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenandersonphoto/
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