Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Holmes.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Since the 11th grade, I always wanted a camera. I didn’t know what type, I just knew I wanted to record my family’s events. When I was 24, I finally bought one—a Nikon D5200, though, by this time, my interest had shifted—and decided to focus on recording entertainment, specifically musical artists. See, I was a West Coast hip hop head. I spent all my money on old school concerts like Warren G, Kurupt, and DJ Quik. I’d try to convince the bouncers and event managers to let me in so I could record. Most times, they’d say yes. Every time I had my camera, random people would yell out, “Hey, what’s up with that photo shoot?”. This quickly turned into, “Hey, how much you charge for music videos?”. Los Angeles is oversaturated with dream chasers; everyone is an actor, comedian, singer, poet, etc. Because of this, it was easy to find people to work with early on, even though I wasn’t very good.
In 2014, I rekindled a relationship with a former boyfriend from college, who I met back in 2007 while attending Alcorn State University. He was moving to Houston for work so after I graduated from Cal State Northridge in 2015, I moved with him. He’s a rapper so I was able to practice on him and hone my skills. Now I’m a freelance videographer and photographer with a couple of celebrity clients under my belt.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve definitely encountered some challenges. If this was easy, I think everyone would quit their job and snap pictures for a living. The hardest part, for me, was committing myself financially to buy my equipment. I’ve spent a lot of money just experimenting with camera gear. I was either renting equipment or buying something that I eventually realized wasn’t right for me. Everyone’s preferences are different and this kind of trial and error is all a part of the game; it just sucks that it costs so much money to figure things out. One time, I bought a lens for $500, just to find out it wasn’t at all what I needed. I have a lot of random knick-knacks lying around the house. Most, I haven’t touched in years, if at all. Another struggle I found myself grappling with was completely committing my time to develop my craft. Passion isn’t enough. If you’re serious about your dream, you have to decide how important sleep is and how much of it you’ll sacrifice to follow through on your vision.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Rarepm – what should we know?
Rare Publishing and Media is a digital media solutions company. I specialize in photography and videography and work with clients on a range of projects. From snapping company headshots to shooting and editing footage for a sweet sixteen—and everything in between—my services have helped clients capture and preserve those rare moments in life.
Nowadays, my clients are frequently requesting me to capture behind the scenes images. This is my biggest money maker and has become a staple in my business, recently. You have to be very creative when working these types of projects, and I pride myself on having the ability to transform and control the narrative of an event. Making dull events look like the party of the year is a real skill, and I pride myself on that. Photography and videography are all about angles. Aside from skill, one of the biggest differences between me and most photographers and videographers is that I care enough to go out my way to capture those angles. I pull up to a lot of events where there are literally only five people in the building; you can’t tell by the videos I create, though.
It’s a challenge but I love the reaction I get from my clients after they view the footage. I truly care about the product end products my clients receive. I’m not the “I don’t care, I got my money”, visual artist. That brand of photographer is the reason this field is oversaturated. Entry-level DSLRs have become very affordable, so more and more people are running around snapping pictures and labeling themselves as professionals without studying or practicing the craft. My colleagues and I often joke about how most of these photos look like they were captured on a Samsung flip phone.
I take my craft seriously. As an active member of the American Society of Media Photographers, I’m always educating myself through workshops and connecting with others. I’m in this for the long run, not a quick payday. Every day is an opportunity for growth and improvement. With that said, as long as you dedicate yourself to your own personal growth and development, it doesn’t matter what skill level you’re at; you’ll get there.
I love what I do and enjoying the growing process. You can see it in my work because each project I take on is better than the last.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have a very strong support system. Since the day I picked up my camera my boyfriend has been my biggest supporter. I go through phases where I doubt myself but for some reason, he thinks I’m invincible and keeps me motivated with positive reinforcement. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive partner. Much of my early success can be credited to Eli Hicks (@photomunkii on Instagram). He is a Los Angeles based photographer who, even to this day, lets me pick his brain about the mechanics of lighting and what lenses to buy. I met Jamaal Lanthan (@JamaalLanthanPhotography on Instagram) at a gig in 2018 and since then he has pulled me into his creative family. Because of Jamaal, I’ve worked with three celebrity clients. I can’t thank him enough. My family has never questioned my dreams or never expressed concern or doubt. Everyone is so supportive that if I stopped doing photography, they would probably think that something was wrong with me.
Pricing:
- Photography – $60/ hr
- Event/ BTS Videography – $60/hr (2 hr minimum)
- Music Video – $300
- Video editing – $35 / hr
- Photo edits – $5
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rarepm.com
- Phone: 3235965660
- Instagram: @rarepm
- Facebook: @rarepm
- Twitter: @rarepm
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
