Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Jaramillo.
Lauren, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started Imagine Lauren Photography in 2015 in memory of my Nana (grandma), Tomasita Sims, right after she passed away unexpectedly in August. The only grandparent I have ever grown to know on this earth. I had very few photos taken with her and only a few to look back on. This hurt my heart beyond measures and now, I always make it a point to take photos with my mom any chance that I get because you never know when your last day on earth will be. My Nana would be so happy to see what I’ve done with this small business of mine.
During my junior year at Trinity University, I started taking photos of friends that were graduating that year. As I took that first shot with a huge smile on my face, I knew that this was going to bring me so much joy in the near future. I have gotten the chance to experience first birthdays, engagements (live is the best), quinceñeras, the love of families and so much more! By the end of each session, my smile is just as tired as everyone else’s! It’s so much fun! Five years later and I enjoy it just as much as I did in the very beginning, if not more!
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road and it can still be a little rocky every now and then. Here’s where the quote, “you live and you learn” comes into play:
When I first started booking sessions with clients, I would not ask for any kind of deposit. I trusted them with my time and energy and several people failed me time and time and again. I would confirm with them a day or so before, and then, I’d drive to the location to be “stood up” as the client never showed up for their session and never replied to my messages giving me an explanation why. I’ve had people cancel on me the very last minute, people show up extremely late to sessions or people just not showing up at all after confirming that they’d be there. This was a huge disappointment and a waste of my time and money.
Lesson learned/The cold, hard truth: Always, always, always ask for deposits. Do not trust anyone with your time or your money. Do not assume that people will respect your time because they won’t. They do not care about anyone but themselves. You have to have rules and policies in place or else you will continue to get taken advantage of. You can still be nice while being strict with how you run your business. I’m still learning this… 🙂
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Imagine Lauren Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in several areas of photography:
– Maternity
– Labor and Delivery
– Cakesmash (First Birthday)
– Family Session
– Engagement
– Graduation
– Events: Weddings, Quinceñeras, Baby Shower, etc.
I’m well known for my prices! I strongly believe that photo sessions should be very affordable which is why my sessions are so low in cost in comparison to most. Memories should not cost your entire savings. I love what I do and being able to capture these shots for my clients is way more than I could ever ask for. My clients are the reason I love doing what I do and I cannot thank them enough!
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back! The possibilities and opportunities for women are endless. As long as you have the right mindset, you can do anything!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imaginelaurenphotography.com
- Phone: 8326750552
- Email: imaginelaurenphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imaginelaurenphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imaginelaurenphotography/
Image Credit:
Imagine Lauren Photography
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