Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Hollander.
Hi Laura, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I established my business in 2006 while I was finishing up my BFA in Photography/ Graphic Design from Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, MI. I shot lots of weddings, seniors, families and portraits- learning more with each session and event.
I moved to Houston in 2008 and stayed for six years. My husband and I then moved to Wisconsin and Michigan (where I am from) and we just moved back this past June (2022) with our three kiddos in tow. While in Michigan the last six years I grew my business and started really focusing on family, newborn and senior portrait photography. Being a mom to three kiddos, I feel like I really connect with other moms and can relate to young families.
The last four years, while in Michigan, I shot for a local lifestyle magazine each month which was so much fun, allowing me to connect to a lot of local businesses and families in the area. Although this move has come with a lot of changes, I am so excited to be returning to the South after having moved several times! I’ve grown a lot as an artist and businesswoman. I’ve met and connected with photographers in all different states and realized that I also love to mentor other photographers and help them to serve their clients. My hope is to offer mentoring sessions in the future.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not always been smooth! The biggest hurdle I’ve had to overcome is the frequent moving and restarting and marketing process. My husband jokes that I’m “so good at starting over!” but it is definitely no small feat. I’ve had lulls in business; times that were more restful (having two kids under two was definitely not a season where I pushed myself to be booked out!) I’ve also had seasons so full of busyness with my own family and photography sessions, sparking the passion of shooting families and seniors. The busy seasons fill my creative bucket but there are definitely times of overwhelm that I have had to manage.
I think that everything happens for a reason, and although 2021 was the biggest year LHP has had, now I’m in a slower-moving season, and that can be tough. I’m currently trying to use my time to acclimate my kids before they start a new school, rebrand my business and dig in so that I can serve the families in Montgomery, Conroe and North Houston well in the coming years!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional photographer specializing in family, newborn and senior portrait photography. I’m known for my use of light, bold true-color images, quality emotive family portraits, posed and lifestyle newborn portraits, and modern senior portraits. I am most proud when clients trust me with their memories.
When a client books with me they get location scouting, wardrobe assistance, a seamless booking flow with online payments and contracts. When we meet for the first time, my goal is that they feel comfortable and confident with me. When a client lets me “do my thing” it brings me so much joy to know that people respect and trust my skill, artistic vision, and process. I’m proud and fulfilled when I send out galleries that I know my clients will love and cherish.
My creative vision, strong compositional knowledge, and technical skills set me apart from others. The creative process during sessions comes naturally to me. When faced with challenges- whether equipment or a scenario that I haven’t worked in before, I make sure to research and educate myself beforehand. I have a distinct editing style and use of light that I hope makes my work stand out. I love meeting new families and capturing moments as well as posed portraits. I love movement, color and warm light and capturing the magic of families spending time together.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One fun fact about me is that shortly after moving to Houston the first time, I taught Art in KISD at the high school level for four years!
Pricing:
- Family portraits start at $500
- Senior portraits start at $425
- Newborn portraits start at $525
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurahollanderphoto.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/laurahollanderphoto
- Facebook: facebook.com/laurahollanderphotography
- Other: pinterest.com/laurahollanderp
Image Credits
All images copyright Laura Hollander Photography
