Welcome to my first feature. I am so excited to announce LaurenBPhotography! Lauren is a new Etsy seller and has some of the most amazing photographs I have ever seen! They are taken in the moment and for me offered a feeling of serenity when I look at them. These would be a great piece added to anybody’s collection! I wanted everybody to have a chance to get to know her, so I am doing a feature on her. I encourage everybody to take a moment to read about her and then please visit her store! http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaurenBPhotography.
Where are you from and tell us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in Prescott, AZ. I met my husband in Tucson, AZ, while I was attending school and he was stationed at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. I worked for Starbucks Coffee Company for five years and quit after the birth of our daughter, Addison (we call her Addie). I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to stay at home with my little girl who is now 16 months old. We now live in Spokane, Washington.
Why did you start your Etsy store?
I have been a fan of Etsy for many years. Whenever I buy birthday or Christmas gifts, I always look on Etsy first. It is nice to buy handmade, and what better way to help boost our economy than to buy directly from the maker.
I wanted to become a part of the Etsy community of sellers and I wanted to do what I could to help support my family while doing something that I love. Etsy has given me the opportunity to make money while still being a stay-at-home-mom.
What is your favorite item in your store and why?
It is really hard to answer this question because every image in my Etsy store has a story behind it, I can remember exactly where I was and who I was with, so each photograph has a memory behind it for me. But if I had to choose one item that is my favorite as a photographer, it is the image titled Winding Road http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43640526
What style do you specialize in?
I don’t really specialize in any one particular style of photography. I try to always have an eye out for a good picture, if I see something I like I take it. I do all types of photography – portraits, nature, still life, etc. I try to not limit myself.
Do you prefer digital or film and why?
If you would have ask me this question 5 years ago I would have said film, as that is what I started out doing and love the art of working with film and in a darkroom, but with the changes in the camera and technological world, I have adapted to digital and must say I absolutely love it. The possibilities are endless with digital photography.
What is your experience or background in photography?
I took five photography classes in college, purchased my own darkroom equipment and did a great deal of work/experimenting at home, worked for the professional wedding photographer, Roberto Valenzuela, started my own professional photography business which can be seen at www.laurenbauerphotography.com, and now am selling some of my fine art photography through my Etsy shop.
What is your inspiration for your photos (do you prefer people, animals, scenes, etc)?
Like I said before, if I see it and I think it will be a good photo, I take it. I try to be creative with my approach and from all different angles. I love doing all types of photography.
Do you have plans for expansion?
I will soon be offering notecards with my images printed on them in my Etsy shop. I will sell them individually and in packs and they will all come with matching envelopes. Also, referrals, referrals, referrals, I cannot say it enough. The only way I am going to grow as a business and be successful is to have people refer their friends, families, coworkers, and so on to my shop. I will always be offering the referral discount (15% off purchases to referring customers), and the reward to those who refer new customers (for every customer you refer, you will receive a $5 credit to go towards your future purchases in my Etsy shop.
As for my professional photography business, I have two weddings lined up so far for this year, both of which are in different states, and I hope to do more. I also love photographing high school seniors for their graduation announcements. I think graduating from highschool is such an exciting time in life and is something to be very proud of, I hope to get a chance to take on more senior photo shoots.
For those in the Washington area do you offer personal photo shoots?
Yes, please take a look at my professional photography at www.laurenbauerphotography.com, and please contact me with any questions.
Anything else you would like us to know?
