Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Wattenburg
Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey with photography is a family story. For as long as I can remember, wherever my grandpa goes, a camera goes with him. He gifted me my first full-frame camera, and so my story began.
I trained in dance my entire life, and I continued performing during and after college. Back in 2022 I was in a professional ballet company and I offered to take dance photos for my fellow company members for free. I remember picking up my camera and thinking, “Let’s just see if I can create anything good with this.” I fell in love instantly. Taking photos felt intuitive for me, even before I fully understood the science behind what I was doing. From there I continued to seek out opportunities and I started photographing a wide variety of content and subjects. Fast forward 2 years and I have started my own business and I feel incredibly fortunate every single day that this is my job!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall the last few years have been filled with learning, growth, and anticipation. However, they certainly haven’t always been smooth. Taking a chance on myself by starting my own business was terrifying, but also seemed like the only right option for me. There have been days of doubt, questioning, mistakes, and wondering if I made the right judgement call. But then I do a photoshoot and those concerns go flying out the window. I know when I leave a photoshoot with a full heart and smile on my face that I made the right call…and that I am willing to put in the work to see this dream through.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am primarily a portrait photographer – I find so much joy in capturing people’s genuine individuality. I once had a friend and client tell me, “You have a special eye for the soul, Lauren,” and that has to be the most incredible compliment I have ever received as a photographer. My hope is that my clients will love the version of themselves that they see in their photographs. As a lifelong dancer, I also love getting to work with other dancers and creatives. Dance photography is where my career began, and it always feels like home. There is hardly anything more rewarding than when a dancer looks at a photo of themselves and has an “Is that me?!” reaction.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Good luck has played such a central role in my life and business. Every day I consider myself to be SUCH a lucky person. I never anticipated being a photographer or even having my own business, but here we are.
I am beyond lucky for my grandfather who created the initial spark of interest in photography for me. There is no way that I would have this career without him. I am lucky for my family and friends who always support me going on the path less traveled. I am lucky that all the things that I thought I wanted to work out didn’t. I am lucky that I was in a position in life to have the freedom and support to take the risk and start a business. I firmly believe that luck got me here, and now it’s my responsibility to do the hard work to continue making this career a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurenwattenburgphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenwattenburg_photo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555331107072
