Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Kinser.
Hi Laura, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Laura Kinser and I own Kinser Studios. I have been photographing for over 20 years specializing in corporate headshots and events. I started very young with a small pink 110 and would save up my money for film and processing. I would come home an plaster my walls with the 4×6 prints like wallpaper.
I went to school for photography at Hallmark Institute and graduated in 2008. I started my business in Las Vegas that year and havent looked back. I have moved 3 times and started my business over in each city, Now SLC is my home, we love it and are there for the long haul. I have been married for 12 years and have great kiddos that I put to work at the studio every chance I get. I have created a business I love with the best team members and clients I could ask for.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh boy—there have definitely been bumps and bruises along the way. Starting a business is one thing, but having to restart it in two different cities taught me a lot about resilience and rebuilding from the ground up. Just when I started to find my footing in Salt Lake City, the pandemic hit—and in a single day, I had to cancel more business than I had booked the entire previous year.
Beyond the big moments, there are the everyday challenges too. Juggling travel schedules, dealing with delayed flights, dropped cameras, and just trying to keep all the moving pieces in sync. It’s not always glamorous, but every struggle has made me sharper, more adaptable, and more connected to why I love what I do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Kinser Studios is all about helping people show up as the best version of themselves, event if they hate having their photo taken. Whether that’s through branding photography, lifestyle imagery, or coaching other photographers to build businesses they love. I work primarily with entrepreneurs, corporations, and small business owners to create purposeful images that tell their story and elevate their brand.
What I think sets me apart is the experience. I’m not just showing up with a camera—I’m coming in as a partner, helping my clients feel comfortable, confident, and seen. It’s really about connection. I take the time to learn who my clients are and what makes them unique, so we can create visuals that truly reflect that.
In addition to client work, I also teach and mentor other photographers, especially those who are incredibly talented creatively but feel stuck when it comes to the business side of things. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by pricing, marketing, or just figuring out where to start. Helping other photographers gain clarity and confidence in running their business is something I’m really proud of.
At the end of the day, my brand is about authenticity, trust, and creating work that feels real and intentional. Whether I’m behind the camera or behind the scenes helping another creative grow, my goal is always the same: to help people show up with authenticity and confidence.
How do you think about luck?
I love the quote by Seneca, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”
I believe if you put in the work (and I can outwork anyone) that you can do anything you want to do. I also believe in being kind to others as it will come back to you.
Community has also created extra luck as we can all help each other, there is plenty of work out there if your willing to do the work to get there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kinserstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinserstudios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinserstudios
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurakinserphoto/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KinserStudios
- Other: https://kinserstudios.com/corporate-digital-backgrounds/
