We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kendall Lauren. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kendall below.
Kendall, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Deciding to become a photographer for myself was a little more unique compared to the typical reason most go into photography. I was professionally modeling for a few years, and loved it. I loved learning about angles, location, lights, outfit styles, hair choices, makeup- all about how each of these areas can be essential to an amazing photo. It also taught me about the really beautiful candid moments without all of the added extras. The moments of hardship, the in between seconds and minutes where you’re not camera ready but still so unique in yourself to be captured.
I began asking my photographers for tips, offering suggestions and asking to tweak some settings for creative play. I then was gifted a camera on set one day by my photographer. I instantly went to my friends and family- asking them to model for me.
Having experience in front of the camera and knowing how to look for those angles, the slightest tilt, the smallest adjustment before the shutter goes- made me incredibly excited to cultivate images for potential clients. I knew how good it felt to have a professional take my photo and guide me a bit or just encourage me while in front of the camera, and then seeing a great image as the end result. I had a feeling I’d love to do the same but with an added flair of experience. It’s true too, it’s an amazing feeling have a client see a photo of them selves and absolutely light up- telling you they’ve never felt so good, or that they never knew they were photogenic.
Kendall, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Entering photography through modeling was totally unique to me, I did not come across another photographer who chose the same route; and frankly still haven’t to this day! It’s always a fun fact I share with my clients if they start to feel awkward with posing or that they won’t photograph well. I open up about some funny stories on set, funky spots I had to pose in public and some good ice breaker poses from myself (I’m also not afraid to get a little goofy and start jumping around if it helps lighten a nervous mood). Or cracking a bad dad joke or quick witty joke of it’s a more professional setting.
I’m a dreamer, a romantic, driven and I like to joke that I’m basically a comedian yet I can’t even tell a dad joke without ruining the punchline first. Comfort and confidence is key for me to allow my clients to be themselves. For my business it’s not just photos and behind the scenes work, it’s also about the prep work before the camera even comes out. It’s about an experience.
The services I offer today are weddings, elopement’s, engagements, lifestyle and limited events. These services come with my personal expertise from being in their shoes on the other side of the camera. It also comes with a new experience, each session for each client. I guide clients, I encourage clients, I quite literally coach clients specifically catering their goals for the session.
I’m not very traditional or standard with posing- meaning capturing photos that I think will look best for my portfolio. It’s what we agree looks and feels best for my clients. I’m definitely not afraid to show clients a raw image quick if they felt silly trying something new. It also helps taking a few minutes to get to know who’s in front of your camera; hearing the little insecurities or worries and discussing them and finding a way to embrace them- and showing them in a beautiful light.
I like to say I also specialize in capturing in-between moments like a Live Photo, and that privacy is a top priority with me. I’m a pretty private myself, and wedding photos- any photos can be intimate and private to my client(s) and I highly respect that. After all I’m just the artist behind the machine, who’s thankful for my clients in front of it and cherish that.
The main thing I’d love for others to know is that a session/wedding/event with me or my team as your photographer is 100% about you, solely you.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients is word to mouth. It is absolutely incredible how much work I’ve gotten through amazing clients sharing my name and my photos. Networking at events, out in public and weddings would be next. Instagram has also been a huge help- tagging your photographers and vendors is a kind and completely free thing to do that helps their business thrive.
Any advice for managing a team?
Your team is so important. You have to view your business as a whole machine that needs all of the parts to operate smoothly. Appreciation not only when things are good, goes so far. Being supportive, taking care of your role and duties and keeping your morals in place is the most effective thing you can do. When you as the owner or manager of a team do that, your team wants to do that even more so. They feel respected, valued, and their goals will continually align with yours and you can collaborate ideas together and create a support network that’s amazing.
Contact Info:
- Website: Kendalllaurenphotography.com
- Instagram: @Kendalllaurenphotography
- Facebook: @kendalllaurenphoto
Image Credits
Kendall Lauren Photography