We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laura Grillo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I have always been a visual person and spent my entire life involved in the arts. I learned my skills as a photographer simply because I was passionate about creating art, which drove a relentless pursuit to master the craft. My older brother, who is a highly decorated photographer & videographer, was certainly the person who has taught me the most about the industry. From the very basics of using a camera to the intricacies of editing and ultimately building a business, he’s been my built-in mentor. He’s always encouraged me not just to be good at what I do, but to strive to be GREAT at what I do.

In terms of speeding up the learning process & knowing what I know now, I wish I would have started my journey sooner. However, everything happens when the timing is right. Had I not had the experiences in my past shape who I am today, I may not have the same perspectives when looking through a camera lens or the knowledge of how to scale a business.

The skills most essential as a photographer from an operational standpoint? You need to be good at math. Learning how to properly expose in camera and manipulate settings are one giant mathematical equation. If you get good at that part, you can easily problem solve and adapt to any scenario placed in front of you. But skills from a creative standpoint? You need to learn composition and the ins and outs of editing. If you understand how to frame a subject to tell a story and utilize color theory to enhance that storytelling, you start creating art and building a perspective.

The only obstacle that can stand in your way of learning more, is fear. A trap everyone falls into at one point or another. But you need to be willing to dive into the process without worrying about what everyone else around you is doing. There is so much free information at your fingertips to access, but the only way you learn is to JUST KEEP SHOOTING. Stay inspired, but don’t try and replicate someone else’s work. That will hinder you the most. Stay laser focused on building your skills as a photographer and discover the types of photography you truly enjoy.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

To get to know me a little bit, I grew up outside of Pittsburgh, but currently live in New Jersey with my husband and two incredible daughters. After pursuing my passion to learn the art of photography, I got into the industry simply by taking risks and networking as much as possible with other photographers, vendors & businesses. I immersed myself in education and took on as many opportunities as I could to build a portfolio. I built my business entirely from scratch and have made some really important connections along the way. I’m incredibly proud that I’ve been able to build the business that I have today and have so many people resonate with my art. I truly love what I do and getting the opportunity to travel & share that with the world is a dream.

My focus lies in Editorial style Wedding photography and lifestyle sessions. I use thoughtful composition inspired by fashion, architecture and design while still maintaining the heart of your connection – telling your incredible story through a candid, documentary approach. I’ve been leaning into the world of 35mm film photography as well, which has definitely given an added layer of personalization to my client experience! My photo editing style aims to kind of replicate that classic Fujifilm recipe – gorgeous skin tones, clean, timeless and refined.

I think what sets me apart in a sea of incredible photographers is the client experience. I can tell you, the peers and close industry friends I have all pride themselves on this piece, and I truly believe we connect with the right people who are meant to work with us. But speaking for myself, the majority of my clients become like close friends. As much as it is about creative process, I am there to service my clients – helping with planning, collaborating on inspiration, making sure they’re feeling comfortable and having fun during our shoot, and delivering an incredible product at the end of it all. My goal is to give my clients the high end experience & attention to detail with a laid back feel. Photography should be fun, not overly complicated!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It’s kind of a two-fold question. Having clients truly connect with your art and the ability to give them something they will hold onto and pass on to other generations is a pretty special thing. Photos hold weight in more ways than we probably even realize. But secondly, what’s most rewarding on a personal level is being able to create a life and make a living doing what makes me truly happy. Life is short and the ability to work solely for myself allows me the freedom to have complete control over my business and spend time with the people who matter most – my family.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes! My foreseeable goal is to travel more both domestically and internationally. I’m so inspired by new locations and have that incessant desire to experience working with couples in new places and elevate my art. I’m a coastal girl deep down, so any destination with ocean views, unique history and inspiring architecture is certainly driving that creative journey. But beyond that, in the greater scope of my career, I would love to grow my business to a team of artists I can mentor and help make a name for themselves in the industry. I will forever be learning and evolving, but love seeing others grow and succeed. I’m grateful for where I am in my career and if it weren’t for those who gave me a chance, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I hold onto that feeling and hope to be the person to inspire and help illuminate the next wave of incredible artists for the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: New Re-Launch Coming Soon!
• Instagram: @lauragrillophotography

Image Credits

Laura Grillo Photography