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

Laura, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

As a business owner, I do take vacations, often more than once a year. However, I always travel with my computer and agenda, ready to book new clients, respond to emails, and finish photo editing or selection. I’m fortunate to have a job that allows me to work from anywhere in the world. My vacations can range from a month-long staycation in the winter to a few days here and there, or longer trips back to my family in Italy. No matter where I am, I’m always ready to work a bit every day.
My advice for entrepreneurs are:
1 – to schedule your vacations during slower periods in your business,
2 – designate specific times when you will check and respond to emails,
3 – try scheduling social media posts,
Remember that taking time off is essential for your well-being. Stepping away from your business can help you recharge, gain new perspectives and ideas, and return with renewed energy and creativity.

Laura, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello! I’m Laura Mariani, the owner of Laura Mariani Photography. With over 10 years of experience in the photography industry, my journey began in the beautiful landscapes of Italy, where I specialized in capturing the elegance and timelessness of weddings. After moving to Colorado, I expanded my expertise to include a variety of portrait sessions, including maternity, lifestyle newborn, family, senior, and engagement photos.

I am passionate about bringing my clients’ visions and desires to life. Each session is customized to reflect their unique personalities and stories. Whether it’s a wedding or a portrait session, my goal is to make my clients feel comfortable and to capture their true essence with a timeless elegant style.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to capture and immortalize the unique essence of each individual and special moment.
There is an immense joy in seeing the reactions of my clients when they receive their photos and realize how beautifully their stories, emotions, and personalities have been documented.
It’s amazing to know that something I have created will be part of someone else life forever. It’s fulfilling.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In the early days of my photography career, I primarily focused on wedding photography in Italy. I built my reputation by capturing the beauty and emotions of couples on their special day. However, when I moved to Colorado, I faced a new set of challenges. The market was different, and I needed to establish myself all over again in a new environment.

This significant change prompted me to pivot my business approach. Recognizing the diverse opportunities in Colorado, I decided to expand my services beyond weddings. I began offering portrait sessions, including maternity, family, senior, and engagement photos. This decision required me to adapt my skills and marketing strategies to attract a broader clientele.

Additionally, I recognized the growing demand for professional headshots and personal branding photography. To cater to this need, I invested in creating my own studio space, where I could control lighting and provide a comfortable environment for my clients.

This pivot not only diversified my portfolio but also allowed me to tap into new markets and grow my business in ways I hadn’t initially imagined. Embracing this change and expanding my services proved to be a rewarding decision. It taught me the importance of flexibility, continuous learning, and staying attuned to market demands.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lauramarianiphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramarianiphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraMarianiPhotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-mariani-b1471366/
• Other: Wedding Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/lauramweddingphotography/
  Wedding Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/LauraMWeddingPhotography/

Image Credits

My Headshots: PH Sanket
The other images are from my portfolio: Laura Mariani Photography