Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauren Bodwell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later?

Growing up I had a lot of passion for photography and were eager to pursue it as a career, having no idea at the time I could work for myself and make it a viable business. I also felt some uncertainty and doubt about my abilities and experience. I felt hesitant because I didn’t feel qualified or have a clue how to run a business.

Looking back, knowing what I know now, I would 100% have started my photography business sooner, or at least continued with my love of photography. There were years where I didn’t pick up a camera and had stopped being creative to focus on school and work. Starting earlier could have given me more time to learn and grow, as well as build my creative voice and a place in the industry.

When I started my business back in 2014, I was a new mom and the challenges of that did hold me back, but it also sparked a new side of creativity and discipline in me that I never knew existed. Despite the challenges, starting my business at that time was one of the best decisions I ever made. It allowed me to pursue my passion for photography while also being able to spend more time with my family. Being a new mom pushed me to work harder and be more efficient with my time, and it gave me a new perspective on life and my work.

Ultimately, it’s impossible to know for sure how things would have turned out if I had started my business at a different time. I am grateful for the challenges and opportunities that motherhood brought to my business journey, and I believe it has made me a stronger and more resilient entrepreneur.build and I get to define success in a different way now. My advice would be that it’s important to trust your instincts and pursue your passions, even if it feels scary or uncertain at first because you never know what will come out of it.

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.

My name is Lauren Bodwell and I started Lauren Bodwell Photography back in 2014. I was a new mom and had quit my job to stay home with her, not knowing what my next steps were going to be. In 2011, my husband had purchased a DSLR camera in hopes to capture some fun photos on our honeymoon and that sparked my interested back into the world of photography again.

I truly started to fall back in love with the craft and decided I could pursue this as a career. I shot just about anything and everything; families, weddings, newborns, etc… but over time and a big nudge from a friend, I discovered my passion for portrait, branding and event photography. I realized that I loved helping entrepreneurs and business owners capture their unique personalities and brand identities through compelling visual storytelling. I specialize in working with small businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives to create stunning visual content for their websites, social media, and marketing materials.

One of the things that sets me apart from others in my field is my ability to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for my clients. I understand that being in front of the camera can be nerve-wracking, so I make it my mission to put my clients at ease and create a fun and relaxed environment. I believe that this not only helps my clients feel more confident and comfortable during their sessions, but it also results in more authentic and natural-looking photographs.

I am most proud of the relationships I have built with my clients over the years. I have had the privilege of working with some amazing individuals and businesses, and it brings me great joy to see them succeed and grow. I love being able to help my clients tell their stories and showcase their unique personalities and talents through my photography.

If you’re considering working with me, I want you to know that I am committed to creating stunning visual content that truly captures your essence and tells your story in a compelling and authentic way. I am passionate about what I do and I believe that shines through in my work.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

There are so many lessons you learn along the way when you go out and start a business, more than you initial think.

One lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that success is solely based on working hard and achieving specific milestones. Growing up, I was always taught that if you work hard enough and check off all the “right” boxes, you will be successful. While hard work is certainly important, I have come to realize that success is not a one-size-fits-all formula.

For a long time, I struggled with imposter syndrome and felt like I wasn’t truly successful unless I was achieving certain external markers of success, like making a certain amount of money or having a certain number of clients, or even new stresses like having enough likes or followers on social media.. It wasn’t until I started focusing on my own personal growth and inner fulfillment that I began to understand that success is a deeply personal and individual concept.

I had to unlearn the idea that success is something that can’t be measured by external markers, and instead learn to define success on my own terms. This has allowed me to let go of comparison and focus on what truly matters to me and my own unique journey.

Of course, there are still times when imposter syndrome or other limiting beliefs creep in, but I have learned to recognize them and reframe them as opportunities for growth and learning. It’s an ongoing process, especially as an artist, but I am committed to unlearning these limiting beliefs and creating a more fulfilling and authentic life for myself.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

While I have been building a strong online presence and use social media to promote my work, I have found that the best source of new clients for me has been word of mouth and networking with other creatives and business owners.

When someone has a positive experience working with me, whether it’s through a photoshoot or a branding consultation, they are more likely to recommend me to others in their network. This has led to a lot of organic growth for my business, as happy clients tell their friends and colleagues about the work I do.

In addition to word of mouth, I have also found that networking with other creatives and business owners has been a great way to connect with potential clients. By attending industry events, collaborating on projects, and simply building relationships with others in my field, I have been able to expand my network and get in front of new clients who may not have found me otherwise.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.laurenbodwellphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbodwell/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenBodwellPhotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-bodwell-71288013b/

Image Credits
My headshot was taken by Emily Frost of @sharethesoul