We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren (Lo) Cohen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren (Lo) below.

Lauren (Lo) , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

The traditional wedding industry often prioritizes elaborate venues, rigid timelines, and over-the-top productions, but that has never been what draws me in. All those weddings are beautiful, and so much fun—I’m not here for the ballroom receptions or the cookie-cutter timelines—I’m here for the couples who crave something different. The ones who would rather exchange vows on the edge of a cliff at sunrise than in a banquet hall under fluorescent lights. The ones who value experience over extravagance, who care more about the feeling of the moment than the perfection of the details.

My approach to wedding photography is deeply rooted in connection, adventure, and the natural world. I work with couples who see their wedding day as a reflection of their love for exploration, the outdoors, and the beauty of the unexpected. Whether it’s hiking to an alpine lake, saying “I do” on a desert ridge, or celebrating with an intimate group on a ranch, I’m there to capture it in a way that feels real, raw, and uniquely them. It’s not about following industry trends—it’s about breaking away from them entirely to create something that feels personal, intentional, and unforgettable.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Lo, LRC Photography. An adventure-loving photographer based in Salt Lake City. My journey into photography started when my dad gifted me my first camera at 13, which created a passion that eventually led me into action sports photography. I spent years capturing fast-paced moments in the snow, learning to anticipate movement and energy. And that foundation shaped the way I see the world through my lens, and over time, my focus shifted toward storytelling—documenting the raw, unfiltered moments of couples, musicians, brands, and families who bring passion and creativity to everything they do.

Now, I specialize in photographing intimate and nontraditional weddings, couples, and events. My approach is rooted in authenticity and connection. I work with couples who aren’t drawn to the traditional wedding industry—the ones who would rather exchange vows in the mountains at sunrise than in a ballroom, or the ones who value experience over excess. Whether it’s an intimate elopement on a remote trail, a wild celebration with friends in the desert, or an incredible international yoga retreat, I’m there to capture the energy, emotion, and story of the moment.

What sets me apart is my deep appreciation for community, collaboration, and breaking away from industry norms. I don’t just show up, take photos, and leave—I invest in the people I work with. I believe in building genuine relationships with my clients, making them feel comfortable, seen, and celebrated. My background in hospitality and interior design has given me a sharp eye for detail and an intuitive ability to capture moments that feel organic and intentional at the same time.

I’m most proud of the connections I’ve built and the moments I’ve been trusted to capture. From having my work featured in Park City restaurants and brands like KÜHL to documenting some of Utah’s most vibrant artists and festivals, every project reminds me why I do this—to create imagery that feels alive, that tells a story, that makes people feel something.

For those who are drawn to experiences over traditions, to movement over stillness, to moments that are real, imperfect, and deeply meaningful—let’s create something unforgettable together.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

At the heart of my creative journey is a deep commitment to community over competition. Photography—especially in the wedding and music industries—can sometimes feel isolating or hyper-competitive, but I believe in lifting each other up, in sharing knowledge, in celebrating one another’s wins instead of seeing them as losses.

My goal is to be a resource where photographers and creatives feel supported rather than siloed, where we can exchange ideas, push each other to grow, and create without fear of failure. Whether I’m photographing a couple’s intimate elopement, capturing the energy of a live show, or helping a brand bring their vision to life, I’m always looking for ways to foster real connections—between myself and my clients, and within the creative community as a whole.

At the end of the day, I want my work to feel like more than just photos. I want it to be a shared experience, a collaboration, a moment that means something. If we can break down the barriers that make photography feel like a competition and instead build a community where we all thrive, that’s success to me.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is comparing myself to others. Early on, imposter syndrome made me feel like I wasn’t doing enough or that my work didn’t measure up. Social media only amplified that, making it easy to think success had to look a certain way.

But I’ve learned that my photography isn’t supposed to look like anyone else’s—it’s a reflection of my experiences, my vision, and the connections I build. The couples, artists, and brands I work with aren’t looking for something generic; they’re looking for something real. Letting go of comparison and trusting my creative path has been freeing. I still have moments of doubt, but I have to remind myself “don’t be scared to be seen trying”, it’s the only way to learn, and evolve as a creative and business owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lrcphoto.com
• Instagram: @lrc.photo

Image Credits

Sierra Schubach (for profile photo)

All other photos are shot by LRC Photography