We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren O’Byrne a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren, 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.

Creative pursuits are often wonderfully maddening endeavors – with extreme highs and lows. I’ve had a camera in my hand for as long as I can remember. Capturing memories is innately important to me. I was always excited to pick up my photos and relive the moments. Oh the days of film and disposable cameras! The drive to learn more came after receiving my first DSLR as a present in college. I would bug my animation major roommate for her tips and tricks. I found photographers offering classes and just took a lot of photos. The real learning started when I found a professional photographer who’s work I loved. I hired her for a photoshoot and then bothered her until she agreed to by my mentor! I did one-on-one sessions, group workshops, and obsessively studied her photos. I (still) send her my galleries for review sessions and take copious notes. I wish I had found her sooner!
Photography is subjective. What makes a beautiful wedding portrait is completely different from capturing a landscape. They require a different eye and skillset. How people take in your photo is the ultimate obstacle. Suddenly that photo you thought was amazing is the client’s most hated and your left wondering why you ever thought you could do this. You need a thick skin and a willingness to see obstacles as learning opportunities.
I’m primarily a ‘people’ photographer – weddings, families, and events – so I find the most essential skill is building a connection. Most people, myself included, are nervous in front of a camera but the best photos come from being relaxed. Of course the skills of framing, posing, and knowing your equipment are also incredibly important. The combination of technical ability and connection between you and your clients is often the difference between just ok photos and amazing photos.

Lauren, 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?

“Telling your story and showcasing the authentic you” is what I do. I like to say that every session with me is an adventure – an adventure designed specifically for “you.” I’m known for connecting with my clients so they feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. We’ll share bad jokes and dance breaks. I’ll share the stories behind my body art, like the incredible steampunk piece that contains a tribute to my grandfather. You’ll tell me about your favorite trip. We’ll make memories while capturing them.

Love stories hold a special place in my heart. Photographing weddings is like running a marathon. It’s a high-octane day and you don’t want to miss a moment; there are no do-overs, but it’s so fulfilling to tell every couples story. My couples say that I was exactly who they needed. From making sure that everyone is hydrated before the party starts, to keeping the unruliest attendants in line for photos, I have it covered so the couple only remembers the fun. Building that connection sets me apart and results in stunning photos. I believe love is love is love, and I love capturing the story of such a special day.

Some of my favorite shoots, which you could also say I’m most proud of, are my empowerment lifestyle sessions. I’ve worked with singer-songwriters, models, writers, and those just looking to do something special for themselves. I make it my purpose to bring their vision to life. Every detail is meticulously planned – locations, outfits, hair, makeup, posing – so their dream becomes reality. The real success comes from my clients seeing themselves in a new light and breathtaking black & whites. I love hearing “Oh my gosh, that can’t be me!” because I get to say, yes…it is.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Kathy and I met when I hired her for a photoshoot in 2016. I hadn’t yet launched my business but loved her work and wanted my photos to look like hers. I essentially nagged her enough until she agreed to be my mentor! Fast forward a few years and I launched Lauren B Photography. I continued studying with and was eventually lucky enough to capture a wedding side by side with Kathy. At the beginning of 2022, Kathy approached me about joining her as an associate photographer under her brand, Love & Adventure Photography. I was blown away! It’s one thing to have someone help you in your journey but to have her believe in and trust me enough to represent her as a Love & Adventure photographer?! It was a lifechanging moment for me.
Now, I capture weddings and love stories as Love & Adventure Photography. I shoot families, lifestyle sessions, and events as Lauren B Photography. I’m incredibly lucky to have an amazing business partner, mentor, and friend.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Oh, this one has layers! Telling as many love stories as I can. Providing memories for families as they grow. Making my clients feel amazing in their own skin. There is nothing more incredible than being part of the reason someone starts looking at themselves in a new light. It’s cliché but true, I want to be the best photographer I can be! Build my photographer “spidey sense” to capture those split second special moments, anticipate my client’s needs, and deliver photos that will be cherished forever. I plan to never stop learning, growing, and pushing myself.
Go full time with my photography! I aspire to FIRE – be Financially Independent and Retire Early. For me that means quitting my day job to do what I love. I am fortunate to be in a position where I could make that jump without photography needing to provide my full income. I’ve been working hard towards that goal and can’t wait for when the time is right.

I want to travel the world with my camera for my clients. Let’s make magic.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laurenb.photography/; https://www.loveandadventurephoto.com/
• Instagram: @laurenbphotofamily; @laurenbphotoweddings
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenbphoto13

Image Credits
Love & Adventure Photography: photo of me All others Lauren B Photography