Photographer Feature: Q&A with Lauren Bounds

Photographer Feature: Lauren Bounds

I’m Lauren, a newborn and family photographer in North Texas. I live in Aledo with my husband, two kids, and goldendoodle. I love being outdoors hanging out by a fire pit with my family or going on walks with my dog and friends. I’m an aspiring gardener and would love to one day finally grow an avocado tree to supply all the guacamole my family can eat. As an adoptive mom, I love being able to give families beautiful images of themselves that will serve as a reminder for all the small moments they share together.

What’s your favorite thing to photograph?

I love photographing families connecting and interacting in ways that represent this time in their lives. As a mom, I personally cherish images like this of my family. I love being able to look back as my kids grow throughout the years. I also love to highlight mom and make sure she feels great in the photos. I often will ask if she wants a solo picture, since most of us moms never have great pictures of just us.

What keeps you inspired?

Being able to shoot in new locations or shooting a different type of session than what I normally do.

Photographer Feature: Lauren Bounds

What’s a habit or routine that has changed your life for the better?

Finding small things to be grateful for everyday and writing them down so I can remember them.

If you could go back in time and share one piece of advice with yourself as you were beginning photography, what would you say?

Invest in yourself first, don’t wait to spend money on education. Learn from someone that you can connect with and genuinely cares about you.

Photographer Feature: Lauren Bounds

What is a choice you’ve made that has had the greatest impact on your business, or your health/happiness as a business owner?

Choosing to do the work I love while not trying to fit any type of mold or expectations of others definition of success. For me this has been a slow growing business. At the start I had young kids that needed me to form bonds and connections with and a husband with a very crazy work schedule. I chose to work when I could, knowing it gave me joy every time I was able to photograph another family. I didn’t fret about the amount of income I was making or how many sessions I did each month. As my kids have grown, we’ve changed locations and jobs and it’s been easier for me to take on more and put more into my business. This was right for me and the path I chose to take. I know others who have made it work with much more on their plate or have been more “successful” right from the start. By defining what success is for me and what works for different times of my life is what gives me happiness as a business owner.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

For photography, it would be to not overthink your editing. I used to get stuck and take too much time editing images. Once I got an editing system down it was easier to not overthink the process and be able to just do what I know works for each session.

Photographer Feature: Lauren Bounds

Untethered Family Photography Publication | Q&A with Lauren Bounds | Education and encouragement for family and newborn photographers

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