Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Lobanoff.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been fascinated by photography. When I was younger, my family had professional photos taken, and I remember having so much fun. The photographer made us laugh the whole time, and I left thinking, “That’s what I want to do someday.” From then on, whenever someone asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I’d say, “a photographer!”
But for a long time, I let that dream sit on the back burner, waiting for the “right” time to start. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I decided to buy a little point-and-shoot camera just for fun. One day, when I was bored, I asked two of my friends if they’d model for a shoot, and from the moment I picked up that camera, something just clicked. I felt so much joy and knew deep down that there was something special there.
From there, I started doing shoots for friends and family, and eventually made an Instagram account to post the photos. That’s when things started to grow. People I didn’t even know began reaching out to book sessions, and I had this moment of like, “Wait, I could actually turn this into something.”
Once I got to college at the University of North Dakota, I started taking it more seriously. I upgraded my gear, worked hard on my branding, and poured time into refining my style as a photographer. In the spring, I launched my rebrand and official website, and honestly, it was a pinch-me moment. It felt like everything I had worked for was starting to fall into place.
Now, just a year after doing my first session, I’m working full time and nearly booked out for the summer. I truly feel so grateful every day. There’s that saying, “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life,” and for me, that couldn’t be more true. I get to meet the most amazing people, capture memories they’ll keep forever, and pour my heart into something that genuinely makes me happy. Every session fills me with so much energy, and I never get tired of it. It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the beginning, I had no idea what I was doing. I basically picked up a camera and started taking photos without any real plan. Slowly, I taught myself how to use professional equipment and how to edit, step by step. I was really lucky to be mentored by an amazing photographer (shoutout to Claire!) who taught me so much and helped guide me early on. But even with support, it was still a process, and it took time.
One of the biggest struggles I had early on was the anxiety I felt before sessions. It took me a while to feel confident in what I was doing and really see myself as someone who could do this professionally. I was so scared of messing up, and looking back, I realize how much pressure I was putting on myself. But now I know that mistakes are such a necessary part of growth, as they remind you that progress doesn’t come from perfection, but from persistence. Every photographer I admire has had their fair share of trial and error. It’s just part of the journey.
Comparison was another big challenge. In the photography world, it’s so easy to look at what everyone else is doing and feel like you’re behind. But over time, I’ve learned that every photographer is on their own path, with their own style and story. No one’s work looks exactly the same, and that’s the beauty of it. I’ve been able to connect with people who believe in community over competition, and that encouragement has helped me grow so much.
Developing my photography style also took time. At first, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go with my editing or how I wanted my photos to feel. I was just experimenting and learning as I went. Photography is such a creative process, and once I stopped overthinking and began trusting the way I naturally saw and captured things, everything started to come together. That’s when I really noticed a shift in both my work and the confidence I had behind the camera.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Lauren Elaine Photography is so much more than just a business. It’s something that’s rooted in love for what I do and the people I do it for. I specialize in lifestyle photography, mainly seniors, couples, and families. That said, I’m always open to trying something new. I’ve captured everything from branding shoots to puppy yoga. I love the challenge of stepping into different settings and finding the beauty in each one.
My slogan is “capturing life’s moments,” and I truly believe it reflects the heart of what I do. It’s about creating something lasting from the moments that are often the most fleeting. I’d say I’m known for creating a space where people feel completely comfortable and seen. What I hear most often from clients is how surprisingly easy the session felt, like they could fully be themselves in front of the camera. That’s what I aim for every time. I want the experience to be just as special as the final result.
What truly sets me apart is the way I approach each session. I’m not just there to take photos. I want people to feel like they’re spending time with someone who genuinely cares about their story. That connection brings out something authentic, allowing each image to feel like a true reflection of the moment.
My favorite part of what I do is seeing people walk away from a session with a smile on their face. There’s nothing better than seeing someone light up when they catch a glimpse of a photo on my camera or receiving a heartfelt message later about how much the images mean to them. That’s what makes it all so meaningful to me. It’s not just about capturing memories, it’s about helping people see the beauty in themselves and giving them something they can hold onto long after the moment has passed.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice would be to reach out even when it feels a little intimidating. Most people are more than willing to help, especially when you approach them with honesty and gratitude. A kind message, a thoughtful question, or simply complimenting someone’s work can go a long way. You never know what opportunities or relationships might come from just starting a conversation. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of a mentor, and that connection started with just reaching out.
Community is such a powerful thing, not only in photography, but in life. One relationship often leads to another, and when you focus on supporting others, you’ll naturally find yourself surrounded by people who want to support you, too. That’s made all the difference in my journey. Those small moments of connection can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurenelainephotos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenelainephotography_/
