My Photography Journey

Group photo with Montana senior photographer
My senior photographer, Kelly Van Dyke

My First Camera and the Beginning of a Passion

If there’s one purchase I would LOVE to make this year, it would be a camera. My love for photography began in middle school when I bought my first camera. I was so excited that I would bring it to class with me each day and soon joined the yearbook committee. My sweet science teacher, who was a professional photographer, invited me to shadow her on a wedding day, and later, for a packed day of mini sessions! That experience was my first real taste of professional photography, and I was hooked.

In high school, I had the opportunity to be a "Spokesmodel" for my senior photographer and participated in many sessions with her. I didn't care all too much for modeling, but I loved getting to be so close to a real photographer "in the wild." Watching her work, I learned about lighting, composition, and the magic of capturing a moment. It was during these sessions that my passion for photography truly began to flourish.

Lauren brackman holding a DSLR camera

Diving Deep During 2020

In the thick of 2020, after being sent home from my freshman dorm room, I spent months diving into Amy and Jordan's photography courses. With the world at a standstill, I found solace in learning and practicing new photography skills. When restrictions began to lighten, I pestered high school friends into letting me practice on them, capturing their smiles and the candid moments that told their stories. It was a challenging time, but photography gave me a creative outlet and a way to connect with others.

These days, as my DSLR has slowly died, I have progressively taken fewer photos. The already sub-par autofocus is now entirely nonfunctional. Despite this, my passion for photography has never waned. As I push forward in my web design endeavors, I long to bring photography back into the mix.

Adding Brand Photography to My Services

I long for the small, beautiful moments of each Montana business to be displayed on their digital platforms. As an Etsy shop owner, I understand the importance of visually appealing content. Imagine your business's unique story told through professional, captivating photographs. Whether it's the intricate details of handmade products, the inviting atmosphere of a cozy cafe, or the vibrant energy of a local event, these images can resonate with your audience and draw them in. With a professional, user-friendly site and stunning photography, you’ll have more time to focus on what you truly love, and I'll take care of capturing and displaying the moments that make your brand shine.

The Future of My Photography Journey

My photography journey has been filled with learning, practice, and a deepening passion for capturing the world around me. As I dream of owning a Canon EOS R6, I envision a future where I can seamlessly integrate photography into my web design business, providing a comprehensive service to my clients.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for updates as I work towards making this dream a reality and bringing beautiful, professional photography to Montana's small businesses. Let's create something extraordinary together.