My Journey to Creative Portrait & Wedding Photography in Annapolis, Maryland (and beyond!)

The first thing you need to know about me is that I almost always have a plan. 

The second thing you need to know about me is that my life almost never goes according to that plan. 

And the last thing you need to know? I am so damn grateful my plans get derailed. 

Because every time my so-called air-tight plan goes up in flames, I find something way better buried in the ashes. But I’m getting ahead of myself. 

Hey! My name is Laura. I’m an Annapolis, Maryland-based wedding and portrait photographer. But you can find me anywhere in the world as long as there’s lots of love, color, and good food. 

I have big-ass glasses to match my personality, pink hair, and a long list of tattoos I want to add to my sleeve. 

I’m a massive nerd, RPG (role-playing game) junkie, and roller-skating prodigy (so I tell myself). 

I’m here to create fun, quirky images that capture my clients’ funky, free personalities. Because I believe everyone should have pictures that make them feel like the baddest bitch out there, and that taking photos should be fun! 

I believe in intentionality, transparency, and the magic that happens when people come together to create ART. 

That’s how this whole journey started for me, after all. 

Let’s rewind to New York City, 2013. 🌆🗽

So there I was, 22-year-old Laura, living the NYC dream. Which, of course, means living in a shitty apartment you can barely afford and eating rice and beans on repeat. 

I spent most of my time running from auditions to part-time jobs, partying with friends, swimming, and rewatching Friends (we were on a BREAK!).

I really loved this season of my life. 

But here’s a harsh truth about acting (at least for me): I was creating art. It was stunning, evocative, incredible art. But it was always on someone else’s terms. I was always bringing someone else’s vision to life. 

That’s when I picked up a camera. What I thought would be a fun pastime became the creative outlet I didn’t even know I needed. 

For the first time in my adult life, I had the opportunity to create what I wanted. 

And oh boy did I create some art! 

One perk about being surrounded by actors all the time is you always have willing models 😂! In my first few years with a camera, I learned a lot about myself and my art. 

I learned that I loved creative sessions that brought out lesser-known sides of my subject’s personality. I realized I loved capturing candid moments and making my clients laugh so their smiles are genuine. 

And I found out that I loved color, unique angles, and the joy on someone’s face when they see themselves in a new light.

But that was only the start 🤪.

Fast forward to Annapolis, Maryland, 2024 🏖️⛵

In 2012, while celebrating a friend’s 21st birthday at a dive bar in Pittsburgh, I met a cute guy and chased him down the street to get his number. 

After dating long-distance for TOO LONG, he moved from California, I moved from NYC, and we got married in Pennsylvania! We spent the next few years hopping from Virginia to California, and now to Annapolis, Maryland! (Gotta love that military wife life). 

Throughout our travels, I always had a camera with me. What I learned in New York never left me, that I could create art no matter where I was. 

The more I dove into the wild, creative, experimental side of photography, the more people I found who wanted to explore it with me. 

Now, I have the coolest community of crazy creatives all over the country.

I regularly travel to Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, and all over Maryland to shoot weddings, couples, and creative portraits. And I wake up every morning completely overwhelmed with gratitude that people like you want to experience my art. 

So there you have it! Long story very, very short of how an NYC actress became an Annapolis wedding and portrait photographer. 

Like I said, sometimes the best-laid plans fall through. And the best things in life happen when they do! 

Everything You Need to Know About Me & My Approach to Creative Photography 

Okay, last thing. Since the whole point of this blog post is to get to know me and my story, here are some quick fun facts that tell you a lot about me and the way I run my business. 

1. I believe EVERYONE  should have photos that make them feel like the hottest stuff on the block (Because you ARE the hottest stuff on the block!). 

When I say everyone, I mean it. I photograph singles, couples, throuples – whatever. Whoever you are, whoever you love, and whatever you look like, I am here for you. 

2. What you see is what you get. 

I’m not into hiding things – as a person and as a business owner. Who I am online is who I am in person. So if you like the vibe here, we’re going to get along great. 

3. Nothing is that serious. 

We’re here for a good time, not a long time, amiright. When you’re in front of my lens, I want you to be laughing your ass off. Having your photos taken should be fun! 

My first goal in every photo shoot – portrait, wedding, branding, whatever – is to make sure you feel comfortable.  

I get it. Standing in front of a camera can feel weird and unnerving. But it’s hard to be insecure when you can’t stop laughing – that’s my motto, anyway. 

I want you to forget you’re getting your photo taken. I want you to be fully present, immersed in the moment, and let me handle the rest. 

4. No idea is too far “out there.” 

I LIVE “out there.” Normal has no bearing on me anymore. 

Want a hobbit-inspired wedding? Let’s do it. 

Wanna cover yourself in paint? Hand me a brush. 

Want to take off all your clothes and lay in a flower field? I’ll bring the bug spray. 

Now Booking Weddings & Creative Sessions for 2024 & 2025!

Photography is a chance to make your craziest ideas come to life. There is no limit, no rules, and no expectations. 

So, wanna get weird? Click here to complete an inquiry form and get the ball rolling on your creative session or wedding idea! I’ll get back to you within 48 hours. 

And if you want to stalk me before then (because I know you do), check out my Instagram! I kinda suck at posting, so if you want to see more examples of my work, you should check out my portfolio, too. 

I’m super happy you’re here and I can’t wait to get to know you. My clients are never just clients. You become friends, family, and people I am forever grateful to have met. 

Keep an eye on this blog for more fun (and ridiculous) stories about my life, photoshoot advice, and sneak peeks at upcoming events 👀. 

Until next time! 

Laura