Creative Direction & Styling
Start with the feeling you want to remember
Do you want them to feel soft and nostalgic? Elevated and composed? Warm, playful, and full of movement? Starting with the end in mind, we shape everything around that emotional tone—from the colors and textures to the types of images we’ll create. This isn't about looking perfect. It's about creating portraits that reflect who you are and how you love—so that when you see them, you feel something.
Before we choose what to wear or where to shoot, we begin with a conversation about the feeling you want your images to hold.
The Vision Begins Here
Color is one of our most powerful tools in setting the tone. Together, we choose a palette that complements your skin tones, your personal style, and your home. But more than that, we consider how each color contributes to the overall mood. Are we aiming for serene and ethereal? Vibrant and joyful? Timeless and organic? We build a custom mood board that guides our decisions. Whether you borrow pieces from my curated client closet or we find something new, I’ll help you style every member of the family so the final images feel cohesive, elevated, and like you.
Color with Intention
Wardrobe choices that flatter, unify, and evoke emotion
Every detail is shaped by where your images will live
We don’t create in a vacuum. If you’re envisioning a gallery wall, we’ll talk about what kinds of images will make it feel complete—whether that’s quiet connection, joyful movement, or elegant stillness. If we’re designing an album, we’ll map out how the story flows and what moments to prioritize. Knowing how your images will be displayed allows me to shoot with intention—from your placement in the frame to the direction of your gaze—so that every portrait fits beautifully into your home and your legacy.
A Session Designed With Purpose
The location we choose isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a tool for storytelling. With years of experience photographing families in both studio and natural environments, I’ll guide you toward a setting that aligns with your vision, your energy, and the feeling you want to preserve. Whether it’s the quiet intimacy of your home, the golden light of the coast, or the airy calm of the studio, I know how light, texture, and space affect the mood of your images. My role is to anticipate what will work best for you—considering your family dynamic, comfort, wardrobe, and how you want your final artwork to feel when it hangs on your wall.
Thoughtfully chosen locations that elevate your story
The Right Setting Changes Everything
Posing that reflects your personality and deepens connection
As part of our planning, I’ll learn about your family’s dynamic: who’s silly, who’s quiet, who needs a little extra time to open up. This helps me guide you with intention during the session. Some moments will be gently posed, others will unfold naturally—but all of them are shaped with purpose. The result? Portraits that feel like you at your best: connected, seen, and at ease.
My role is to direct and support you so that you feel comfortable and confident—but never stiff.
Guided, Natural Connection
Once your images are complete, we circle back to our original vision. What did you want these portraits to feel like? We use that vision to guide every detail of your final artwork. Whether you’re designing a gallery wall or a hand-bound album, I’ll help you mock up your pieces and choose materials—frames, paper, layouts—that enhance the emotion and artistry of your session. Every piece is custom-designed to reflect your unique session and to live beautifully in your space.
Artwork that reflects the soul of your session
From Vision to Tangible Legacy
- Kylie Raveston
Each time we walk away with beautiful pictures that perfectly capture our family.
Most recently, we trusted her to take our baby's newborn photos, and i'm so glad we did! she delivered gorgeous images of our baby that we cherish. Laurel is talented and professional. We look forward to using her services again in the future!"
- Madison Conlin
She's patient and has a wonderful eye for what she does. Can't wait to use her in the future!"
She's so great with every member of the family, bringing out our best qualities.
- Stacy Redd
We had such a wonderful experience working with Laurel! She took beautiful photos and made it such a fun yet professional experience.
Her vision as an artist made for the most perfect photos I could've ever hoped for!
- Malena Tanner
Laurel helped make each step so much easier.
Laurel is amazing! She was able to coordinate and pick out beautiful settings for pictures. While taking pictures she was able to adapt with my young kids' attitudes and wiggly bodies to create precious moments, which is not an easy job.
- Mary Johnson
Laurel did a wonderful job photographing my family with 2 kids under 5.
She was efficient with our time, knowing beforehand what poses and motions would get nice pictures, and how she wanted us to work with the lighting.
- Jessica Birk
She makes it fun for our kids and manages to capture everyone the way I see them as their mother. I cannot recommend Laurel enough! We will never use another photographer."
We have had 4 shoots with Laurel and each is better than the last.
- Alexa Linscott
Laurel captures light in such a beautiful way, I could not have been happier.
"We had a fabulous experience with Laurel in studio. My two year old was having a really hard day. Laurel was so gentle with her, and came up with great ideas to get some quality images despite the pout face. I was completely blown away when I received the images!!
Kind Words
