Meet Lauren Schneider

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Schneider.

Lauren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ever since I was little, I have been in love with art. I grew up with a paintbrush in my hand and started to develop my skill, even more, the older I became. My passion for art only continued to grow, and I knew that it was something that I always needed to have in my life no matter what. Although I grew up drawing and painting, photography was something I had always loved.

I fell in love with it because photography was an outlet for me to be creative in a different way; it was a change from what I had been used to for years, and I found myself wanting to know everything about it. Years ago, my friend and I would get together and have mini “photoshoots” almost every weekend. At that age, I didn’t really know how to work a camera, but I didn’t care at all. It was so fun!

It actually wasn’t until around May of 2018 that I decided to put my camera to good use. It all started when I took graduation pictures for two of my best friends. I started an Instagram account, so I could share the pictures with friends, however, I didn’t have much other material to post. With little formal instruction on how to work a camera, I would ask friends if they wanted to model for me so I could practice my skills more.

After about six months, those practice sessions turned into real ones! Word started getting around about my photography, and now I am getting booked for senior and family sessions almost every week! Being able to do what I love and share my art with others has definitely impacted my life in such an amazing way, and I am so grateful for everyone who has encouraged and supported me along the way.

Has it been a smooth road?
Getting to where I am has been somewhat difficult, mainly earning respect as a photographer. This industry is extremely competitive, especially in a town where there are many of us trying to do the same thing, and especially in a world where social media dictates much of our successes.

For me, my main focus is creating work that I love and that I am passionate about, not gaining Instagram followers. If people love my work just as much as I do, then the followers will come. I believe that my passion and love for what I do, as well as the support from my family and friends, has gotten me to where I am today and has definitely made the road that much smoother.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
My favorite thing to shoot, and what I mainly specialize in, are portraits. I would describe my photography as fun, bright, and creative. I feel that with portraiture, there are many ways that you can be creative that set yourself apart from everyone else.

The reason I love shooting with seniors especially, is that I am able to capture pictures that represent their most beautiful and happy selves. I want to make my clients feel their absolute best and provide them fun and unique pictures that will give them confidence. Living in Arizona, I wanted to get away from mainstream desert photography that everyone seems to do.

My favorite locations to shoot usually include lots of greenery and flowers; locations that are uncommon and unique to each client. I pride myself on capturing detail and making sure that every location reflects each person’s personality and makes them feel comfortable and confident.

What are your plans for the future?
Next year, I plan on attending San Diego State University and majoring in Business with minors in photography and art. I hope to continue with my business and further develop my skills in college. I want to explore every avenue of photography, and I can’t wait to learn more!

Contact Info:

• Phone: (602) 321-9890
• Email: laureneschni@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenschneiderphoto/

Image Credit:
Rachel Stone

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.