We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Schneider and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Over the past year, I have learned the importance of taking risks. Something that I have learned and has helped me push myself in areas that I would not have before, is to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. I started my photography business as a shy 17 year old, scared of what people would think about me and about my photography. Stepping into an industry with thousands of professionals at such a young age was extremely uncomfortable, however that feeling is what motivated me. Instead of being scared of what others would think and comparing myself to photographers with years of experience, I changed my attitude into a willingness to learn from those that were better than me. You have to start somewhere, wether it’s learning a new craft, starting your own business, or even moving to a new city. Even if you fail, there is so much to learn from those failures that will only benefit you. From my personal failures, I have learned what I can do differently to make sure that I succeed in the future. Another saying that I love is “you will never know if you don’t try.” How will you ever know that your business will be successful if you don’t try? How will you ever know that you will be the best at something if you don’t give it your all? Taking risks are scary, yes. But they can lead to amazing things. This past year I moved out to San Diego to go to college, only knowing one person. Although I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to make any friends in this big, new city, I grew more than I ever would have if I stayed in the same town. I joined organizations that I never would have before, was exposed to new ways of thinking, and learned about new cultures. Just like starting my business, I never would have known that moving to a new state would have such a great impact on my life. I became comfortable with the uncomfortable, and I can’t emphasize how much you will grow if you do the same.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a photographer located in Gilbert, AZ and I specialize in senior, family, and couples portraits. My goal is to make every single one of my clients feel special and beautiful. I want to cater each photoshoot to them and make sure that I capture their beauty. Being in front of a camera can be very uncomfortable and awkward for some, so my goal is to eliminate those feelings as much as I can. I think it is important to not only be professional with my clients, but also be a friend to them. Being in Arizona, I also try to stay away from the desert scenery as much as I can. Most of the locations that I use are filled with greenery and flowers and I love to play with sunlight and bright colors. Recently I have been getting into creative and editorial styled shoots which I am really excited for. I want to venture out and try new things so I can expand my knowledge of photography even more. I love to create, and these kinds of shoots allow my creative side to really come out. It has been about two years since starting my business, and it has definitely not been easy. Although I am still a very small business, I am so grateful for everything that I have and for all that I have already learned. My dad helped me immensely in regards to the “business” side of things when I first started out, however I have learned so much from him and from organizations and resources at my school on how to run a professional business. I often used to compare myself to others which made the road challenging, however I have been able to develop my own style and voice through my work by learning to not compare myself. I think this is especially important in the photography industry as you must find ways to make yourself unique and different from everyone else. I have established my voice and my own personal style through my work, which I am very proud of. What I want the world to know about Lauren Schneider Photography is to follow your heart and your passions. Too often we get caught up in what we “should” do rather than what we want to do because we are scared. One of my biggest passions in life is making others feel happy and special, and I am so blessed that I am able to do that through my art. Take risks and follow your heart, because at the end of the day you will always sway in the direction of your passions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my friend first to Down Town Gilbert, probably more than once, and we would go eat at Postino’s and Culinary Dropout. For live music with food, drinks, and games, Whisky Row is great on the weekends. The vibe of Down Town Gilbert at night is great and is such a fun place to visit if you are out of town. If it is not too hot out, then going to Saguaro Lake or hiking would be something fun to do during the day. Most mountains provide a great view of the Valley and is a fun way to get in some exercise! The Scottsdale Art Museum is also great to do during the day. There are so many different exhibits that play with technology and lighting which makes it a perfect spot to take pictures. Lastly, any time one of my friends comes to town we HAVE to go to The Coffee Shop in Agritopia. This small restaurant has the most amazing brunch and coffee, not to mention they won Cupcake Wars a few years back. The surrounding neighborhood is filled with cute houses, and a garden sits right across from the back patio of the restaurant.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be where I am without my best friend, Ellie Mulqueen, who is the owner of Braids by Ellie. She is the person that pushed me to start my photography page because she had faith in me when I didn’t have faith in myself. She supports me in all aspects of life, even outside of business. Not only is she a talented hairstylist and great businesswoman, but she is also a strong, supportive, and caring friend who I look up to very much. My family has also helped me so much, both with my business and my personal life. They push me to take risks and will always support me even when I fail. I would not be the person that I am without their support and encouragement. I am blessed to be able to come back to a home filled with love.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenschneiderphoto/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-schneider-07b5971a2

Image Credits
Haylie Thomas