I would like to introduce "The Lovable Lauren Nievod of Lauren Nievod Photography" as our Photographer of the Month for the Month of May. Here is the personal interview that we were blessed with. Thank you Lauren. :)
Candie and Michelle: When did you discover you had a love for photography?
Lauren Nievod: Honestly, I have had a love for photography as long as I can possibly remember. I used to play with my father's old film camera just as a toy! I have always said that I see life in “frames” as I go about my day. If I see a pretty flower, a lovely couple or just anything that looks worth shooting, I can totally foresee it preserved in time and in a picture frame. Is that odd?!?
Candie and Michelle: Not odd all. I know exactly what you mean. Did you go to school for photography or were you self taught?
Lauren Nievod: I took a few film photography classes in high school where we took and developed our own photographs, which was so neat! Other than that, I am completely self taught with the exception of attending various workshops and classes from photographers that I personally admire. I love to learn new tips and techniques! You have to stay fresh in this industry!
Candie and Michelle: Yes you do. How many years have you been doing it?
Lauren Nievod: I took the leap of faith and started my business in January of 2014, although I have been shooting since high school.
Candie and Michelle: What’s the first picture you ever remember taking?
Lauren Nievod: Wow, is it strange to say that I don’t remember? I am sure it was of a flower or some landscape on a family vacation. I love capturing nature and its beauty!
Candie and Michelle: No, that's not strange. It's understandable. How do you balance family life and your photography business?
Lauren Nievod: I am actually still trying to master this task! I have a wonderful husband, a beautiful baby girl and I am pregnant with our second child. Finding balance can be quite difficult as most families that I work with are only free to schedule session on the weekends when I would ideally like to be spending time with my own family. I try to stick to only being behind my computer during the week days and keeping Sundays as a strictly family day. Things happen and this plan does not always work, but I certainly try :-)
Candie and Michelle: Congrats on the pregnancy!! How do you like living in Maryland?
Lauren Nievod: I grew up in Florida until I was ten years old, then moved to Maryland and have loved it ever since. I can’t say that I LOVE the Winter time! Brrrr! Maryland is certainly gorgeous though and full of beautiful places to shoot.
Candie and Michelle: I bet it is. :) Where is your favorite location in Maryland to do your photo shoots at?
Lauren Nievod: It completely depends on the season and location of my clients. I try to shoot at places that my clients have a personal attachment to. I feel like I am documenting a moment in their life, and they will be looking back at these photos in the future, therefore the location should be a place close to their hearts and one they’ll remember!
Candie and Michelle: That's sweet. :) Have any other photographers influenced your photography style?
Lauren Nievod: Of course! With social media, our eyes are loaded with seeing stunning images all day long. We live in a time where everyone has a built in camera on their phones and is a photographer! Professionally speaking, I admire the work of newborn photographers Kelly Brown, Luisa Dunn and Kimmy Howard (and of course so many others). I am an assistant to Shawn Hubbard, a photographer that I met and have always admired the work of while cheering for the Baltimore Ravens. His work is amazing and I am so lucky to be able to work with him and learn oh so much!
Candie and Michelle: We will have to check them out. What are the biggest challenges you face as a photographer?
Lauren Nievod: The biggest challenge I have faced as a photographer is self doubt. It is very tough to not compare yourself to the many other photographer in the industry. Photography is art and it is a very personal thing for me. Every image I create takes a lot of time and creativity, then you share it with the world to judge. It can be quite daunting!
Candie and Michelle: I can imagine it is. What’s your favorite picture you have ever taken?
Lauren Nievod: Hmmm, my indecisive self is unsure :-) I love when my daughter allows me the time to take her photo. She is my world, so of course all of her portraits are my absolute favorite!
Candie and Michelle: I understand that. I'm the "Mom"arazzi when it comes to my son. Lol. What is the most memorable photograph you ever taken?
Lauren Nievod: I know this is another broad answer, but any time I take portraits of a newborn, it makes my heart melt. The fact that parents have hired me to capture their most precious gift is heart warming in itself. The way new life is created completely blows my mind and I am able to capture that! Wow, just incredible!
Candie and Michelle: Awww....What is the weirdest photograph you have ever been asked to take?
Lauren Nievod: Ha, well it would have to be this past weekend at a wedding that I was photographing. This gentleman kept coming up to me and asking me to take his portrait while doing some crazy things. How could I say no? I just tried to avoid eye contact after the fifth time :-)
Candie and Michelle: Ha ha ha. What is the one thing/place/person you have always wanted to photograph?
Lauren Nievod: I would be honored to be chosen to photograph a celebrities newborn or wedding! Can you imagine? Ahhh!! Or… I must admit, I am a huge Britney Spears fan and if I could photograph her, dreams made!
Candie and Michelle: You never know what could happen in the future. :) What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started out?
Lauren Nievod: I wish I knew how continually expensive this industry is to be in. I am constantly purchasing new gear, props, programs and more! You can’t grow without reinvesting in yourself and your business.
Candie and Michelle: Is there any advice you would want to give to aspiring photographers?
Lauren Nievod: Believe in yourself and treat your customers like gold. Word of mouth is key and your clients are your best form of advertising!
Candie and Michelle: Great advice! Where do you see your photography taking you in the future?
Lauren Nievod: I started out solely photographing maternity, newborn and family sessions. I am a hopeless romantic and really enjoy capturing couples on their wedding day. I’d like to make that a huge part of my business and be known for it.
Candie and Michelle: Keep it up! You can do it! I hope we are able to help get your name out there more. :) Please explain your photography packages for our readers?
Candie and Michelle: If anyone of our readers are interested in your work what would be the best way to contact you?
Lauren Nievod: I have a contact form on my website that can be submitted, or they can email me at laurennievodphotography@gmail.com
Thank you so much Lauren for taking the time to sit down with us. We feel blessed to be featuring you this month. :)
-Candie & Michelle
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