Check Out Lauren Novak’s Story

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

Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started taking a bunch of photos on my dad’s camera when I was in 7th grade. They were those Tumblr-type pictures which was very popular at the time. I got my first camera for Christmas in 2014 and I was super excited! I continued to take a lot of pictures whenever I traveled and of myself, haha. When I got to about my junior year of high school, that was when I started to explore taking pictures of my friends. I then realized I actually like taking pictures of my friends and started doing senior photos! When I got to my senior year, I had friends who wanted me to take their senior photos. This was the beginning of my business!! I kept doing senior photos for about a year until I heard about contents days and retreats! Which is where the host will create styled shoots for photographers to grow their portfolio! This past year I have been to seven of these workshops, retreats and content days!! I have met some amazing people and learned so much on how to better my business. Now I still take senior photos but mainly focusing on couples/engagements & elopements!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been pretty smooth for the most part! With the help of my parents supporting me and the people, I have met made this journey amazing! There have been some ups and downs on if my work is actually good enough and being confident in what I do. Most people don’t know but some do know that I am actually hard of hearing/deaf! I have been since I was about three or four years old! Coming into this photography world, I was a shy/closed off person who didn’t really like meeting people or talking. I usually prefer to listen, which I still do but I am able to be talkative now. This journey has made me grown so much as a person. It has made me more outgoing and independent. Since being hard of hearing, it can be a little tough on self-confidence. I questioned if I heard them right, did they say something, am I talking weird and more. I never thought I would be where I am today without my family and friends!!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Kansas City Photographer that specializes in seniors, engagements and elopements! I am known for my senior portraits since that is what I started off doing but now transitioning into doing mainly couples/engagements & elopements!! I am most proud of my business and in myself for growing into a person who has a passion for making others feel their best!! Every photographer has a different editing style and the way they pose/prompt their clients. My editing style is creamy/soft and warm. I know some photographers who have similar editing styles. What sets me apart is that my poses/prompts are more natural and creating movement. I try to capture the laugher and smiles rather than having them stand and smile.

What makes you happy?
I used to despise meeting new people because it gave me so much anxiety but after getting used to it, I can’t wait to meet my clients!! We always make some type of connection whether it is where they are from or what kind of pet they have. I learn so much about my clients that I feel like we are besties by the end of the session. Seeing people happy makes me happy. My mom used to say, “when you’re happy, I am happy. When you’re sad, I am sad”. So it kind of goes with taking photos of my clients. I want them to be satisfied with the photos and if not, what can I do to make it better. Besides business making me happy, my family and animals make me happy!! I have an amazing mom and dad as well as an older sister. We live on ten acres with two horses, three barn cats, & two dogs!! I am a big animal lover. I also love to travel!! The desert will forever have a place in my heart. This past year I have traveled all over the US with my travel buddy which is my dad.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.itslaurennovak.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/itslaurennovak

Image Credits
Laure Novak