Rising Stars: Meet Lauren Benson

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

Hi Lauren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started when I was a little girl. I was absolutely obsessed with books and stories, that by the age of 9 I had checked out every book I could read at our local library. I still craved more and more stories, so I decided to create my own. I took to scrapbooking with old photos, writing along with a story that fit with them, and taking them everywhere with me to share.

When I had run out of the photos I would steal from our family’s photo albums, I began taking my own photos with a disposable camera. I would sit in various places and people watch, taking photos and creating a story based on what I saw. As my obsession with photography grew, I realized it wasn’t just the act of taking a photo and the gear that I loved. The stories that drove a paragraph to stand out were what I loved the most. The moments in time that you could preserve and relive is what made me fall in love with photography.

Once I discovered that love, I dove deep into what stories I connected with the most, and it has led me right to weddings. Love stories have always been a favorite of mine, and with photographing weddings you can see a vast amount of love in so many ways. The connection between the couple, between the family members, and even the connection to the decor. I’ve spent years seeing and documenting these moments for my couples, yet each wedding I photograph is truly unique. I absolutely love being able to preserve this incredible day in a storytelling way for couples to relive for generations to come.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. My family and I have traveled all around the world. From living in San Diego to the tropical Northern Mariana Islands, and now to Kansas City. Each step of the way I’ve had to adapt my storytelling to each culture and setting along the way. I’m not just there to document “an event”, I’m a storyteller. Part of being a storyteller knows each setting. Location, religion, relationships and more all have a role in this. While it takes time diving into these personal details and is sometimes a struggle, it’s worth every moment.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a photographer and storyteller who specializes in weddings.

I’m known for my candid moments, peppy attitude, and pink hair. When I show up on your wedding day, I don’t want to be just an average photographer. I want to be your hype woman all throughout the day, reminding you of the excitement you should have that this is your big day!

I get to know each and every couple on a more personal level to ensure that their wedding photos reflect who they are. Every couple and their love story is different, so their wedding photos should reflect that.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Take time to listen. A lot of wedding vendors get into a rut of doing the same thing over and over again, they sometimes don’t listen to what their clients need. I’ve learned to take time to listen to each client’s story, wants, and desires for their big day, and incorporate that into each aspect of my business.

Pricing:

• Elopements and small weddings start at $2000. Bigger weddings begin at $3000. each collection including an heirloom wedding album

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: lbensonphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbensonphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lbensonphotography