Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Ames.
Hi laura, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It has been a journey as I never thought owning my own photography business is where I would be today!
I was a preschool teacher for many years after graduating from Hood College in Frederick, Md with a Bachelor in Art and a study in photography. from 2008 -2020 I was a stay at home mom , substitute teacher, part time photographer, etc, then Covid happened and in 2020 and in January of 2021, I decided that I did not want to to sub anymore and to go full time with my photography Business. I worked hard, getting out to network, building my portfolio , and plainly just meeting people and getting my name and face out into the public eye!
In September of 2023 I had the amazing opportunity to rent a space in downtown Havre de Grace in one of the old Bank Buildings to have a studio out of my home and that was the best decision for my business that I have made since! these last three years have been a mixture of ups and downs but I have learned so much about myself and running a business and I have seen my growth as well as people all around me!
I love meeting new people , connecting with them, hearing their stories and capturing their smiles and memories !
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
If I didn’t have struggles along the way, I would not have grown to be the woman I am today! there most definitely have been struggles, ups and downs of business, knowing who will be my perfect clients and not my client. figuring out what are the networking events to go to and that will help my business and help me grow. Learning to keep my circle small helps me and my business grow to the way I would like it to grow. I don’t need to photograph everyone, I just need to be myself , do what I love to do and my clients will find me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Laura Ames Portrait Studio?
Laura Ames Portrait Studio is a full-service portrait studio located in the heart of Havre de Grace, Maryland. I specialize in creating meaningful, heirloom-quality portraits for families, high school seniors, business professionals, children, and those celebrating life’s important milestones.
What sets me apart is that I focus on much more than simply taking photographs. Every portrait experience begins with a personal consultation where I take the time to get to know my clients, understand their personalities, and learn what they hope to preserve through their portraits. This allows me to create images that are authentic, personal, and truly reflective of who they are.
I am known for creating a comfortable and welcoming experience, especially for those who tell me they don’t enjoy being photographed. From professional makeup services to guided posing and personalized artwork design, every step of the process is designed to help clients feel confident and cared for.
One of the things I am most proud of is the relationships I build with my clients. Many families return year after year as their children grow, and it is an honor to document those milestones and become part of their family’s story. I am also proud that our studio emphasizes printed artwork and legacy pieces that can be displayed and enjoyed for generations rather than remaining forgotten on a hard drive.
At our core, Laura Ames Portrait Studio is about preserving memories and celebrating the people who matter most. I want my clients to walk away not only with beautiful portraits but with an experience that makes them feel seen, valued, and confident. Those portraits become treasured reminders of a moment in time that can never be recreated.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
to not let my mind go down a bad way of thinking, always stay in a growth mindset, think and be positive, don’t let others bring you down. be myself and don’t worry about what other “photographers” are doing .
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lauraamesphotography.com
- Instagram: @lauraamesphotography1975
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauraamesphotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ames-photography-4b5435221/
- Twitter: @lkaphotography
- Youtube: @lauraamesPhotography-portrait
