Meet Laura Mares

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laura Mares. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laura below.

Hi Laura, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout

The pandemic forced me to pause my photography career, which unexpectedly led me to reevaluate my priorities. I learned to navigate burnout by focusing on meaningful projects, staying true to my core values, and rediscovering my passion for photography. I also found a healthier work-life balance. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that I’ve found my true calling.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a passionate lifestyle photographer dedicated to creating storytelling images that capture the inner essence of my subjects. What excites me most is the ability to create photographs where each detail adds to a larger narrative, inviting viewers to discover the story.

One of the highlights of my career was photographing a WWII veteran before he returned to Normandy for the 80th anniversary. Although we only spent a short time together, the experience was profound. We shared stories, and it resonated with me deeply. I couldn’t believe I was meeting and photographing an American hero.

My journey into photography was sparked by National Geographic magazines when I was 8. I was curious about the stories behind the images and knew I wanted to travel to photograph stories. This passion led me to study photography in Ireland, which solidified my decision to start my own business upon graduation.

I want my work to focus on connecting with people and telling their stories in an authentic way. Each project is a new opportunity to explore and capture what is unique and beautiful about each of my subjects. I’m committed to creating images that resonate on a deeper level.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Creative: I look to capture unique and artistic perspectives. I can see and compose moments in an unconventional way. This helps me create memorable images. Over the years I’ve honed this skill through photographing vastly different subjects, participating in workshops, and drawing inspiration from various artists influences.

Lifelong learner: My commitment to being a lifelong learner has driven me to continually expand my technical knowledge in photography. I have invested time in mastering techniques such as lighting, composition, and post-processing through formal education, hands-on practice, and staying updated with industry advancements. This commitment to learning helps to ensure quality and allows me to adapt to various conditions and environments.

Personable: I have a knack for helping clients feel comfortable and at ease, which is crucial for capturing natural and genuine expressions. I aim to build trust by creating a relaxed atmosphere during photo sessions. I believe I first learned these skills in my classroom as an ESL instructor where I interacted with a diverse range of personalities and strived to create a welcoming environment.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to nurture my creativity and support my dreams. As music teachers, they encouraged my artistic pursuits and helped me develop a profound appreciation for the arts. They bought me my first 35mm camera, a gift that was pivotal in my journey. It was with a photo from that camera that I received my first photography award – a silhouette of my cat sitting on a window sill. The simplicity of the image, combined with the play of light and shadow, served as a testament to both my parents’ support and my growing photographic skills.

Looking back, I recognize that it can be challenging for parents to fully support a child’s artistic ambitions, but I never felt that challenge from my own. I vividly remember walking into my university’s career center, seeking guidance for my path as an artist. The counselor was unsure how to advise someone with my unconventional aspirations and camera skills. But my parents raised me to believe chasing artistic dreams was possible and I always knew I had them in my corner.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Anna Mares (my daughter) took my headshot
I took the other images

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Perspectives on Being an Optimist

We’re often asked if we’ve seen a pattern of success among the many thousands of

Leadership Development
Mastering Communication: Stories & Lessons

“Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.”

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,