We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laura Harstad a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Laura , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Growing up, the most important moments and experiences centered around the people in my life. For me, photography is so much more than capturing a great photo, it is about seeing people for who they truly are and celebrating the amazing journey that brought them to where they are today!
Through my virtual photography business, I’ve had the joy of connecting with people on all seven continents, and many of them have become friends.
I am passionate about creating a space where people feel valued and seen – whether it’s through the lens of a camera or in person. I want everyone to know how incredible they are, and that they are the only one who can fill their unique space in the world.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I love sharing what I do because most people haven’t heard of virtual photography! As a virtual brand photographer, I specialize in capturing authentic, personalized brand images that my clients can use to tell their story.
What makes my photography business unique is that all of my photo shoots are virtual! With the technology that is available now, I am able to take photos through my client’s phone. Even though I’m not physically in the room with them, I can still guide my clients through poses, lighting setups, and finding the perfect background wherever they are located. Whether they’re in their home office or in the countryside in Greece, I’m connecting with my clients in real time and capturing their genuine essence through joyful images.
I am most grateful for the privilege of working with incredible clients all over the globe. I’ve collaborated with entrepreneurs, scientists, non-profits, musicians, creatives, and many others on every single continent, including my most recent virtual shoot in Antarctica, which was a personal milestone for me! (Yes, it’s true – I’ve officially completed my goal of doing a virtual photo shoot on all seven continents!)
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that photography isn’t just about images, it’s about the connections I build with my clients and helping them feel confident and ready to shine!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think it’s important to know that every person you meet has a story. I believe that we all fill a unique space in this world, and we are born at the exact time the world needs us! Prior to becoming a virtual photographer, I had traveled to five continents, and my favorite part of each experience was connecting with the people in each location. It was difficult in some places when I didn’t know the language very well, but we could always figure out a way to communicate. My focus on connecting with others definitely applies to my virtual photography business. Each person I work with has a unique story to share, and I love being able to capture that in images!
I am also very passionate about joy. I want to live a life of joy and bring joy to others! This defines how I run my business. If it’s not something I can do with joy, then I look for a new way! Maybe that means hiring an assistant or choosing a different type of marketing. There are many different ways to build a business, and I choose to make it a joyful journey.
In addition to photography, I am also a music teacher and homeschool mom, and I’m always learning and growing. I love diving into a variety of academic topics with my kids, and their questions keep me on my toes! I also had a huge learning curve when I became an entrepreneur – taking courses and learning from business coaches. If you love learning, entrepreneurship will be a great adventure!
For those of you who are just beginning your journey, I encourage you to choose a path that brings you joy. You don’t need to follow in anyone else’s footsteps – you are unique, with your own set of gifts and can find a way that feels most authentic to you. If you’re feeling uncertain or stuck, remember: just take action! Even one small step can shift your perspective and open doors you never imagined. Before you know it, you’ll be amazed at where your journey leads! And above all, focus on making a positive impact on others – whether it’s a client, friend, or stranger – a simple act of kindness can make all the difference.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
One of the joys of being a photographer is connecting with other business owners and finding ways to collaborate! I love creating joint offers, speaking on each other’s platforms, and sending referrals. For example, I have collaborated with many book publishers, brand coaches, and web designers because their clients also need professional photos! A virtual photo shoot can be a great additional offer for many types of businesses that work with the personal branding aspect of business owners.
If you are interested in brainstorming ways we might be able to collaborate, you can message me on social media or fill out the contact form on my website. I would love to chat!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lauraharstad.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraharstadphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.harstad
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraharstad
Image Credits
Laura Harstad Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
