We recently connected with Lauren Kellar and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lauren, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
People and celebrating people and serving people well is always what has driven my sense of purpose. Photography is so much about creativity but it’s also so much about the people we capture. I have always loved to highlight them and their stories.
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 Lauren, owner of The Northern Story, a Michigan-based photography business.
Back in high school, a name popped into my head – The Northern Story. I remember drawing logos and branding for the name in old notebooks just for fun. I had no idea why or what I would do with it, but I kept it for the future. After a few years, my passion for photography grew and I knew exactly what I would use that name for. In 2018, I launched my photography business.
I photograph weddings, families, and the importance stuff of life. My style is natural and fun but emotive as well. I lean a little bit into documentary style photography because it tells a story. Ultimately I am here to capture the story of you.
It’s truly a joy for me to photograph the moments and people that make life beautiful. What’s more is that I get to do a lot of my photography with my husband as well, so if you book The Northern Story, you just might meet Nate too.
I have a strong inclination towards Jesus. I love to laugh, to be in the woods, to enjoy a good cup of coffee, and to get out on that dance floor.
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?
I think that three of the qualities it is important to have – both in the formation of the business and as it grows – is an eye and love for the creative, good communication, and joy in life. Anybody can learn how to use a camera, but to have an eye for capturing the world in a unique way is something you can’t always just teach yourself. Because you’re working with people every day, you also have to know how to communicate really well with people. From the first inquiry to the delivery of their final gallery, you’re going to chat with each person quite a bit!
Finally, you have to have joy in life! Even if you have captured 200 weddings, for each couple, that’s their one wedding day. You have to be excited and ready to celebrate along with them.
My advice on how to develop these is one, practice all the time. Bring your camera everywhere and take pictures of what you see. This helps you see the world in a more creative, photographic way. When it comes to communication and joy in life, just think “how can I serve these people well? What can I do and say that will make their planning easier and bring them more joy in their decision to choose me as their photographer.”
Having that attitude will really help you with the right mindset.
How would you describe your ideal client?
I just love clients who really value having fun. I love to laugh and for a session to be something full of life and laughter. I think that sets everyone at ease and makes taking pictures so effortless. My style is fairly relaxed and documentary and so if you’re having fun, it makes the photos feel that much more real and natural. I also really desire clients who value their photos. If you’re just having photos taken just to check a box, you probably have a friend or family member who could take decent pictures to get the job done. But if you want photos that are timeless and more artistic – not “just a photo” – then I’d love to work with you.
Contact Info:
- Website: thenorthernstory.com
- Instagram: @thenorthernstory
- Facebook: Facebook.com/thenorthernstory
