Today’s blog post is all about beautiful photography and an AWESOME person! I got to interview Lauren of Lauren Baker Photo and we talked about her business, what couples should know when it comes to their wedding photographer, and some other fun questions. I’m SO excited to share about Lauren and her gorgeous work with you!

ABOUT YOU

-Tell us a little about you and your business!

I’m Lauren Baker and I’m a romantic, true-to-life wedding and portrait photographer based in New England. I recently moved from Minneapolis, MN where I began my business in 2015. I specialize in romantic, joyful, and evocative imagery that brings out the beauty of my clients.

-What is your favorite part of being a wedding photographer?

My favorite part of being a wedding photographer actually has nothing to do with photography. I enjoy being able to empower, support, and see my clients as their authentic selves. Far too often in our culture, we hide our true selves because we don’t feel “worthy.” It’s my aim to spread positivity and acceptance so that my clients not only feel seen but feel worthy of beauty and love, as well!

-How far out should couples be booking a photographer?

I don’t subscribe to the belief that you have to adhere to a rigid timeline when it comes to any part of your wedding. That said, if you know you want to work with a specific photographer, planner, or any other vendor, you should book them as soon as you have a date and venue. That said, many photographers, including myself, typically don’t book weddings that are more than 12-15 months out.

-What are some misconceptions about wedding photographers?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that we only work one day a week. I won’t speak for others, but I work nearly every day. From editing photos, to photographing clients, to writing blogs and publication submissions, to taking continuing ed classes, to planning social media marketing… I’m working all of the time. And if I’m not literally working, my mind is thinking about work.

**-What are some things that couples are not asking a potential photographer but should be?**
This is a great question. To get at the answer, I’d like to point out the question that couples ask all of the time that they don’t need to ask. “Have you photographed at my venue before?” It truly doesn’t matter if a photographer has photographed at your venue before. Instead, ask if they’re able to find great light quickly. If a photographer is able to find great light, they’ll be able to photograph anywhere. I travel all of the time for work and am rarely at the same venue twice. Over the course of nearly 10 years as a wedding photographer, I’ve learned how to find the best kind of light for my style and how to find it quickly, too.

ABOUT ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

-Do you think engagement photo sessions are worth it?

It’s my belief that engagement sessions are critical, whether or not you use the photos from them. As a client, you’ll learn what it’s like to be in front of your photographer’s camera. You’ll learn their unique language, their way of directing, and some go-to poses. Additionally, engagement sessions give you the opportunity to get more comfortable being photographed, and if you’re like 99% of people, getting this kind of practice is priceless! As a photographer, engagement sessions are a time where I get to learn my clients’ best sides, what poses work well, what their comfort level is with PDA, and most importantly what kind of direction they need. Lastly, engagement sessions are a time when my clients and I can further build our relationship of trust and friendship.

**-What are some tips you have for couples for having a fun engagement shoot that will produce great pictures?**
Let go of all of your expectations and just have fun. Don’t put pressure on yourselves to be perfect. And when in doubt, always trust your photographer!
**-When during the wedding planning process should a couple have their engagement shoot?**
Again, I don’t think there’s a specific time when a couple should take engagement photos. Some couples do them right away because they want to use images on their save-the-dates. Others wait until a few weeks before their wedding. It’s really up to the couple.

ABOUT THE WEDDING DAY

-Any tips for looking and being calm on your wedding day?

Delegate!! Your one job when you wake up on your wedding day is to get married. No one should be asking you questions or asking you to make decisions. Delegate that ish! Throughout the day, take deep breaths and be in the moment. Don’t worry if things are perfect - like love, perfect is in the imperfect - and honestly, your guests won’t know or care if things aren’t perfect. They’re there to have a good time and support you!

-What should a couple bring with them on the wedding day so you can produce amazing Details photos?

Couples should bring anything that helps tell a visual story of their day. Items should fit their wedding theme. Shoes, rings, jewelry, cufflinks, etc those are pretty common items but if you have cool decorations that will be at your reception, bring some of those for detail photos. My biggest piece of advice for detail photos is about floral. If you want detail items with lots of flowers, you need to talk to your florist about that in advance! Flowers are expensive and therefore florists rarely have extra flowers on hand. If you’re expecting detail photos with lots of flowers, you need to set that expectation early with both your photographer and florist.

-Are you pro First Look?

I’m always pro First Look! By doing a first look, you’re able to check off all of your portrait “have to’s” before the ceremony which means you can enjoy your party with your guests as soon as you say I Do.

-Do you have any Do’s and Don’ts for couples for the month before the wedding? For example: tanning, cosmetic procedures, hair coloring, etc.

I’m anti-tanning in general but if you must tan, do it early and go to someone who does custom spray tanning so it looks natural, rather than orange. Watch out for tan lines, too! If you have severe tan lines, don’t be surprised if your photographer doesn’t edit those out. And always wear your sunscreen! Avoid getting sunburnt in general, but especially the month of your wedding!!

NOW FOR SOME FUN QUESTIONS

-I’m sorry to do this but if you had to pick: engagement shoots or wedding day?

Wedding day.

-What are your top 3 favorite wedding photo poses?

It changes based on the couple and their unique love language. But the ones that draw me into a still image are ones that have physical connection and movement.

-What has been the most unique location you’ve shot at?

I’ve had the opportunity to photograph a couple in Cinque Terre Italy and that was pretty cool!