Laura Burns shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Laura, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’ve found out the first 90 minutes of my morning MAKE OR BREAK how productive I’m going to be in that day. I wake up and first thing first, spend some time reading the Bible and praying and getting my brain relaxed before walking my dog for 30 minutes. Our morning walks go around our park a few times and most days we end on a trail watching some birds or squirrels before going home to do a 30 minute workout. Sometimes weights, sometimes a good stretch session or yoga/pilates. Get my body moving before shower/breakfast and then to work. I’ve found sometimes I am SO motivated to work in the morning first thing, but if I don’t get my walk and workout in, I won’t be as productive throughout the rest of the day. This routine changed me!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Laura Burns of Laura Burns Photography. I am a Southern California Wedding and Elopement Photographer and Videographer, but I also love to travel to capture love stories all over the globe! I mostly serve Orange County and San Diego Weddings. I have a documentary and candid style approach and I work with fun, deeply in love couples who truly value their connection and being in the moment on their wedding days. My couples want their wedding day to feel intentional, joyful, and 100% like them.
What makes my work special is that I have an approach where its more than just showing up with a camera to take photos and videos. I show up as a part of the team that is there to make the couples’ day seamless. I am a calming presence, a hype girl, and someone who is genuinely invested in the clients themselves and making sure they’re enjoying their day. I capture the big emotional fun moments, the big first kiss, the moves on the dance floor. I also capture the quiet fleeting ones that feel like you almost missed them.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband has always been my biggest support and always seen so much potential in me, even in moments where I begin to doubt myself. He believes in what I’m capable of, sometimes more than I do, and he gently (or playfully!) reminds me of it when I need it most.
He encourages me to step outside my comfort zone and try new things I never imagined myself doing. This summer, he’s teaching me how to surf! As an ocean loving and diving girly, I never EVER thought I’d be a surfer.
He has this steady, unwavering belief in me that feels like the safest place in the world. He’s been my biggest supporter, my soft landing, and the one who’s always seen me for who I am and who I can be.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell little Laura to slow down and soak up all the little moments, even the ones that feel small or messy, because they pass by so quickly. And stop dwelling on every little thing… it’s okay to let go.
When I was younger, I struggled with ADHD and anxiety, and I really thought those things made me incapable. But I wish I could tell my younger self that those parts of me aren’t flaws, they’re part of what makes me ME. As an adult, learning more about how my brain works and building a life and a career that actually thrives because of it has given me so much meaning and purpose. You’re not broken. You’re wired for something beautifully unique. Trust in yourself, and trust in God, that you’ll get there.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
When I started as a photographer, I didn’t realize I would share as much about my personal life as I do. I think it’s so important for a couple to choose a wedding photographer who they genuinely like and would want to spend time with. So in that sense, I do try to share a bit about my life online. I want people to know my personality, my likes, what the day-to-day looks like for me. I try to be my genuine self so I would say the public version of me is pretty much the real me, maybe hiding some of the messy.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, my role, and my possessions… I’d still be me. I’d still be a wife, full of love and laughter and partnership. I’d still be a friend, a safe place, a shoulder to cry on, and a cheerful spirit who brings light into the room.
I’d still be passionate. About the Earth. About the ocean. About learning and teaching and growing. I’d still watch sunsets at the beach as often as I can and dive into waves. I’d still point out birds. I’d still get excited over the little things, and I’d still seek joy in the ordinary.
Entrepreneurship can be all-consuming. It can take up so much space. But I try really hard to live a life that exists beyond my business. A life full of connection, curiosity, and meaning. At my core, I’m not just what I do, I’m how I love, how I show up, and how I make people feel.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lauraburnsphotography.com
- Instagram: @lauraburnsphotography
Image Credits
Laura Burns Photography
