“Never buy a piece of art that you don’t have to have. You know, don’t worry about who the artist is or how much it’s worth. I mean, you have to live with it everyday. You have to walk by it everyday. You have to really love it; you have to really appreciate it. It’s kind of like picking a mate.”-Jenifer Aniston in The Breakup
I am no stranger to the flash of a camera. I grew up with a mom who would do ANYTHING to get us kids to sit down for a photo shoot. She later started a photography business. I also have an Uncle who gets to travel around the world taking his stunning photos and sharing them at art galleries. I love photographs and I know a good photo when I see it! That is why I was so excited to be able to do a review and giveaway for LaurenBPhotography’s!
Where are you from? and a little bit about you
I was born and raised in Prescott, AZ. I met my husband in Tucson, AZ, while I was attending school and he was stationed at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. I worked for Starbucks Coffee Company for five years and quit after the birth of our daughter, Addison (we call her Addie). I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to stay at home with my little girl who is now 16 months old. We now live in Spokane, Washington.
Why did you start your Etsy store?
I have been a fan of Etsy for many years. Whenever I buy birthday or Christmas gifts, I always look on Etsy first. It is nice to buy handmade, and what better way to help boost our economy than to buy directly from the maker.
I wanted to become a part of the Etsy community of sellers and I wanted to do what I could to help support my family while doing something that I love. Etsy has given me the opportunity to make money while still being a stay-at-home-mom.
Do you have anything new you plan on adding to your store?
I will soon be offering notecards with my images printed on them in my Etsy shop. I will sell them individually and in packs and they will all come with matching envelopes. Also, referrals, referrals, referrals, I cannot say it enough. The only way I am going to grow as a business and be successful is to have people refer their friends, families, coworkers, and so on to my shop. I will always be offering the referral discount (15% off purchases to referring customers), and the reward to those who refer new customers (for every customer you refer, you will receive a $5 credit to go towards your future purchases in my Etsy shop.
As for my professional photography business, I have two weddings lined up so far for this year, both of which are in different states, and I hope to do more. I also love photographing high school seniors for their graduation announcements. I think graduating from highschool is such an exciting time in life and is something to be very proud of, I hope to get a chance to take on more senior photo shoots.
How did you learn to take such beautiful photos?
I took five photography classes in college, purchased my own darkroom equipment and did a great deal of work/experimenting at home, worked for the professional wedding photographer, Roberto Valenzuela, started my own professional photography business which can be seen at www.laurenbauerphotography.com, and now am selling some of my fine art photography through my Etsy shop.
Do you have a blog, twitter, or facebook page?
I have twitter http://twitter.com/LauBPhotography
And a personal facebook page not a fanpage yet http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/mamabauer
What photo in your shop is your favorite and why?
It is really hard to answer this question because every image in my Etsy store has a story behind it, I can remember exactly where I was and who I was with, so each photograph has a memory behind it for me. But if I had to choose one item that is my favorite as a photographer, it is the image titled Winding Road http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43640526
What style do you specialize in?
I don’t really specialize in any one particular style of photography. I try to always have an eye out for a good picture, if I see something I like I take it. I do all types of photography – portraits, nature, still life, etc. I try to not limit myself.
What inspires you to take photos?
Photography is my joy and passion. The possibilities are endless for me when I am behind the camera. Each picture has a story behind it. My photography is unique and limitless. When I take a good picture I literally feel like I am jumping up and down inside. It is so amazing to take something that is just ordinary and make it extraordinary as you can see in my “silly pigeon” image, and to be a part of those extraordinary moments and to capture them to savor forever. My desire is to share that joy and passion with you through etsy.
For those in the Washington area do you offer personal photo shoots?
Yes, please take a look at my professional photography at http://www.laurenbauerphotography.com/, and please contact me with any questions.
Anything else you would like us to know?
I am offering a Buy One Get One Free Spring Sale in my Etsy shop. Details can be found in my shop announcement.
Remember Etsy for you future purchases. You won’t be disappointed.
Thank you.
I started this post out with one of my favorite movie quotes. I believe that quote to the core of my being. That is why I said yes to review the stunning photos of Lauren’s. She has a true technique of capturing the essence of life and I did not think I could find more beautiful photography than what I seen in her etsy shop…then I went to her web site. I could have spent hours looking at her photos and I know that there are MANY that I would enjoy to look at every day of my life. Some of them make me feel uplifted. Others take me to a place of serenity. My favorites are the couple’s photos. She showed us how in love they are and took the photos in a manner that is simply romantic.
I encourage all of my readers to check out Lauren’s gorgeous photographs. I know that you will not be able to choose just one!
Also, ALL of my amazing readers that purchase some of her striking photos will get 15% off your purchase!! Just make sure you put HEAVENLY SAVINGS in the comment to seller box!
Mandatory Entry….Go to LaurenBPhotography and tell me what photo you would choose if you are the winner.
Contest will close on Thursday April 29th at 11:59 p.m. MST and the winner will be chosen via Random.org and notified via e-mail. Giveaway is open Worldwide ** Please note that if you are a winner outside of U.S. then international shipping cost will be dependent on the location! No P.O Boxes Please!
Winner will have 48 hours to reply to my e-mail. If I do not hear back from the winner than another winner will be chosen!
**This was not a paid post and my honest opinion was used. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others. Thank you, Lauren (LaurenBPhotography) for supplying the product(s) for the review and giveaway
I would choose the road winding picture. It is really beautiful. She is such a good photographer.
debp
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I would choose the Butterfly On Child's Hand picture.
Our office walls are begging for a good photograph!
I would choose the I Love Josh picture! I love it! 🙂
frugalsciencegal [at] gmail [dot] com
I follow you on google friend connect.
frugalsciencegal [at] gmail [dot] com
The I Heart You picture is fabulous and would go well in my home.
teisalinscott@gmail.com
I would pick this one!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/44017816/butterfly-on-childs-hand-8×10-fine-art-p
kimhigueria(at)gmail(dot)com
i love love love love love (have i said love enough haha) the reflecting echo print!
kshuttle@uoguelph.ca
the spot in my house that needs the reflecting echo is my bedroom! i have only black and white pictures on my wall, so this would be PERFECT!
kshuttle@uoguelph.ca
i like the sunset http://www.etsy.com/listing/43750497/sunset-silhouette-8×12-fine-art-print
but also winding road! 🙂
thanks for the giveaway
eco dog at live dot com
i'm a follower! yay!
thanks again –
ecodog at live dot com
I'd choose the Reflections In The Water print. I used to live in Phoenix and took trips to Prescott and remember the dells. Would be such a great memento!
I would choose the Sunset Silhouette if I won!
Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
I heart LaurenBPhotography on Etsy – my username is Hurdler4eva
Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
I love the beautiful hummingbird 8×10 photo!
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
This photo would look lovely in my foyer–right now there's a blank wall and it needs some color and freshness. Thank you for the chance to win!
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
I read the Crochet Loft blog you posted. I learned that she likes to use embellishments and I LOVE the croched cozis!!!!
bead.eclectic@gmail.com
I hearted the shop!
bead.eclectic@gmail.com
I would love to have a photo for my bedroom. I'm about to strip down 60+ year old wall paper in a spare room and move my bed in there, and I need some fun decor!
bead.eclectic@gmail.com
I follow your blog!
bead.eclectic@gmail.com
There are three that I love: Lighthouse Island, Lighthouse, Butterfly On Child's Hand. Selecting only one will be difficult.
clenna at aol dot com
If I selected the lighthouse pix I would put it in my bedroom. If I decided on the butterfly I would put it in my spare bedroom. (which my grand kids use every week)
clenna at aol dot com
My favorites are hummingbird or twinkling hearts.
Thanks for the giveaway and good luck to everyone!
I would choose Over Broadway – 8×12 Fine Art Print.
carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com
ms(dot)verymarried(at)gmail(dot)com
My favorite is The Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge. I live near the bridge and it's my favorite landmark!
I adore the road winding road print!
thepricklypinecone(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would pick the Lake Granby Panoramic print. I love Lake Granby!
rubyandbuddy at yahoo dot com
My family room could really use some beautiful photography!
rubyandbuddy at yahoo dot com
Added Etsy shop to favorites (jknd2000)
rubyandbuddy at yahoo dot com
Tweeted about giveaway:
http://twitter.com/buddyCO/status/12349480280
rubyandbuddy at yahoo dot com
I like the butterfly on child's hand
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I would choose Sweet Serenity. It's so placid and beautiful.
vantran2311f03[at]hotmail[dot]com
My living room could definitely use a great photo.
vantran2311f03[at]hotmail[dot]com
Without a doubt, I'd choose the I Love Josh photo….because I do love my Josh! 🙂
annie(dot)milner(at)gmail(dot)com
Pretty much everyspot in our house….we moved in not long ago, and our walls are bare!
annie(dot)milner(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow your blog 🙂
annie(dot)milner(at)gmail(dot)com
i love the friendliest flower photo! my bare just painted walls is in need of a picture!!
iceflurrie(at)hotmail(dot)com
thanks!
My favorite is Twinkling Hearts.
hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com
My bedroom could use one of her photos. It would brighten up the wall.
hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com
I follow LauBPhotography on Twitter- @ksh123
I only have a few pieces in my home for decor and one happens to be of Brooklyn Bridge so I would get The Walk Across The Brooklyn Bridge to match. It's also b&w like my current one, awesome!
I enjoyed your interview and think that all of the photos are lovely. I think that "I Heart You" is very sweet and will make a perfect notecard;)
cyclona66(at) aol dot com
If I were the lucky winner I would select the winding Road photo.
I'd choose this Butterfly photo: http://www.etsy.com/listing/43852811/butterfly—11×14-fine-art-print
spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com
I would choose the "Old church Photo"
rally_thade17@hotmail.com
I follow on google friends
rally_thade17@hotmail.com
Christina – xristya@rock.com – I would choose Winding Road – it really IS my favorite!
The purple wildflower is very pretty.
kbrite at gmail
I made my mouse come to a screeching halt when I saw Winding Road!! Beauiful and my fave:)
earthdancedaph@yahoo.com
http://earthdancedaph.blogspot.com
I love the 'Winding Road'. khaski78 at hotmail dot com
Hi
So many beautiful photos!
My favourite is Sweet Serenity….although…Winding Road could be also!
Thank you for this opportunity 🙂
caron.chester@gmail.com
I don't actually have a space, as such, begging for a photo…but I love beautiful art and can always find a good place for it! You can never have too much beauty!
Blessings
caron.chester@gmail.com
I'd love either of the Marblehead pictures or the Poppy one.
jamiedelight at gmail.com
I love this shop, what great photos, they are so beautiful! I really like the Peaceful Shore and Bubble Toes. ambrerose(!at)aol.com
I think I would have the bubble toes in my bathroom and any of the others in my extra bedroom. ambrerose(!at)aol.com
I can't decide between light house island and old church!! I love them!!
shanphillipp@yahoo.com
following LaurenBPhotography on twitter
I would choose the Marblehead Harbor – 4×6 Fine Art Print, since it is my home town.
design4less@yahoo.com
Just Chillin is a really cool photo however think I would get thumb butte. Awesome photography and a pleasure to see, thanks!
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com
I would choose Sweet Serenity! Beautiful!
jessandshelly@gmail.com
I like Old Glory In The Sky.
uncashbug6 at aol dot com
added to favorites on etsy under the name ashleyelaine22
I would choose the Cactus Bloom!
Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com
I would choose Sunset Silhouette for my living room.
ReTweeted!
@angelnetinc
i'd pick Twinkling Hearts print 8)
@FlamingBlingy
phranne[at]yahoo.com
following Laura on twitter
@FlamingBlingy
phranne[at]yahoo.com
my KITCHEN could really use a lovely photo of hers! it's the friendliest place of almost any house 8)
@FlamingBlingy
phranne[at]yahoo.com
I would choose the butterfly on child picture…it is absolutely stunning!
i love the beautiful humming bird 8 x 10
steph.rutledge@gmail.com
I like this print Winding Road – 8×10 Fine Art Print.
Oh, this is tough. I love 'Always Hope', and 'Twinkling Hearts', but I think my very favorite is 'Beauty Amongst Thorns'. They're all quite different photos, but each evokes an emotional reaction in me, and that's what I like art to do! 🙂
Thanks…I LOVE this shop!
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
I would put 'Beauty Amongst the Thorns' in my hallway, probably, because I would pass it every day. It's an inspiring photo, and one that I would want to be sure others could see easily and often.
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
I follow LaurenB on Twitter as hybroanglid.
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
I now subscribe to LaurenB's etsy shop RSS feed.
THANK YOU for making this an entry; I never noticed you could subscribe to a shop's feed before! SO COOL!!
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
I retweeted this giveaway.
http://twitter.com/hybroanglid/status/12884061024
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
Tweet!
http://twitter.com/cmumpy/status/12924379133
Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/cmumpy/status/12943559850
I really like the Plucking Heartstrings photo, it would go great in my hubby's music room
Supabisha@hotmail.com
Following LauBPhotography on Twitter. Thrifty_Wifey
Supabisha@hotmail.com
Lauren has so many great photos. If I was the winner I would choose either the Bird on Broadway or Friendliest Flower print. Those two are my favorites!
seashell210 (at) gmail (dot) com
I would hang a Lauren B Photography print in my room!
seashell210 (at) gmail (dot) com
I mentioned your giveaway on my blog!
http://itsacharmedlifeblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/another-giveaway-win-another-giveaway.html
seashell210(at)gmail(dot)com
I added Lauren B Photoggraphy as a favorite on Etsy (seashell210)
seashell210(at)gmail(dot)com
Entry # 2 for blogging about the giveaway.
seashell210(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm following LaurenBPhotography on Twitter (charmedlifeblog)
seashell210(at)gmail(dot)com
Tweeted about the giveaway:
http://twitter.com/charmedlifeblog/status/12980314206
seashell210 (at) gmail (dot) com
My favorite is the Reflections In The Water photo! beautiful xx
linalia.lee at gmail dot com
following on twitter as linalia
linalia.lee at gmail dot com
I follow your blog 🙂
linalia.lee at gmail dot com
I'm currently staying in my dorm in college and would love to put one of the photos on my wall above my desk!
linalia.lee at gmail dot com
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/cmumpy/status/13021076521
we have an empty space in our bedroom where we are only doing b & w photos. it would be perfect!
shen
divertida(at)fastmail(dot)fm
I have a living room end table that is the perfect spot.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I follow you on GFC – janetfaye
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I would choose the Butterfly on Childs Hand. Butterflies and children are 2 of my favorite things.
felecia@twinoaksfl.org
I would choose the hummingbird picture!
amymbrennan @ hotmail . com
There's a spot in my bedroom, right above my dresser, where a framed photo by Lauren B would look so beautiful and peaceful.
Tweet!
http://twitter.com/cmumpy/status/13083509713
I would like to have Winding Road – 8×10 Fine Art Print. thanks
lubaska dot k at gmail dot com
I follow LaurenBPhotography on twitter @Lubaska
lubaska dot k at gmail dot com
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/Lubaska/status/13084322068
lubaska dot k at gmail dot com
I would choose Monsoon Sunset. That is so beautiful!
aero1600@gmail.com
Monsoon Sunset would look really beautiful in a frame on the side table in my living room!
aero1600@gmail.com
I follow LaurenBPhotography on Twitter!
@lalolagirl
aero1600@gmail.com
I subscribe to the shop feed!
aero1600@gmail.com
I have your button on my blog!
http://www.kniftythrifty.blogspot.com
aero1600@gmail.com
I would put the Hope Street pic in my bedroom so I could see it every morning 🙂