Friendship – A Key to Thriving in Business

Last weekend, the fabulous Kori of Kori Smith Photography gathered a group of local photographers to get together for lunch up in Havelock, North Carolina. We chatted about photography as well as running a business. Taxes, expenses, business licenses, websites, blogs, Facebook pages, and contracts were discussed. Kori even provided handouts for all attendees! Kori organized this lunch (for free!) because she has a heart of gold and I truly value her friendship! (You may recognize her from these photos because she and I both are Type 1 Diabetics!)

Kori’s generosity is just an example of what I believe is at the heart of many creative entrepreneurs today. We are no longer simply in business for ourselves, but instead thrive when our friends thrive as well. And friendship is only the beginning! Kindness goes a long way too.

Contrary to what some typical businessmen may think, getting together with other photographers has always been a big part of my business. I don’t see them as competition but rather as confidants, advisors, and–perhaps most importantly–friends. The friendships I have fostered with other photographers have been some of the most rewarding relationships I have, because I know they will always have my back. And who else would I rather refer work to when I’m booked (or on maternity leave) than a friend who is equally skilled behind the lens? No one. ;)

The ladies and gentleman in the following photos are all in the photography world in one way or another. Some of us have been in business for years while others are just thinking of starting a business. What I love about this group is that we are all willing to share knowledge with each other, and lift each other up when needed. Though we don’t get together in person as much as we’d sometimes like, we interact online regularly, which fosters true relationships.

Friendship is the key to a strong business - from North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard Friendship is the key to a strong business - from North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren NygardNorth Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard

Want to see other interpretations of this month’s friendship theme? Click the links below for more!

Southeast Texas Baby and Child Portraiture, Kristy G. Photography

Lesley Vivienne Photographer, South Central Oklahoma Family & Birth Photographer

Northern California Wedding and Family Photographer, R Delp Photography

Oklahoma Child Photographer, Nicole Gulick Photography

I photographed these images on Portra 800 film (35mm using a Nikon F6 and medium format using a Mamiya 645 AFD). Miller’s Professional Imaging developed and scanned the negatives.

xoxo,

Lauren

Are you looking for a photographer for your upcoming family or anniversary session? Email Lauren at [email protected] or use the contact link on the top of this page to get in touch with North Carolina Portrait Photographer Lauren Nygard! Lauren is based in Coastal North Carolina, but loves traveling with her camera to capture love across the globe!

Wilmington Family Photographer | Lauren Nygard Photography

https://laurennygard.com



All About the Dads!

“What we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us.

We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.”

―Umberto Eco

This post is all about the dads! Sometimes, Dads are not super excited about being asked to be photographed with their families. Often, Dads are bribed to play along, just as their kids are. However, there is nothing sweeter than a Dad loving on his kids in photos, don’t you think? This month, I’m rounding up some of my favorite images involving Dads to showcase what they bring to our sessions and to the world.

While you’re reading, check out what my good friend and Okinawa Dad Photographer, Kristi James Photography, has to say about Dads this month! :)

Dads are great because they aren’t afraid to carry teddy bears in their packs…

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…or run after their kids…
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…or let their kids run around us…

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…or snuggle up with eskimo kisses…

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…or get launched into daddyhood the moment they return from faraway lands…

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…or use their kids for exercise…

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…or protect their kids when needed…

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…or take their kids on fun adventures…

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…or share toys…

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…or let their kids play with their gear…

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…or be both silly and sweet at the same time…

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…or hold hands like a champ…

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…or enjoy the quiet moments…

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…or be used as a snot rag…

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…or toss their kids in the air…

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…or teach their kids about what’s important…

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…while treating Mom like the Queen she is.

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Thank you, Dads!

 

 

xoxo,

Lauren

Are you looking for a photographer for your upcoming family or anniversary session? Email Lauren at [email protected] or use the contact link on the top of this page to get in touch with North Carolina Portrait Photographer Lauren Nygard! Lauren is based in Coastal North Carolina, but loves traveling with her camera to capture love across the globe!

Wilmington Family Photographer | Lauren Nygard Photography

https://laurennygard.com



The R Family – Rustic Barn Portrait Session

Miss E was such a delight to run around with one afternoon for a family session with her mom and dad at this rustic barn! Mom and I play kickball together here at Camp Pendleton, and it’s been a blast to be on the same team! She is fun, dedicated, and so motivating to be around. Photographing this family together was a treat! Here are a few favorites.

Rustic farm house family photo session from North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard Rustic farm house family photo session from North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard Rustic farm house family photo session from North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard Rustic farm house family photo session from North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard Rustic farm house family photo session from North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard Rustic farm house family photo session from North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard Rustic farm house family photo session from North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard Rustic farm house family photo session from North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard Rustic farm house family photo session from North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard Rustic farm house family photo session from North Carolina family portrait photographer Lauren Nygard

 

xoxo,

Lauren

Are you looking for a photographer for your upcoming family or anniversary session? Email Lauren at [email protected] or use the contact link on the top of this page to get in touch with North Carolina Portrait Photographer Lauren Nygard! Lauren is based in Coastal North Carolina, but loves traveling with her camera to capture love across the globe!

Wilmington Family Photographer | Lauren Nygard Photography

https://laurennygard.com



Last Chance, California!

My days in California are officially numbered as my husband and I head to the east coast for the next few years. I have decided to open up a handful of limited edition sessions over the next couple of weeks to see some of my California clients before we drive to our new home in North Carolina! Please email me at [email protected] for more information and to book a session with your family, kids, or sweetheart!

Limited Edition session with San Diego portrait photographer Lauren Nygard

Limited edition sessions with Lauren Nygard Photography are taking place in the morning on Sunday, April 10, 2016, at the Ranch House aboard Camp Pendleton, and in the afternoon on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad. For $175 (plus tax), you will receive 20 minutes in front of the camera, 15-20 edited proof images in an online viewing gallery, and the image file downloads in .jpg format. Prints and products are available as an additional purchase.

Email me at [email protected] to get your family on the roster–there are only a few sessions available!

xoxo,
Lauren

Are you looking for a photographer for your upcoming family or anniversary session? Email Lauren at [email protected] or use the contact link on the top of this page to get in touch with North Carolina Portrait Photographer Lauren Nygard! Lauren is based in Coastal North Carolina, but loves traveling with her camera to capture love across the globe!

Wilmington Family Photographer | Lauren Nygard Photography

https://laurennygard.com

 



The R Family – Family Portrait Session on the Beach

Karen and I met several years ago and shared stories of studying architecture at Texas A&M and staying up all night at Langford, while our husbands (who were our boyfriends at the time) upheld the traditions of the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets. The Marine Corps brought us together, just like the Navy had brought together our in-laws after they graduated from A&M many years prior.

The beach was the perfect location for this family portrait session, marking the little D’s first birthday. Though recent high tides swept away the spot where we originally planned to meet, Karen suggested this location and it couldn’t have been a more perfect spot to commemorate the family’s beachy life. :)

Here are a few favorites from our session together.

Portrait Session on the beach by North Carolina family photographer Lauren Nygard Portrait Session on the beach by North Carolina family photographer Lauren Nygard Portrait Session on the beach by North Carolina family photographer Lauren Nygard Portrait Session on the beach by North Carolina family photographer Lauren Nygard Portrait Session on the beach by North Carolina family photographer Lauren Nygard Portrait Session on the beach by North Carolina family photographer Lauren NygardPortrait Session on the beach by North Carolina family photographer Lauren Nygard Portrait Session on the beach by North Carolina family photographer Lauren NygardPortrait Session on the beach by North Carolina family photographer Lauren Nygard

Thank you, Karen, for having me capture these memories for your family!

xoxo,

Lauren

Are you looking for a photographer for your upcoming family or anniversary session? Email Lauren at [email protected] or use the contact link on the top of this page to get in touch with North Carolina Portrait Photographer Lauren Nygard! Lauren is based in Coastal North Carolina, but loves traveling with her camera to capture love across the globe!

Wilmington Family Photographer | Lauren Nygard Photography

https://laurennygard.com