Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Quinn.
Hi Laura, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born in Romania, I first visited Southern California in 2010, and instantly felt welcomed by the light, the coastline, and the lifestyle. By 2017, I had begun a career in interior design — a path that allowed me to shape spaces and bring beauty into everyday life. In 2018, I took the next step in my journey and immigrated to the U.S., opening the door to new opportunities and growth.
Becoming a mother in 2023 changed the rhythm of everything. With the arrival of my son, Phillip, my priorities shifted — being present for him became my focus. That transition inspired me to expand my creative work and turn my lifelong passion for photography into a more flexible career centered around families and connection.
Today, coastal sessions have become a signature part of my work. Photographing families by the ocean is a way to share my love for the Southern California coast while celebrating the beauty of everyday moments. Sunset portraits, children running through the tide, parents walking hand-in-hand — these candid, heartfelt interactions are the moments I love to capture. My goal is always to freeze those fleeting connections in time, honoring both the magic of childhood and the warmth of family life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I first turned my passion for photography into a business, I was focused on creativity — capturing connection, emotion, and storytelling through my lens. But I quickly learned that building a business requires so much more than just doing what you love.
Suddenly, I was the photographer, the marketer, the accountant, the client manager — all at once. Pricing my work felt especially hard. How do you put a number on something so personal? I undercharged often, not realizing the toll it took until I faced busy seasons with little profit, or slow months with no cushion. Learning to track expenses, create contracts, and plan for unpredictable income was a steep but necessary climb.
At the same time, I was navigating a saturated market. There are so many talented family photographers — it’s easy to feel lost in the crowd. I had to really sit with the question: What makes my work different? That reflection led me to lean fully into my love for candid, lifestyle storytelling — sessions full of movement, emotion, and real-life magic, especially those at the ocean. But even then, it took time to find my voice, and to trust that the right clients would connect with it.
And of course, no session ever goes exactly as planned. Weather shifts, kids get tired, the light changes, or a gallery takes longer to edit than expected. I’ve had to learn flexibility — to adapt on the spot, communicate clearly, and let go of perfectionism in favor of presence.
None of it has been easy, but through every challenge, I’ve grown. I’ve become more confident in my work, clearer about my values, and more grateful for the families who trust me with their moments.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a family and lifestyle photographer, I specialize in capturing candid, everyday moments with an artistic touch. My work is known for its soft, dramatic lighting that creates a timeless, cinematic feel. I often choose coastal locations for sessions, allowing natural light to illuminate families in a way that feels both intimate and expansive.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend the natural beauty of the environment with authentic family connections, resulting in images that are both emotionally resonant and visually striking.
I’m most proud of the trust families place in me to capture their most intimate moments. When clients tell me that my photos feel “true” and that they can relive real snippets of joy through my work, it means more than any technical accolade. Additionally, building a creative business while prioritizing my son, Phillip, has been a significant achievement. Combining my passion with parenthood hasn’t always been easy, but being present for him while pursuing my craft has been incredibly fulfilling.
Any big plans?
As I continue to grow my family and lifestyle photography business, I’m focusing on expanding my reach to more families in Southern California. I aim to offer more flexible session options, including weekday mornings and sunset shoots, to better accommodate diverse schedules and include new secluded locations that allow me to grow my creativity.
I’m also exploring collaborations with local businesses and artists to create unique, community-centered photo experiences. This could include themed sessions that blend my signature style with other art forms, providing families with memorable and personalized photo opportunities.
Additionally, I’m committed to ongoing professional development. This includes attending workshops, collaborating with fellow creatives, and staying updated on industry trends to continually enhance the quality and creativity of my work.
Through these initiatives, I hope to deepen my connection with the community, provide families with cherished memories, and continue to evolve both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Credit: Laura Quinn Studios
