Meet Lauren Turney | Owner of Lauren Turney Photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Turney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In college, I ran a children’s entertainment business that helped pay for my tuition, and in 2021 I self-published a children’s book. I love being creative, thinking strategically, and building something from the ground up.

Photography had always fascinated me, so I took classes, invested in equipment, and started freelancing for a few years. Over time, I realized it was more than a hobby—it was a calling. I love capturing milestones, personalities, and the in-between moments that tell a person’s story in a way words can’t.

In 2023, I took the leap and turned my passion into a business. Now, as a wedding, headshot, and portrait photographer based in Houston, my goal is simple: to create images that feel like you—clean, bright, natural, and full of life. From quick glances to belly laughs to teary-eyed hugs, I’m here to capture the moments you’ll want to remember forever.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Lauren Turney Photography is all about capturing genuine, joy-filled moments that feel true to who you are. I specialize in weddings, portraits, and headshots, with a style that’s clean, bright, and true to color – images that will still feel timeless years from now. What sets me apart is the way I approach each session: I focus on the in-between moments – the quick glances, the belly laughs, the teary-eyed hugs – that often say more than perfectly posed photos ever could.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Many start as customers and end up as friends. Knowing people trust me with their most important milestones, whether it’s a wedding, a new baby, or a career change, is something I never take for granted.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Like many small business owners, I faced the challenge of starting from scratch – building a client base, learning the ins and outs of running a business, and finding my place in a competitive industry. I overcame those challenges by staying consistent, continually investing in my skills, and leaning on a community of fellow creatives for advice and encouragement. I also learned to be adaptable, because in photography, no two days (or lighting situations!) are the same.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that your business grows at the pace you nurture it. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you show up for your clients, deliver your best work, and keep learning, it builds over time in ways that last.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s this: I care deeply about making people feel comfortable and celebrated in front of the camera. I’m not just here to take pretty photos, I’m here to tell your story, exactly as it is, so you can look back years from now and remember not just how it looked, but how it felt.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to Houston, we’d start with coffee at Catalina and a walk through Buffalo Bayou Park for skyline views. We’d explore the Museum District, picnic at Hermann Park, and shop the boutiques in the Heights.

One day would be a Galveston beach trip. Back in Houston, we’d do a foodie crawl and late-night dessert. We’d catch live music at White Oak Music Hall, and wrap the trip with brunch at Dish Society.

Houston’s charm is in its diversity—there’s always something amazing to see, taste, and experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love, encouragement, and guidance of so many people. First and foremost, my family has been my biggest cheerleader from day one. They’ve encouraged every wild idea I’ve had, from running a children’s entertainment business in college to self-publishing a children’s book, and now building my photography career.

I especially want to thank my husband. He’s been my steady rock through every stage of this journey. From hauling gear to sessions, talking me through business decisions, or simply reminding me to breathe when wedding season gets hectic, his support means the world to me.

I also have to give a huge shoutout to my close friends and early clients who trusted me with their memories when I was just starting out. They believed in my work, and that gave me the confidence to keep going.

Finally, I’m grateful for the photographers and creatives who have shared their knowledge and experiences with me, whether through mentorship, workshops, or just coffee chats. This community is filled with people who genuinely want to see others succeed, and their generosity inspires me to pay it forward.

Website: https://www.laurenturneyphotography.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/laurenturneyphoto

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurenturneyphotography/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/laurenturneyphotography

Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/lauren-turney-photography#

Image Credits
Lauren Turney Photography