• What a wild freakin ride the last eight years have been... hands down the best thing I EVER did in my life (besides meeting and marrying Scott!) was become a small business owner and entrepreneur. 🎉 I had no freakin clue what was in store for me when I gave my two weeks notice in October 2015 to officially become my own boss. And as I put up some Christmas decorations today, I started reflecting on just how insanely thankful I am for these businesses of mine and life I’ve created. 🍾 In five years I’ve started two successful businesses (with a third launching in the new year!), photographed over 130 weddings, grown a community of a few thousand creatives I get to teach and pour into every week, and as I truly sat down to think about the last five years of being full time and I thought : ya know what? Sure there have been a lot of hard days, a LOT of tears, a LOT of late nights, a LOT of rejection, a LOT of lessons learned the hard way, and yet - I don’t think I’ve had a truly bad day since I started this whole thing. Every single day of being a small business owner- chasing my crazy dreams with my incredible team has been nothing short of amazing. 🙌🏻 And as much as I’ve loved running my own business, I think the best thing about growing a small business is the community of creatives that I’ve met along the way. I can confidently say I know, or am friends with a small business owner in EVERY SINGLE STATE. The world of creative entrepreneurship is AMAZING. 🎊 And well - were just getting startedddd. In 2021 I’m so excited to be launching something pretty freakin stellar for small business owners... and Im excited to take you along for the ride. 🥳 And in the meantime, SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE SMALL BUSINESSES TODAY AND SHARE THEM/TAG THEM IN THE COMMENTS BELOW! Buy local, shop small. I’m so proud to be a part of this community. And thank you for your 8 YEARS of support! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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    What a wild freakin ride the last eight years have been... hands down the best thing I EVER did in my life (besides meeting and marrying Scott!) was become a small business owner and entrepreneur. 🎉 I had no freakin clue what was in store for me when I gave my two weeks notice in October 2015 to officially become my own boss. And as I put up some Christmas decorations today, I started reflecting on just how insanely thankful I am for these businesses of mine and life I’ve created. 🍾 In five years I’ve started two successful businesses (with a third launching in the new year!), photographed over 130 weddings, grown a community of a few thousand creatives I get to teach and pour into every week, and as I truly sat down to think about the last five years of being full time and I thought : ya know what? Sure there have been a lot of hard days, a LOT of tears, a LOT of late nights, a LOT of rejection, a LOT of lessons learned the hard way, and yet - I don’t think I’ve had a truly bad day since I started this whole thing. Every single day of being a small business owner- chasing my crazy dreams with my incredible team has been nothing short of amazing. 🙌🏻 And as much as I’ve loved running my own business, I think the best thing about growing a small business is the community of creatives that I’ve met along the way. I can confidently say I know, or am friends with a small business owner in EVERY SINGLE STATE. The world of creative entrepreneurship is AMAZING. 🎊 And well - were just getting startedddd. In 2021 I’m so excited to be launching something pretty freakin stellar for small business owners... and Im excited to take you along for the ride. 🥳 And in the meantime, SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE SMALL BUSINESSES TODAY AND SHARE THEM/TAG THEM IN THE COMMENTS BELOW! Buy local, shop small. I’m so proud to be a part of this community. And thank you for your 8 YEARS of support! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  • This post is two fold cause 1. I was too busy cooking to post on Wednesday and 2. Too busy eating to post yesterday... soooo. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FREAKIN HUSBAND! It’s still completely wild every time I get to call you that. I know 2020 looks nothing like we planned - in a non pandemic world we’d probably be putting finishing touches on our honeymoon across the world, but instead, for your birthday, I decided to turn our house into our favorite place - copenhagen!!!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Scott - this is the 9th time I’ve gotten to celebrate your birthday with you and every year I love you exponentially more than the last. Thank you for being my BEST friend, my partner in adventure, in cleaning the house... in cooking... in travel... in dreaming big. You are the kindest person I’ve ever met, the greatest friend to everyone you meet, incredibly creative and talented, and the best cat dad to tucker there ever could be! Because of you, 2020 hasn’t been half bad - in fact- it’s been a huge blessing getting to spend way more time with you than expected. I love every day we get to spend together and I can’t wait to celebrate another 70 birthdays with you - I LOVE YOU! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Secondly- a quick lil swipe through of our year together and the little things I’m SO thankful for - hanging with tucker and forcing him to cuddle with us... walks through the arboretum, star gazing in Maine, getting MARRIED, lots of breweries, and amazing memories made with friends on our would be rescheduled wedding weekend (that’s now reschedule again!) - truthfully, there were some incredible memories made this year and I hope they’ll always outshine the inevitable hard times that came with them - not just for us, but for everyone. I couldn’t imagine this crazy, beautiful, wonderful life with anyone else - I’m so thankful for this life of ours. 💕
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    This post is two fold cause 1. I was too busy cooking to post on Wednesday and 2. Too busy eating to post yesterday... soooo. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FREAKIN HUSBAND! It’s still completely wild every time I get to call you that. I know 2020 looks nothing like we planned - in a non pandemic world we’d probably be putting finishing touches on our honeymoon across the world, but instead, for your birthday, I decided to turn our house into our favorite place - copenhagen!!!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Scott - this is the 9th time I’ve gotten to celebrate your birthday with you and every year I love you exponentially more than the last. Thank you for being my BEST friend, my partner in adventure, in cleaning the house... in cooking... in travel... in dreaming big. You are the kindest person I’ve ever met, the greatest friend to everyone you meet, incredibly creative and talented, and the best cat dad to tucker there ever could be! Because of you, 2020 hasn’t been half bad - in fact- it’s been a huge blessing getting to spend way more time with you than expected. I love every day we get to spend together and I can’t wait to celebrate another 70 birthdays with you - I LOVE YOU! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Secondly- a quick lil swipe through of our year together and the little things I’m SO thankful for - hanging with tucker and forcing him to cuddle with us... walks through the arboretum, star gazing in Maine, getting MARRIED, lots of breweries, and amazing memories made with friends on our would be rescheduled wedding weekend (that’s now reschedule again!) - truthfully, there were some incredible memories made this year and I hope they’ll always outshine the inevitable hard times that came with them - not just for us, but for everyone. I couldn’t imagine this crazy, beautiful, wonderful life with anyone else - I’m so thankful for this life of ours. 💕
  • Okay, friends. It’s HERE!! Our biggest shop sale of the year! 🙌 Queue happy dance 💃  PHOTOGRAPHERS, I am looking at you! It’s time to stop reinventing the wheel and drowning in the one billion things you need to do for your wedding and portrait clients. Get yourself organized and streamlined this off-season with workflows and templates that were created by photographers (ahem, yours truly) FOR photographers.  Seriously, though...there are a whole lotta things right now we can’t be sure of...but there is one thing I am 1000% sure of...You, my friend, don’t need to be in your inbox every day sifting through a mess of emails and staying up until 2am editing galleries.  It’s time to stop ignoring your workflow or saying you don’t have enough time or money. No excuses, it’s time to take action.  Now through 12/1, everything (yup, every single thing) in the Laura Lee Creative Shop is 40% OFF. Things like:  ✅ Workflow checklists for weddings and portraits ✅ Questionnaires to get to know your clients ✅ Templates for emails and other correspondence Just use promo code SHOP40 at checkout to get your 40% off. Link in bio! DM me if you have any questions at all - I am here to help!
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    Okay, friends. It’s HERE!! Our biggest shop sale of the year! 🙌 Queue happy dance 💃  PHOTOGRAPHERS, I am looking at you! It’s time to stop reinventing the wheel and drowning in the one billion things you need to do for your wedding and portrait clients. Get yourself organized and streamlined this off-season with workflows and templates that were created by photographers (ahem, yours truly) FOR photographers.  Seriously, though...there are a whole lotta things right now we can’t be sure of...but there is one thing I am 1000% sure of...You, my friend, don’t need to be in your inbox every day sifting through a mess of emails and staying up until 2am editing galleries.  It’s time to stop ignoring your workflow or saying you don’t have enough time or money. No excuses, it’s time to take action.  Now through 12/1, everything (yup, every single thing) in the Laura Lee Creative Shop is 40% OFF. Things like:  ✅ Workflow checklists for weddings and portraits ✅ Questionnaires to get to know your clients ✅ Templates for emails and other correspondence Just use promo code SHOP40 at checkout to get your 40% off. Link in bio! DM me if you have any questions at all - I am here to help!
  • I sat on the floor and cried on my boss's floor. All the long nights had come to a head and I was clearly exhausted, burnt out, and just DONE with 16 hour days. . That was the day I gave my 2 weeks notice. And my final day at my full time job as a photo editor was EXACTLY 5 YEARS AGO TODAY! (I remember being pretty bummed to miss the Halloween party at work the next day!) . And these last 5 years of being full time has been the most wild ride of my life. But what I think I'm most proud of is the community I've cultivated and become a part of. . To date I've worked with over 200 (maybe even 300?) photography clients I ADORE, shot over 150 weddings, 70+ brand sessions, photographed sessions and weddings in at least 6 countries, grown a team of 4 who I couldn't imagine doing this without, grown a community of creatives of 7000+, welcomed 100's of students into my courses, membership, and education space, co-led our local Rising Tide chapter of 100's of incredible business owners, attended dozens of conferences and made friends in LITERALLY EVERY STATE, hosted (soon to be) 5 retreats, coached dozens of business owners, been a part of 3 high level mastermind and numerous peer masterminds, and the list goes on. . While sometimes the days seem to fly by... and most years I look back and didn't accomplish half of what I wanted... when I look back on the last 5 years as a whole I am literally AMAZED at what has unfolded... and I have a feeling the really amazing work is just getting started. . To EVERY single photography client, every coach or mentor who has guided me, my incredible team who has helped to grow this business into an incredibly vision driven company, and to every creative business owner who trusted me to be your coach or teacher, THANK YOU. I wouldn't be where I am today without any of you. . I can't wait to see what this decade brings. Bring it on.
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    I sat on the floor and cried on my boss's floor. All the long nights had come to a head and I was clearly exhausted, burnt out, and just DONE with 16 hour days. . That was the day I gave my 2 weeks notice. And my final day at my full time job as a photo editor was EXACTLY 5 YEARS AGO TODAY! (I remember being pretty bummed to miss the Halloween party at work the next day!) . And these last 5 years of being full time has been the most wild ride of my life. But what I think I'm most proud of is the community I've cultivated and become a part of. . To date I've worked with over 200 (maybe even 300?) photography clients I ADORE, shot over 150 weddings, 70+ brand sessions, photographed sessions and weddings in at least 6 countries, grown a team of 4 who I couldn't imagine doing this without, grown a community of creatives of 7000+, welcomed 100's of students into my courses, membership, and education space, co-led our local Rising Tide chapter of 100's of incredible business owners, attended dozens of conferences and made friends in LITERALLY EVERY STATE, hosted (soon to be) 5 retreats, coached dozens of business owners, been a part of 3 high level mastermind and numerous peer masterminds, and the list goes on. . While sometimes the days seem to fly by... and most years I look back and didn't accomplish half of what I wanted... when I look back on the last 5 years as a whole I am literally AMAZED at what has unfolded... and I have a feeling the really amazing work is just getting started. . To EVERY single photography client, every coach or mentor who has guided me, my incredible team who has helped to grow this business into an incredibly vision driven company, and to every creative business owner who trusted me to be your coach or teacher, THANK YOU. I wouldn't be where I am today without any of you. . I can't wait to see what this decade brings. Bring it on.
  • BRAND MINI SESSIONS ARE HERE! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Oh. my. lanta. Truthfully, over the last 8 years doing over 70 brand sessions, it has become my absolute favorite thing in the world getting to connect with other business owners, hear their dreams and passions for their business, and document that passion and "soul shine" that is just inevitable when you love what you do. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And now I'm SO DANG EXCITED to open up 14 spots for brand mini sessions in Long Branch, NJ on November 14!! (5 are already gone) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whether you have a holiday promo coming up, you need updated headshots (or maybe even your first one!), you've been thinking of a brand session but don't want to invest in a "full" session, or you just want an excuse to get out of the house and look cute for once in 2020, I'VE GOT YOUR BACK. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And since the calendar is already booking up for the year and I wanted to work with as many business owners as possible, for the first time EVER we're opening up mini sessions!! Here's what you need to know: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Who are these for >> Creative entrepreneurs, bloggers, influencers, authors, speakers, realtors, coaches, designers, educators, shop owners… literally anyone who runs a business or needs to connect with customers ! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What to expect >> November 14, 2020 Earthen Charm House in Long Branch, NJ 25 Minute Session Up to 2 outfits A few props, if applicable Up to 20 final images (enough to cover your ENTIRE website!) A ridiculously fun time! 🎉 Price - $300 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ You'll have the options for indoor and outdoor images at the MOST BEAUTIFUL FREAKIN HOUSE EVER. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ SO LET’S DO THIS!! TO BOOK: 1. Head to my link in bio 2. Click on “ brand mini sessions” 3. Pick your time slot and pay your retainer 4. Wait for my email for the rest of the details! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
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    BRAND MINI SESSIONS ARE HERE! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Oh. my. lanta. Truthfully, over the last 8 years doing over 70 brand sessions, it has become my absolute favorite thing in the world getting to connect with other business owners, hear their dreams and passions for their business, and document that passion and "soul shine" that is just inevitable when you love what you do. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And now I'm SO DANG EXCITED to open up 14 spots for brand mini sessions in Long Branch, NJ on November 14!! (5 are already gone) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whether you have a holiday promo coming up, you need updated headshots (or maybe even your first one!), you've been thinking of a brand session but don't want to invest in a "full" session, or you just want an excuse to get out of the house and look cute for once in 2020, I'VE GOT YOUR BACK. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And since the calendar is already booking up for the year and I wanted to work with as many business owners as possible, for the first time EVER we're opening up mini sessions!! Here's what you need to know: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Who are these for >> Creative entrepreneurs, bloggers, influencers, authors, speakers, realtors, coaches, designers, educators, shop owners… literally anyone who runs a business or needs to connect with customers ! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What to expect >> November 14, 2020 Earthen Charm House in Long Branch, NJ 25 Minute Session Up to 2 outfits A few props, if applicable Up to 20 final images (enough to cover your ENTIRE website!) A ridiculously fun time! 🎉 Price - $300 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ You'll have the options for indoor and outdoor images at the MOST BEAUTIFUL FREAKIN HOUSE EVER. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ SO LET’S DO THIS!! TO BOOK: 1. Head to my link in bio 2. Click on “ brand mini sessions” 3. Pick your time slot and pay your retainer 4. Wait for my email for the rest of the details! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
  • Have you ever been kinda like... half in on a dream? . I hate admitting this - but I feel like this is my every day existence - I feel like there are people who are quickstarts and jump in with both feet and don't look back... and then there's me, who sometimes takes 8 years to make a decision or a transition. (I WISH I was kidding). . It probably doesn't look like this on the outside, but that's the reality - there are dreams I can so vividly see 5 years from now, 10 years from now, and I realize more and more than you can't have your foot on the gas and the brakes at the same time - you can't dabble with your dreams and expect them to just WORK without putting IN the work - you can't compare yourself to those you see online killing it if you're only half in and they're all in. (well you can compare all ya want but it sure isn't serving you.) . If you want to make an impact... move mountains... change the world... hit a goal...achieve a dream... you can't just dabble. You've gotta commit to it. So this is my rally cry - your dreams deserve a freakin chance - because my bet is? They're not just going to serve you - they're going to serve and impact a whole lotta people. . So here's to you - here's to me - here's to chasing dreams with reckless abandon, even when it's scary. Even when you're going into the unknown. Because wherever your heart is, the magic will follow. . Save this post if you need a little encouragement on the hard days! And better yet, tell me below about a dream you’re chasing right now! . 📷 @lauraannewatson
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    Have you ever been kinda like... half in on a dream? . I hate admitting this - but I feel like this is my every day existence - I feel like there are people who are quickstarts and jump in with both feet and don't look back... and then there's me, who sometimes takes 8 years to make a decision or a transition. (I WISH I was kidding). . It probably doesn't look like this on the outside, but that's the reality - there are dreams I can so vividly see 5 years from now, 10 years from now, and I realize more and more than you can't have your foot on the gas and the brakes at the same time - you can't dabble with your dreams and expect them to just WORK without putting IN the work - you can't compare yourself to those you see online killing it if you're only half in and they're all in. (well you can compare all ya want but it sure isn't serving you.) . If you want to make an impact... move mountains... change the world... hit a goal...achieve a dream... you can't just dabble. You've gotta commit to it. So this is my rally cry - your dreams deserve a freakin chance - because my bet is? They're not just going to serve you - they're going to serve and impact a whole lotta people. . So here's to you - here's to me - here's to chasing dreams with reckless abandon, even when it's scary. Even when you're going into the unknown. Because wherever your heart is, the magic will follow. . Save this post if you need a little encouragement on the hard days! And better yet, tell me below about a dream you’re chasing right now! . 📷 @lauraannewatson