Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Perrin.
Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Photography has been part of my life for much longer than it has been my career. What started as simply loving the feeling of documenting people and the moments happening around me eventually grew into something I never expected: a full-time business and a career I genuinely love.
I built Lauren Perrin Photo from the ground up, learning along the way not only how to become a better photographer, but how to create an experience that allows people to actually be present in the moments I’m documenting. Over the years, my work naturally found its home in weddings. There is something incredibly special about being invited into one of the most meaningful days of someone’s life and getting to preserve not only how it looked, but how it felt.
Today, I’m a full-time wedding and lifestyle photographer based in West Michigan, photographing celebrations throughout Grand Rapids, along the lakeshore, across Michigan, and beyond. My approach has evolved into a blend of documentary storytelling and editorial imagery, stepping in with guidance when it’s needed, but knowing when to step back and let life unfold.
Building this business has taken years of learning, evolving, taking risks, and figuring out what matters most to me. At this point in my career, success looks a little different than it did when I started. It isn’t about photographing as many weddings as possible. I intentionally take on a limited number each year so I can be completely invested in the people who trust me with their memories.
I still feel incredibly lucky that this is what I get to do. I get to witness families coming together, quiet moments no one else notices, huge celebrations, and all of the wonderfully imperfect pieces in between, and turn them into something people can hold onto long after the day is over.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not, but I think that is true of almost anyone who has built something of their own.
One of the biggest lessons has been realizing that being a photographer and running a photography business are two completely different jobs. I started because I loved creating and connecting with people. Along the way, I had to learn marketing, contracts, client experience, finances, social media, SEO, and how to adapt to an industry that is constantly changing, all while continuing to grow creatively.
There have absolutely been seasons of burnout, self-doubt, comparison, and wondering if I was making the right decisions. As a creative, it can be really easy to tie your worth to how busy you are, how many inquiries are coming in, or what everyone else in the industry seems to be doing. Learning to step away from that mindset has probably been one of the biggest parts of growing my business.
I’ve also had to learn boundaries. I care deeply about the people I work with and want to give them an incredible experience, but I eventually realized that being available to everyone all the time was not sustainable. Taking on fewer weddings, protecting my personal time, and becoming more intentional about the work I say yes to has actually allowed me to serve my clients better.
The road has definitely had its difficult seasons, but every one of them has helped shape the business I have today. I’ve learned that longevity in a creative career is less about constantly doing more and more about building something you can continue to love doing for years to come.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in weddings and couples, as well as boudoir with a style that blends documentary storytelling with an editorial approach. I want photographs to feel beautiful and intentional, without creating a wedding day that feels like it was designed around taking photos.
I’ll step in with direction when it’s helpful, but I also know when to step back and let moments unfold naturally. Some of my favorite images are the ones my couples never knew I was taking.
I’m also incredibly proud of creating a space where people feel comfortable being completely themselves. I photograph couples of all backgrounds, identities, bodies, and relationships, and inclusivity has always been an important part of my business.
More than anything, I’m proud of the trust my couples give me. Your wedding deserves to be experienced. My job is to preserve it beautifully while you’re busy living it.
How do you think about luck?
I think positive mindset and a little luck has absolutely played a role, but I also believe a lot of “good luck” comes from being willing to take a chance when an opportunity presents itself.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with couples who trusted me, referred me to people they love, and helped my business grow organically over the years. Some of my favorite opportunities have come from one connection leading to another in ways I never could have planned.
There has been bad luck too, of course. Running a small business means navigating slow seasons, unexpected challenges, and an industry that is constantly changing. I’ve learned not to put too much weight on either the really good seasons or the difficult ones.
I feel lucky to have built a career doing something I genuinely love, but I’m also proud of the years of work that made that luck matter when it showed up.
Pricing:
- Wedding photography collections begin at $4,295
- Engagement and couples sessions begin at $475
- Boudoir experiences begin at $750
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurenperrinphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenperrinphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenperrinphoto/
