Hello!
My name is Shalara but most people call me Lara for short. I'm a Georgia based full time portrait photographer and also a full time mother. Photography has truly been my passion since 2017. I started out shooing proms and expanded to doing kids, family, seniors, parties, events etc. It's always been something that I can see myself doing until I am old and grey. I live for the moment when my clients get excited about their session during the consultation. My main goal is to make sure my clients are comfortable and enjoying themselves. Making sure we have those shots you imagined in your head so I never rush through a session. I talk you through the session while playing some music so you can get in your zone then the magic happens. I'm so passionate about my career that if it wasn't for my son, I'd do it for free. I look forward to working with you!
Q&A
What made you start doing photography?
Photographer has always been my passion. I remember when my father bought my first camera. It was a Kodak that camera with the printer. I use to walk around the neighborhood and take pictures of everything, the nice houses, the beautiful, big bushes, the kids riding their bikes up the street and our house, inside and out. I would come and print out the pictures and hang them on my wall. A few years later, my father had an aneurysm and didn't make it back home to us. I was lost for a while because not my daddy. What was I gone do without my first love. Then for Christmas in 2015, my mama bought me a Canon t6i from Walmart. It was love at first sight. My baby sister was my first model and she use to get soo tired of me wanting to take pictures. I dont know who was happier when I finally booked my first photo shoot, me or her. My first photo shoot was a prom session in 2017. After that session, I said to myself " This is only the beginning to an amazing journey."
What's your most favorite sessions to do?
I love doing all sessions, but my top favorite session is with kids. They have so much energy. To watch their energy level decrease from how much fun we have during their session is amazing! They will say anything. Some kids come in shy and dont want to smile are the best ones. We grow a bond during their session. They come in quiet and shy, but when the session is over they dont want to leave me. I love it! I have plenty of patience especially with kids. I have a son who was diagnosed with autism in 2023. He taught me how to have patience and be patient with others. Everybody doesn't react the same to situations. You have to do what makes them comfortable in order to get that smile you want.