About Lara Grauer

We’re the studio for you if…

you worry about how to behave in front of a camera, what to do with your hands, or how to get everyone (including kids and pets) to cooperate. You’ve wondered what to wear, how it will all come together, and whether it will truly feel worth the investment.

You want more than just pretty pictures. You want tangible proof that your life is as meaningful as it feels. You want to see your confidence, your love, your connection reflected back to you. Not just images, but something substantial that reminds you of what you’ve built and what matters most.

You value time with the people you love. You see the beauty in everyday moments, and you want to celebrate it. You’re willing to invest the time and energy to make the experience meaningful.

If this resonates, you’re in the right place.

My approach isn’t about trends or posing for the sake of looking “photogenic.” It’s about understanding your story, guiding you through the process, and creating artwork that lives in your home - something lasting, that you can cherish for many years to come.

My philosophy

Photography is about seeing yourself clearly.

It’s about doing it now - not someday. It’s about recognizing the life you’ve built while you’re still living it.

Because time moves quickly, and the moments that matter don’t wait.

The goal isn’t just to create something beautiful.

It’s to create something that means something.

Something that feels like you.

Something that holds your story.

Something that lives in your home and becomes part of your life.

This is what I care about.

The video below shares a little more about why.

I didn’t grow up obsessed with photography.

I was the kid in honors classes, juggling activities, following the path that made sense. Photography was something I noticed, but it wasn’t everything.

What I did notice was this: The moments I really remembered were the ones I had photographs of. My family traveled often, but the memories that stayed with me were the ones I could revisit afterwards. The rest faded faster than I expected.

In college at Northwestern University, I finally had the chance to study photography - at the same time I was studying theatre. That combination changed everything. Theatre taught me how to explore character. How to look beneath the surface. How to ask, who is this person, really? Photography gave me a way to capture the answer and share it beyond the stage.

That’s still how I approach portraits. Not as a performance. Not as a version of you that’s been perfected for the camera. But as a character study. A chance to explore different sides of yourself. To see what’s already there, and maybe notice something new.

Most people come in a little unsure. That’s normal. But it’s not the point.

What matters is creating enough space for you to settle in, to let go of that awareness, and to discover something deeper - what makes you interesting, what makes your life meaningful, what makes you you.

The camera is a tool. Light, composition, direction - those are techniques I use to shape the final image. But the portrait itself is something else entirely. It’s evidence of your discovery of who you are, who you’re becoming, and the relationships and stories that define your life.

What it’s like to work with me

Most people don’t feel completely comfortable in front of a camera. That’s okay. Knowing how to pose or perform is not your job. Your job is to simply show up.

Starting your session with hair & makeup styling can be a great way to get comfortable before we start. From there, you just follow my lead.

I’ll give you direction when you need it. I’ll adjust the lights, the angle, and the little details. You don’t have to think about any of it. I’ll help you settle in so you can just enjoy the moment, and somewhere along the way, the feeling will shift.

You’ll stop thinking about the camera.

You’ll start paying attention to the people you’re with.

You’ll relax into yourself.

That’s when the cool stuff happens.

We’ll let it unfold so you can walk away not just with images you love, but with an experience that felt easy, meaningful, and dare I say, fun.

  • “Lara made the entire process so comfortable, I was actually excited for picture day. The photo session was super relaxed, and despite my natural awkwardness Lara was able to make me feel comfortable and take some great shots.”

    Marina Berti

  • Lara is the most amazing photographer I have ever worked with. She is very professional and she was great with my daughter. We’ve used Lara’s services multiple times and would absolutely use her again for our family photos!

    Courtney Hamilton

  • “I got a corgi puppy and wanted to capture his puppy y"ear"s with some late 80s style photos. BEST DECISION EVER! Lara did a great job listening to what I wanted and slam dunking the product.”

    Jay Pritchett

  • My session was great! The studio is really comfortable, Lara was great, and my photos look fantastic!! I’d definitely use Lara again.

    Uzo Akotaobi

  • Lara is able to capture expressions that you never thought possible! Her fun and laid back methods put her subjects at ease, resulting in photos that tell the story of your life. – Kari

    Kari Christopher

Outside of the studio…

My life away from the studio looks a lot like what I value in my work. I make sure I spend time with people I care about (including what some might say is far too much time with Art). I love conversations that go a little deeper than expected, and I always try to pay attention to the small moments.

My list of favorite things includes dance, theatre, public speaking, chocolate chip cookies, dogs, the color purple, things that sparkle, and fun socks.

Your Portrait Journey Starts Here.

If this feels like the kind of experience you’ve been looking for, I’d love to work with you. Fill out this form so we can get started.

Not quite ready yet?

If you’re not quite ready yet, we can just hang out.

Each week, Art and I share a short, story-driven email with the people on our list. Sometimes it’s about a day in our life. Sometimes it’s about photography. Occasionally it’s both. Ultimately we hope to give you a reason to smile. Fill out the form below to join the list. Check out some of our past emails here.