About Lara Grauer

We’re the studio for you if…

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. More than just the snaps in your phone, you want 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 them. You’re willing to invest the time and energy to make the experience meaningful.

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

Our 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.

Our philosophy

Photography is about the peace of mind that comes from freezing a moment in time.

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

Time moves quickly, and the moments you want to savor won’t wait.

A portrait is a custom piece of art that means something.

It shows you how worthy you are.

It captures your story for the next generation.

It lives in your home and reminds you of what matters every single day.

That’s what we care about most.

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 aside from the Mickey Mouse camera my parents gave me as a kid, I didn’t think much about it.

As I got older, I noticed that the moments I really remembered were the ones we had pictures of. My family traveled a lot, but the trips that stayed with me were the ones I could revisit afterwards through photography. When the camera was packed away, many experiences faded and became distant shadows in my mind, if I remembered them at all.

In college at Northwestern University, I finally had the chance to learn photography at the same time I was studying theatre. In my theatre courses, I learned how to explore character. It was important to know how to look beneath the surface. How to ask, who is this person, really? At the same time, photography gave me a way to explore similar questions, capture different sides of a person, and share the discoveries beyond the stage.

That’s still how I approach portraits. Not as a performance, but as a character study. It’s a chance to explore different sides of who you are, and how you relate to people around you. We want to see what you’re proud to share, and maybe notice something new that’s equally deserving of honoring as art.

The camera is a tool. Light, composition, and direction are techniques I use to shape the image. And the portrait itself is evidence of who you are, who you’re becoming, and the relationships and stories that define your life. These memories will be passed down to future generations, and they’ll become the history and heritage that your family values most.

What it’s like to work with me

Most people don’t feel completely comfortable in front of a camera, and that’s okay. Knowing how to pose or perform is not your job. Getting a great shot is my responsibility.

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 camera angle, and all 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 experience.

At some point, you’ll stop thinking so much about the camera. You’ll start paying attention to the experience you’re having. You’ll relax into yourself.

That’s when the cool stuff happens.

We’ll breathe, we’ll laugh, and we’ll dance. We’ll let it all unfold so you can come away not just with portraits you love, but with an experience that felt easy, meaningful, and 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 little things.

My favorites include dance, theatre, public speaking, chocolate chip cookies, dogs, the color purple, things that sparkle, and fun socks.

Your Portrait Journey Starts Here.

Our calendar fills quickly, and we take a limited number of custom sessions each month to ensure every client receives our full attention.

Commissioned portrait experiences begin at $990, with most clients investing between $3,000–$7,000. For those who desire a more extensive collection, additional options are available.

If you’re ready to capture this moment in your life with heirloom-quality portraits you’ll treasure for decades, now is the time to reserve your session.

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. Sometimes it’s both. Ultimately we hope to give you a reason to feel an emotion or crack a smile, because that’s what makes life worth living. Check out some of our past emails here. Fill out the form below to join the list.