About Lara Grauer Photography

Lara Grauer: Proud Seattle Photographer Since 2008

Hello, I’m Lara Grauer, Seattle photographer, Certified Professional Photographer and member of the PPA Professional Photographers of America. I’ve been a photographer since 1996 and over the past 22 years I’ve photographed countless children and families, pets, weddings and events, and headshots for professionals of all stripes including actors, attorneys, executives, and social media, and dating profiles.

Studio Sessions By Appointment or We’ll Come To You

I do on-location photo sessions all around Seattle, including Downtown, South Lake Union, Magnolia, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, Fremont, Wallingford, Ravenna, Magnuson, out across Lake Washington to Bellevue, Redmond and Issaquah and, phew, all the way up North to Everett. I’ll come to you, because you’ll look your best where you’re most comfortable. I also do studio sessions by appointment in my studio or in a larger remote studio as needed on a per project basis.

My Artist’s Statement

I use my skills to bring people closer to the essence of this thing we think of as life. I know we all have it inside of us: the ability to truly live in each and every moment and I see it prominently in the subjects I photograph. That sparkling radiance is there in all of us. I aim to uncover it in those who have forgotten.

I want to wake people up to the magic of living fluidly and freely, so that they can rekindle the childlike radiance that glows within them. From there we will discover the incredible gift of happiness and prosperity that lies in store for all of us – as long as we are willing to claim it.

When it’s time to get to work, I prepare myself by engaging with the shimmering stillness that lives in the now. I let my guard down, and allow the fluidity of the moment guide me. What is it around me that wants to be seen? Does it want to play, or perhaps it needs some space? I stay open to surprises and I follow them when they appear. I’ve learned to trust my intuitive process because a playful approach consistently yields beautiful imagery.

My Career Timeline

Along the way to my current life as a photographic artist, I earned my bachelor of science degree at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. I majored in both Theatre and Linguistics. While I was at NU, I enrolled in every photography class I could find. All of my courses focused on black and white film photography, with a brief introduction to Photoshop during my sophomore year. It was the first – and last – time I used a film scanner!

In 1996, I began shooting publicity photographs for student theatre productions and a cappella groups; thus beginning my professional career. Since I graduated in 1998, I’ve been a photographer in a variety of settings. I’ve worked on pet portraits, professional headshots, children’s and family portraits, high school senior pictures, maternity photos, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, women’s boudoir portraiture, newborn photography, along with some food photography, product photography, landscape images, and unique pieces of mixed-media art that depict the world as I see it.

Over the past several years, I have served on the board of the Seattle Professional Photographers Association as Secretary, and then President. I am currently a member of the Professional Photographers of America. I’ve produced several winning images in various print competitions at SPPA, and I’ve enjoyed displaying my work in various art shows around Seattle, Shoreline, and Tacoma. I am currently a partner member of the Puget Sound Pet Business Network, and HeARTs Speak. I am always studying business management and various art techniques.

My Team: Me & Art

Professionally we’re Lara and Art but our friends know us as Art and La. We’ve been joined at the hip since high school. We’re proud parents of two kids, a dog, and a guinea pig. I’m the photographer and Art supports me in all my endeavors. We love what we do and we have a ton of fun doing it, and we’re darned proud of this thing we’ve built.

My Process In A Nutshell

Step One

We’ll get together to dream about your perfect portraits and all the ways and places you might want to display them. Then we’ll develop a plan for your custom work, covering things like color choices, display placement, framing, and design. I offer heirloom art in sizes that are sure to have an impact. You’ll see examples that include a mixed-media oil painting, an original fine art print in a sleek frame, a classical canvas display, and more.

Step Two

We’ll meet on location for your photo session, and I’ll create a fun, relaxed environment where everyone can let their best self shine. The duration for your session will depend entirely on the plan we develop in Step One. Usually it’s an hour or two in a single location. Sometimes it’s multiple shorter sessions over a few days. Multiple outfits are welcome.

Step Three

You’ll relax for a week or two while I edit and prepare your images. We’ll meet, I’ll present the images, you’ll shed a tear (or shriek with excitement), and you’ll make your purchasing decisions. If you want, I’ll make some recommendations so that you can make your choices with confidence. Then I’ll get to work finalizing your portraits with detailed editing and retouching. Finally I’ll assemble and deliver your order. All through the process, you’ll have open access to me via phone and email. The portraits you purchase will be kept safe in my archives for future reference.

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