Photographer Laura Foote is married to high school sweetheart and lives in Tampa FL with her husband, an actor, and cute daughter Mac. She's sharing her story of working at Disney World, working in the non-profit and higher ed worlds, and then unexpectedly becoming an entrepreneur and full-time photographer.

Laura was working in nonprofits when she started using a point-and-shoot camera to take pictures. Eventually, she had clients and bought an SLR camera. As she moved around the country for jobs and education, business kept ballooning as she moved. She thought it was fun to do as a side gig, and didn't realize how it was ballooning.

"I just never really had my head around being an entrepreneur. I liked that I had walls, and an office, and a title and a nametag and letters behind my name."

In this episode, Laura also shares her knowledge of the StrengthsFinder personality inventory. The StrengthsFinder inventory looks at 34 talents, which we all carry, and breaks them into your top 5 and top 10. Each of the 34 talents fits into a category: influencing, executing, strategic thinking, and relationship building. To take the assessment, you can purchase a book, which comes with an access code, or you can just buy the inventory online. Laura shared that she is a certified facilitator and provides StrengthsFinder education to businesses and grops (visit Laurafoote.com/education)

As a full-time photographer, Laura has learned a lot about making the "magic" happen for the people in front of the camera. Here is some of our Q&A about taking great family photos:

When is the best time of day for photos?

Golden hour is the best time of day; it is the 1.5 before sunset. However, morning can also be a great time and is sometimes better for families because the children are fresh.

Would a photographer prefer to change locations or let the family change outfits?

Often, it may be easier to change locations rather than change outfits for everyone in the family - most photographers fully support changing locations.

Give us a "what not to wear during family photos" rundown.

No logos, loud patterns, color, and anything with words. No tennis shoes, even on the kids. Think about the colors in your home and that you like generally, and those are the colors you should have in your photo. Pick a color palette so you don't have to be matchy-matchy; everyone can wear colors from within the palette.

How can we make it easier on the kids so it is less stressful for everyone?

Hire a photographer that is really going to make it fun for the kids. Create a family experience out of it. Get ice cream afterwards or even spend the night at a hotel! Snacks and water are hugely helpful. Gummy bears and fruit snacks are great because they are things they can chew individually and quickly.

What other tips do you have for moms?

Give yourself grace. Get a village. even if it is paid!

Where can we find Laura?

Find Laura's photography business online at www.laurafoote.com, and follow Laura on Instagram at @laurafoote.

Great Family Photos with Photographer Laura Foote

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