About Lauren: Orange County Photographer
I’m a photographer and writer with a soft spot for golden hour and the in-between moments. I believe the best photographs are the ones that feel like the day did.
Hi, I’m Lauren!
The Girl Behind the Camera
I Photograph People the Same Way I Write About Beautiful Places.
Most of my days are spent writing about places: the light on a whitewashed wall in Puglia, the hour a harbor turns gold, the small details that make somewhere feel like somewhere. Somewhere along the way, I realized I look at people the exact same way.
I’ve been chasing light since I was fifteen.
That’s when I picked up my first camera, and I’ve rarely put one down since. What started as a teenager photographing everything in sight became the way I see the world: in frames, in light, in the small moments most people walk right past.
Today I photograph families, couples, and portraits from my home base in Orange County, and I’m drawn to the same thing I was at fifteen. The laugh that arrives a half-second after the joke. Wind catching a hemline. A hand finding another hand without anyone asking it to. Those are the frames I’m after. Not the pose, but the breath right after it.
Get to Know the Photographer
Favorite Place
Puglia, Italy
Favorite Food
Spaghetti alle Vongole
Favorite Movie
Mamma Mia!
Favorite Drink
French 75
Favorite Music Genre
Crooner/Jazz
Favorite Dessert
Lemon Gelato
What I photograph
01.
Families
The loud, the cozy, and the in-between. Little ones who won’t sit still, grandparents who will, and the way everyone leans in without thinking.
02.
Couples
For the newly engaged, the long married, or anyone who simply wants photographs of the two of you before life gets busier.
03.
Portraits
A milestone, a fresh chapter, or just because. Portraits that feel like you on your best day, not a stiffer version of yourself.
Lauren, on Film!
A Few Things About Me
I picked up my first camera at fifteen and haven’t stopped since.
I’m happiest somewhere new with a camera in hand!
A glass of red wine is my favorite way to end a long day.
Orange County is currently home; Europe is the dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
You Have Questions. I Have Answers.
What kind of sessions do you offer?
I photograph families, couples, and individual portraits, including senior portraits. Every session is built around you, from the location to the time of day.
Do you photograph weddings?
Not at the moment (though I hope to get back into it one day!). For now, I focus on families, couples, and portraits, which means engagement sessions and anniversary photos are very much on the table.
Where are you based, and do you travel?
I’m based in Orange County, California, but I’m originally from a small town in Southwest Washington, outside of Portland, Oregon.
I photograph sessions across Southern California and in the Greater PDX area when I’m up north. I’m also very much always on the go, and would love to travel to wherever you are, so travel sessions are available on request.
What should we wear to a photo session?
Choose something you feel like yourself in, in soft, complementary tones rather than perfect matches. I’ll send a few suggestions as soon as your session is booked so you’re note left in the dark!
How will we receive our photographs?
Your images arrive in a private online gallery, ready to download, share, and order prints from.
Got a question I didn’t cover? I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email at lauren@laurenbelz.com.