Woodsy meets Urban // Engagement Session on Mt. Lemon | Tucson Wedding Photographer

When woodsy meets urban you get PJ & Mariah's sweet and spicy engagement session on Tucon's Mt. Lemmon. We met a very cold winter morning and navigated sunbeam-glazed pine trees and long green reeds and goosebumps and butterflies in the stomach. And we laughed and played and showed off their ink and the way he dipped her and they was she liked it... so much love. :) enjoy some highlights AND check in tomorrow to see their WEDDING STORY highlights! 

LKM - who we are and why | Meet LKM | personal

It's a new year and we are continuing to build, develop, and refine the voice, message and trajectory of LKM STUDIOS.  We rewrote our "about page", broke it into two parts--"Meet Laura" and "LKM Philosophy." We are excited about the sweet stories we have yet to share from last year and are particularly stoked about what this year has in store! 

Click on the links above to read about who LKM is and the approach we have towards photography, our clients, the culture of our studio and the life we aim to pursue holistically! Thanks for stopping by! | LKM

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Jeff + Emily | Celebrity Wedding Teaser | Arizona Wedding Photographer

This weekend we had the honor of shooting Jeff & Emily (Weprich) Campanella's wedding at SaddleBrook Country Club in the Catalina Foothills of Northwest Tucson. Before we head off to this weekend's San Diego wedding, we wanted share a few sneak peaks of Emily's pre-wedding bridal portraits. You might recognize her from the celebrity engagement feature a few weeks ago or from the post earlier this summer honoring her father. Having shared a few slivers of storytelling in this family's life this past year made this wedding more meaningful. And being part of Emily's first deep breaths as a bride -- the moment she put on that incredible dress, loved her mom fiercely, laughed with her ladies--her resilient cheerfulness, grace and concern for others was radiant. More coming soon! (see note to all guests/friends/family below)

If you were a guest or are a friend or are a family member, go HERE to register and be kept apprised when all wedding pictures are released! 

James + Lindsey | Vintage Meets Southwest | Tucson Desert Engagement Session | Tucson Photographer

When the morning sun rises and the cactus blooms and twiterpated folks like James + Lindsey come eager to be sweet, silly and nostalgic... I watch the saguaro's shadows shorten, the ocotillo brighten, a yellow vintage dress twirl and a precious anticipation be a wonderful backdrop for it all. 

These are called love story sessions because looks and laughs are my favorite parts of stories--the breaths in between and the pauses that anticipate the next chapter they have yet to experience. | LKM

p.s. and if you love these quaint perfect little details, just WAIT till you see their wedding! :)

Alice-in-Wonderland Enchanted Garden Wedding | Re-Feature

We are re-featuring Matt + Marcy's Spring Garden Wedding simply because we loved it that much....AND because today is their 2 year anniversary :) 

If you didn't get a chance to drool over the jaw-dropping DIY work Marcy and her loved ones put into her wedding masterpiece, you get to now. :) 

Part One of Alice in Wonderland DIY Garden Wedding

Part Two of Alice in Wonderland DIY Garden Wedding

Part Three Alice in Wonderland Inspired Engagement Session

Happy Anniversary M + M! 

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ANNOUNCING: LKM STUDIOS, a new Associate and a letter that started it all....

So it's time. We're making it official. Laura K Moore Photography is growing. We'd like to introduce you to a part of LKM that is going to be a bit of a game-changer. I'm beside myself--completely, utterly stoked. 

Here is a little bit of history...

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

Back in October 2014 LKM had reached it's ceiling. We had capped out in availability and were turning down weddings and sessions due to limited availability and personal capacity.

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

At the same time I had seen a local photographer's work sprinkle across my facebook feed and I'd swoon. He could deliver these epic shots in weddings that were breathtaking. I wanted to watch him work though. In my book of humble standards, quality of image must not trump the quality of client experience. Could he connect, direct, develop rapport, maintain trust, make his clients laugh? So when Trevor Crosby asked me to second shoot with him I took the opportunity to watch him work..... And his couple laughed. The bridal party was comfortable. The guys were at ease. He covered the story and everybody hugged him and his amazing assistant (cough) wife at the end of the night. SOLD. :)

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

So then we talked. I asked him what he loved most about photography. What part of the process of being a business owner resonated most and what did not. I had remembered, in times past, conversations about back-end stuff not being favorite -- the marketing, blogging, contract writing, etc. I grinned. This entire last year has been a calculated process of developing a succinct backend workflow process that can help us be more on our game. We've also been researching different modes of marketing that resonate most with our local and destination audiences. We have been watching the trends and meeting with vendors and asking questions about industry trends and tools. And folks, we are still in the midst of a maturing stage, but it was time to sit in front of this photographer whom I had grown to respect and ask him a big question...would you be willing to be part of LKM STUDIOS.

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We talked more. A lot. Multiple occasions. He was intuitive and cautious but we were both beginning to get excited. And finally we found ourselves, with our spouses, facing a contract. Here is the opening to the contract--a letter of anticipation and thankfulness to Trevor:

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

Trevor,

Respected magic-maker, craft-developer, artist and friend, 

You have been asked to be part of LKM Studios because of your expertise in technical artistry, ease of communication, gracious demeanor, love for the craft and love for people. I hope and pray that this is only the beginning of something both life-giving and incredibly fun and rewarding for both of us. 

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

I anticipate a lot of laughter and excitement. I anticipate a sense of “team” that attracts people to our brand. I anticipate camaraderie, brainstorming, dreaming, challenging, sharing, bearing burdens and encouraging each other. 

I am pumped.

I am nervous.

I am giddy with ambition and tangible possibility.

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

But first and foremost…I am honored that you are willing to come and shoot for LKM STUDIOS. I am proud to have you part of this team! 

Sincerely,

Laura K Moore

Executive Photographer & CEO

www.laurakmoore.com

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

So this is our preliminary announcement.... we will be rolling out a few more details and 'the way things will be' regarding this LKM STUDIOS thing and probably a few with FAQs and sassy answers. For right now, here are 3 clarifying points:

- I, Laura, am still shooting, just capping my number of weddings and portraits each month.

- Trevor is now an LKM photographer. His name will still be attached to his work and he will still be sharing highlights of his work but his clients are LKM couples and his work under the LKM Studios logo.

- Our goal is to not diminish his work nor reduce the the high quality and energy of the LKM brand. We also aim to serve our clients well, offer more options and availability, and will strive to strengthen a comprehensive portfolio as 2 photographers sharpen each other! CHEERS! | LKM

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

So this is Trevor. And his serious face....

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and this is Trevor, one of his precious dogs Marty, and his silly lighthearted self. :) 

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Welcome to the LKM team Trevor!

Tucson's "Speedtano" Starbucks Celebrates 1 year! | Coffee Giveaway!

1 year ago today I was shooting this fun community event on east side Tucson, Arizona. One of my dear friends opened this brand spankin' new storefront and the people who flocked to support came from all corners of the city. Starbucks fans, non-fans and then some. Kids were stoked. Drinks were gifted. Barista's joked and customers laughed. Lines were out the door. Balloons hailed. Intersection honked. And the foothills glowed as the sun set on the festivities! Here are a few highlights! Happy birthday SPEEDTANO! :) If you're local, stop by! Intersection of Pantando/Speedway

To CELEBRATE,  LKM is giving away 3 Starbucks Gift Cards!

To enter: "LIKE" and "FOLLOW" on INSTAGRAM

(winner announced on Monday)


Steve + Aidelni | Downtown Urban Love Story | Lifestyle Engagement Session

They first met at Union at St. Philipps Plaza.

"Surely she's not really interested in me..." is what Steven thought... But what came out was, "hey, does that fish dinner taste good because it really stinks..."  Aidelni was put off by his bluntness but also saw something more charming and endearing about this man. After hours of small talk, drinks and flirtation it was time for them to part ways. 

Earlier in the evening, Steven had made a joke of how a woman all dressed up in high heels would never work with a man in sandals on a bicycle. And thinking he somehow had managed to keep this beautiful woman by his side all night he went for the line to end all lines.... " I need to get going, but do you think maybe you want to come check out my bicycle?" 

Steven walked her over to his bicycle and grinned. Aidelni smiled. He was just so stinkin' charming. Steven was still shy and unsure but he knew his moment was fleeting. " May I kiss you?" He leaned in for a gentle kiss, in the middle of the night, amongst strangers as a feeling of adoration hung in the warm summer air.  "Could a guy like me ever have a chance with a woman like you?" he asked as he got on his bike. "It depends on you.." she replied and slipped back into the bar. 

... When I first met these two I was charmed by Steven's affection and gentleness towards Aidelni. And she leans into him, affirms him, thinks he is the funniest thing on earth. She showed up to the shoot beaming, brought a fantastic wardrobe of colorful classy pieces and he was strong and patient....and loved her well. 

I love this session. I loved my time with these two. I have paused too many times at the images where they are holding each other. And the ones where they are laughing... it's a quiet, peaceful sort of thing. I can't believe I get to be part of this season of their story... | LKM

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Featured on Arizona Bride Magazine!! :D

SO ABOUT THAT GOOD NEWS...

Earlier this week i shared a facebook status that talked about good news in the photography department. good enough to make me burst into tears. and it’s friday and i can share now. but i want to explain why it means a lot. cuz some of you might be underwhelmed and think i’m silly. which is fine, but it was a big deal to me. 

9 months ago i started trying to submit work to different publications. both online wedding sites (the knot, green wedding shoes, ruffled, wedding chics, style me pretty, grey likes weddings…) and nothing. i got no replies. i take it back..one reply was a rejection. and i get it. It’s part of the way things work. hours were spent culling, submitting files in the variety of different ways that different blogs requested, writing reviews, gathering the details to present each wedding and session that was submitted as best as possible… hours were spent… and nothing.

(not to mention…with each submission, you can’t just blast that submission to multiple sources. publications want to have exclusive feature privileges so i would have to submit my best of the best to one selected magazine than wait for a month or two and then hope that the next submission would pick it up before the submission was outdated or out of season…)

so i stopped. discouraged. acquiescing to the reality that my capacity is only what it can be right now. i was ok. the worst was not hearing. even worse than a rejection. rejections could be constructive. helping me learn what to shoot. what publications don’t want. how to shoot in a way that tells a story with people but also captures the details and nuances that publications are hunting for… but nothing. for a long time.

and then a random email sent at midnight to a publication got a reply within minutes. not just a reply, but they wanted my session featured and they wanted to have it moved up the calendar and instead of waiting 3 months to have a slot scheduled, they gave me this friday. TODAY.

So, friends, folks. I present to you my very first feature. And by non other than, Arizona Bride Magazine. If you want to increase traffic and analytics, check out the feature and leave a comment. You guys--you friends, family, fans who are reading this--you and your support with Laura K. Moore Photography is the lifeblood. Thank you. So much.

GO HERE FOR THE FEATURE: http://arizonabridemag.com/…/glowing-autumn-engagement-sess…

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Austin + Corrie | Lifestyle Engagement Session: "Adventure Meets Goofy" | Mt. Lemon, AZ

“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” 
― Jim Bishop

"Our session was not only the most fun I have ever had taking pictures, but it was extremely comfortable and care free and I felt like the essence of Austin and I really go to be conveyed through the pictures!" ~ Corrie, Bride

Austin + Corrie made mention that they were goofy and adventurous. They wanted those things really captured. Mt. Lemon was where Austin proposed earlier this summer and they were keen on getting some of the mountain details and active bike nuances and sillyness in between. 

When we arrived near the top of the mountain are jaws dropped. We had no idea the leaves would be on fire and FALL would have already arrived. The couple were so giddy and eager to just love and be loved and be free... this session really was like a breath of fresh, lively air. 

So excited to be a part of this journey with you guys! Thank you for trusting me with such precious memories! | LKM