Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Hadden.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into photography began long before I ever called it a career. Growing up, I was the kid always asking for a new camera for every birthday and holiday, obsessed with capturing little moments through my lens. What started as a childhood love turned into a lifelong passion—and in 2018, that passion finally took on a life of its own.
That year, a family member took a chance on me, asking if I would photograph their small, intimate wedding. I was nervous but honored—and from that day forward, everything changed. One wedding led to another, and before I knew it, friends were reaching out, and eventually strangers were trusting me to preserve their most important memories.
Today, I run my photography business full-time, and I also work part-time in marketing and doing photography for at Chick-fil-A in North Augusta under the incredible leadership of Jon Dawkins. Most recently, I partnered with my amazing mother-in-law to open a seasonal glass greenhouse studio in North Augusta right off exit one called The Glasshouse on Townes. We have created a unique space designed for other photographers to create in. The sets change with the seasons, and the magic of the space grows with every shoot.
Whether I’m behind the lens at a wedding, in a cozy family session, or capturing content at the studio, I feel incredibly grateful for every opportunity to do what I love—and for the people who’ve trusted me to tell their stories along the way. I never would’ve imagined that this would become what it is today and I owe alot of my success to my mentors I’ve had along the way, friends and family that have been my biggest fans and ultimately the Lord for blessing me daily with all these opportunities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is being surrounded by an incredible community extremely talented photographers. So I would and still do sometimes question what makes me different or whether there was room for me. But instead of letting it discourage me, I use it as motivation. I pour myself into learning—watching endless tutorials, researching techniques, and learning from photographers I admired.
In the beginning, I was working a full-time job while building my photography business on the side. Late nights, early mornings, editing during lunch breaks—whatever it took. There were seasons of burnout and doubt, but there was also deep joy every time someone trusted me to capture their most meaningful moments.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m not a photographer who specializes in just one thing—I’ve always loved the freedom to explore different types of photography. That said, I’ve definitely found a niche in family photography. I absolutely love working with kids and capturing those candid, in-between moments that happen so naturally with families.
But I also have a deep love for photographing couples—whether it’s the excitement of an engagement, the joy of a wedding day, or the sweetness of welcoming their first child. Being able to document those milestones and grow with my clients over time is something truly special. It’s more than photography—it’s like becoming part of their extended family, and that means the world to me.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If there’s something you’re passionate about — something that truly lights you up inside — keep working at it. Keep creating, keep learning, keep pushing yourself to grow. Photography has taught me that progress doesn’t always come in big leaps. Sometimes it’s in the quiet moments, the subtle details, or the photos no one else sees. Stay inspired, stay curious, and never stop making yourself better.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenhaddenphotography?igsh=b2hwdjFkZDNnZzlp&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenHaddenPhotography
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/theglasshouseontownes?igsh=amE0dzFvb3hpN2xs&utm_source=qr
