Laura Stansberry shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Laura, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Honestly? I’m most proud of building the kind of business that feels easy for my clients but is secretly held together by a whole lot of behind-the-scenes grit. People see the photos – the smiles, the light, the magic – but they don’t see the late nights, the trial-and-error, or the moments I had to push through when quitting would have been easier. I’ve built systems, relationships, and a way of working that lets me show up fully for every client, every time… and even if no one else ever sees all of that, I know it’s the reason the work looks and feels the way it does.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Laura Stansberry, owner of Laura Stansberry Photography in Florissant, Missouri, where I specialize in creating portraits that are as meaningful as they are beautiful. My work is all about connection – capturing real moments, telling honest stories, and creating heirloom artwork that lasts for generations. Every session is fully guided and personalized, so my clients feel seen, celebrated, and taken care of from start to finish.
This year, we’re especially proud to be introducing a brand-new holiday experience: Cocoa Santa. This year we’re offering sessions with a Black Santa – something our community has been asking for and we’re thrilled to finally bring to life. Representation matters, and creating a space where every child can see themselves in the magic of the season feels like an important step forward.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that most shaped how I see the world came after my dad passed away. He was a business owner, and my mom was a stay-at-home mom raising four kids. Overnight, she had to figure out how to navigate life without him – financially, emotionally, and in every other way – and she did it with a strength and determination that still amazes me. Watching her pick herself up, keep going, and make sure we had what we needed taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding hard things – it’s about showing up anyway. That’s the lens I carry into my own life and business: no matter what happens, you figure it out and keep moving forward.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Girl, relax. You’re not behind – you’re just in the part of the story where it looks like nothing’s working, but actually everything’s coming together. You’re going to screw some things up, take some weird detours, and think you’ve blown it more than once… and none of that will stop you from building a life you love. So breathe, trust yourself, and keep moving – you’ve got this.”
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That clients only care about price. That “good enough” is fine as long as you slap a pretty filter on it. That the fastest way to grow is to copy what everyone else is doing. The truth? People invest in connection, trust, and the way you make them feel. And the only way to stand out is to stop trying to blend in.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
That the magic isn’t in the photos – it’s in the experience. Lots of people can take a technically good picture, but most people underestimate how much the way you make someone feel will change the way they see themselves in those images. The real work is building trust, creating space for people to relax, and pulling out the moments they didn’t even know they wanted captured. That’s what makes a portrait last.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laurastansberryphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurastansberryphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071142037177
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/laura-stansberry-photography-florissant
Image Credits
Headshot image Jenny Cruger Photography Nashville, TN
All other images Laura Stansberry Photography, St. Louis, MO
