Meet your photographer

Hi, I'm Laura. I'm so glad you're here. If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's this: photographs become more valuable with time. They become the pictures your children look back on years from now. The ones your grandchildren will one day ask about. The portraits that remind us of the people we love most and the moments we never want to forget. That belief is at the heart of everything I do.

Five years ago, I took a leap of faith and left behind the security of a traditional career to pursue my dream of creating meaningful portraits full-time. It was exciting, a little scary, and one of the best decisions I've ever made. Since then, I've had the incredible privilege of photographing hundreds of families, children, high school seniors, professionals, and the milestones that make life so meaningful. Every session reminds me that I'm not simply taking photographs; I'm preserving memories that will only grow more precious with time.

One of the biggest reasons this work means so much to me is personal. After losing my mom, I came to appreciate photographs in an entirely different way. They became more than images on a wall. They became pieces of my family's story and moments I could hold on to as time kept moving forward. That experience changed the way I look at every portrait I create. It's why I gently encourage my clients to get in front of the camera, even when they don't feel "ready." The perfect time rarely exists, but today's moments are worth preserving exactly as they are.

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At Laura Ames Portrait Studio, I believe your portrait experience should be just as memorable as the finished artwork. From professional makeup and wardrobe guidance to posing and selecting the perfect portraits for your home, I guide you every step of the way. My goal is to make you feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely seen.

Whether you're celebrating a growing family, a graduating senior, a business milestone, or gathering multiple generations together, I want your session to feel relaxed, joyful, and authentic. When I'm not in the studio, you'll often find me exploring the beauty of Havre de Grace, volunteering within our community, traveling with my camera, or paddling a kayak in search of wildlife, always looking for the next beautiful story to capture.

I believe our families are our greatest legacy. The portraits we create today become tomorrow's treasures, reminding future generations where they came from, who loved them, and the stories that shaped their lives.