Laura Grace Sears
Photography / Co-Founder of Mushaboom Studio
Atlanta, GA
www.mushaboom.studio
instagram @mushaboom.studio
pinterest @mushaboomstudio
youtube
Q What do you do?
“I’m a photographer. My specialty is art direction for photo shoots specifically for brands and websites. I’ve been working with my twin sister (a brand and web designer) for over 5 years, so I have a lot of experience crafting photography that compliments existing brands. ”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
After finishing school with a film and media degree I started freelancing making brand videos for small businesses.
I quickly realized how much small businesses need great imagery so I learned the ropes and fell in love with photography. My twin sister was simultaneously learning brand + web design and we both were drawn to the freelance lifestyle.
It really felt like a no-brainer to start a business with my twin sister. For over five years we’ve been doing branding, photography, and web design for modern businesses.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I love art direction and styling of all sorts — interiors, knitting, outfits, dinner party menus, and curating the perfect photo series. Mood boarding and ideating have always been fun for me.
I also have a lot of experience photographing folks who aren’t frequently in front of the camera. I understand what it feels like to be self-conscious and I work hard to find the perfect angles and styling that leave you loving a photo of yourself! More than just taking great portraits of you, I work hard to capture snapshots of your business that speak volumes.
Q What are you working on right now?
A personal project where I capture the talented work of solo nail technicians in Atlanta, updating my business systems and automation, and probably some DIY house project.
Q What’s your style?
I’d say my photography style is clean, feminine, modern and colorful. But check out my portfolio and tell me what you think: https://mushaboom.studio/photo-portfolio
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I subject all my friends to my passionate interior design and personal styling tendencies. Beware bringing up any goals for rooms in your house around me or I’ll have you mood boarding and mocking things up.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Marketing and sales. I LOVE the work — getting the word out about the work: not so much.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Completely done-for-me marketing and sales! Or maybe I'd have them be my photo agent - marketing, sales, negotiations, and contracts!! That sounds golden.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would have told myself not to trust that hair stylist in middle school. She gave me a mullet and my sister a bowl cut. And there is no worse time to have a corny haircut than middle school!
Basically, trust your gut and speak up for yourself when something doesn't feel right. It applies to so many situations.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
My problem might just be that there are too many things I want to learn to do: builder gel nail manicures is a current curiosity, cutting hair, personal styling. If I could be an apprentice at different things for the rest of my life I probably would. I just finished assisting a talented photographer on a shoot just to get a better sense of how he works. And I would shadow my hair stylist next if I could.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Remote product, still life, and flat lay photo shoots where I do the art direction, styling, photography, and editing.
In-person portrait and brand photography shoots in the US that cover travel or are Atlanta-based.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I love working with small- to medium-sized brands that are 5+ years in business and know the value of stunning photography.
A few examples of ideal clients that I’ve gotten to worked with:
- A Co-Working Space for Women (The Lola in Atlanta) - a series of lifestyle images of events plus curated flat lays for their online platform and newsletter.
- A Maximalist and Retro Web Designer (Folk Founded) - brand portraits, flat lays, and mockups for her site builds
- A Luxury Travel Agent (Brilliant Escapes) - brand and lifestyle shoot for her site
- A Brand and Web Designer for Fitness Brands (Pixality) - brand and lifestyle shoot for her site
Dream clients I’d love to do photography for:
- Tattoo parlor brand
- Sex toy brand
- Sex therapist brand
- Food personality (think Sohla El-Waylly, Pierce Abernathy)
- Pantry product brand (think Graza olive oil, Marshmallow Fluff)
- Personal stylist brand
- Interior designer brand
- Nail technician or nail salon brand - The list goes on…
Q: What is your rate?
My mini portrait shoots (5-7 photos) start at $650. I currently offer a $1,000 brand shoot package to DIY-ers that like to do their own art direction, styling, and shot listing. My done-for-you shoots start at $3,000. Production costs like makeup, location rental, prop styling, and clothing all effect the budget but I can break down most of those estimates based on what your photo goals are.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
I happen to have a handy dandy inquiry form #hottogo: www.mushaboom.studio/contact
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Katie Lynn Sears — my twin sister, an awesome web and brand designer email: kl@mushaboom.studio
Kate Christy of Folk Founded — incredible brand and web designer
Maddy Accoin — amazing copywriter
Jason B. James — amazing food photographer
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Try new mediums / Purchase all new art supplies / Then quit by next week
This member profile was originally published in August 2024.