






Awesome post! I love it!! God is faithful and I love reading all your posts as you seek Him more and more! Miss you! Love you!!
(05.01.12 @ 09:15 AM)soooo refreshing to read! I don't really struggle with the slow pace of my business until I am around other photographers. Why is that? So weird. But thank you for yet another reminder that the Lord is the author of my story.
(05.01.12 @ 09:22 AM)You just made my day! I'm slowly working towards the same goal of working less and mothering more. My kids are teenagers, but I feel like I've spent several years with my face behind the camera and in front of the computer. I'm a newer wife now and want to concentrate on my marriage and kids. Thank you for writing this! Also, it's funny that you wanted to be "Famous" when I've admired you all along for doing your own thing and being really good at it and NOT putting yourself out there as a famous.
(05.01.12 @ 09:25 AM)We found out the first hand about "This photography circle stuff is very much like high school/college greek popularity contests." We were not ready for that when we went to WPPI this year! Very discouraging. So happy to see that we aren't the only ones that feel this way. You are still one of the top photographers in our minds :)
(05.01.12 @ 09:26 AM)I loved that you posted this! This was me, too only in reverse--I guess! I started my young career as an attoryney--in D.C. nontheless, and right on Capitol Hill--uhhh, yeah! I had arrived. :) Only same thing--emptiness. Had my life, career, finances, etc all planned out. But, thank the Lord, HE had other plans. I now live in a very small town, have 2 beautiful children, wonderful husband, and I'm a stay at home mom, building my photography (which NEVER crossed my mind to do...EVER!) at my and my children's pace. I make appointments solely based on and around their schedules. My heart and life has never been fuller! Funny how we think that fame and money will bring us what we want, and funny how we know it won't all in the same breath. I so enjoy your work and your heart!
(05.01.12 @ 09:32 AM)Lauren, I am a photographer in Amarillo. I have been taking pictures for 10 years and really needed this today! Thank you for being so open and sharing! Sometimes you feel you are the only one feeling this way or have felt this way and it is nice to know someone else has gone through these emotions. Thank you so much! Happy 8 Years! That is something to be proud of! I love your work and I too am a stay home mom and it is such a blessing! Hope you enjoy Olive Garden this is my girls and I's family place also!
(05.01.12 @ 09:55 AM)I've been following you for a really long time and you've always been an inspiration to me. It's been fun to see someone my age going through the same things as me and to see how grounded you have stayed. I think you have the perfect balance that everyone wishes to find, or at least I do :) Happy 8 years!
(05.01.12 @ 10:04 AM)wow, you have NO idea how much I needed to read this. I met you at the last LAW (you drew the flower thing in my book for Davina lol)... anyways... i've been struggeling with alot of the very things you have talked about and am thankful for being so transparent. God has a mysterious way of getting us to evaluate our life...he is so good. Thank you for wonderful post... and baby Soloman is adorable!
you're a world-changing, apathy-shaking beacon of courage - i'm inspired! thanks, auntie :)
(05.01.12 @ 10:28 AM)Lauren,
I think we all in our own way go through this as Christian women. I am not a photographer, but as a teacher/coach in a world of MEN, who somehow seem to get more than they deserve(joking). I as a female have always been out to proeve that I, a woman, from this very small town, can make it BIG in the coaching world. The Lord has revealed to me that it's not about the wins/losses, the gold balls that playoff wins bring to the trophy case. But it's about making Christ known. At the end of my life I will stand before him for what kind of witness I was, wife, mother. Not how many awards/playoff wins I had. The things of this world will stay here! So therefore I too am about to embark as a stay at home mom. I am so excited yet nervous, but at peace at the same time. Is is great to be in the will of God. I love that you are growing in your faith! I am too! Isn't it all exciting! =) Love you girl!
(05.01.12 @ 10:30 AM)Lauren, thank you so much for sharing. It's awesome to know that we are not alone in this journey and that God does write our story... thank you, thank you, thank you for being open and honest!!!
(05.01.12 @ 10:32 AM)Thank you so much for this post! I have never met you but feel like I know you from your blog, you are so sweet and loving. I feel like I learn something new everyday :)
(05.01.12 @ 10:33 AM)Lauren, I tumbled upon your blog about 2.5 years ago. I am one of those "newbies". I have a mid grade camera and I take pictures, but I don't make money doing it (unless you count the $40 here and there). I just wanted to say thank you. I learned 80% of what I know about shooting from professional photographers' blogs, namely yours and just a handful of other blogs. But out of all those photographers I learned from that I will never meet, you were the only person I thought, "we could be friends." I don't say that in a weird way or because we share similar likes/dislikes, etc. What made me think that is the way you express your love for the LORD. You are honest about your relationship with Him, and that is refreshing. So thank you for teaching me so much about photography. Also, thank you for being so honest.
(05.01.12 @ 10:37 AM)Thank you so much for posting this today. I have been struggling with my decision of being a stay at home Mom. While it is the greatest job in the world, I feel like i should be putting my degree to use. But as you said, i need to set aside my pride and realize that my life is full with an amazing husband and little boy. But on a side note: I must say that you are still a celebrity to me. I mean, I did change my wedding date just so I could book you. Tanner and I feel blessed to of had you capture our day. Every time I walk down our hall and see our 100 Lauren Clark pictures I can’t help but smile. I can’t way until you can touch our lives with your talent again.
(05.01.12 @ 01:34 PM)Congrats on 8 years Lauren! Your still my favorite photographer & don't know where I would be without your workshop! Still aspire to be like you!
(05.01.12 @ 02:44 PM)WOW! Thanks for keeping it all so real. I appreciate that you share the truth about the way it is and not just what it's like in the bright lights.
(05.01.12 @ 03:31 PM)Wow... where do I start? First, you are such an inspiration to so many photographers, including us. YOU are still 'famous' and we are so proud we had 'the' Lauren Clark photograph our wedding. Aside from that, you awoke something within us that inspired us to what we feel is our calling, photography. For that, I will always be so grateful. I know the Lord brought you into our life for a reason. I'm sure you've inspired many many others just like you have us. Lauren Clark, I'm a fan. Not just of Lauren Clark the photographer, but the mother, wife, and Christian. Can't wait to see where the next 8 years take you. XOXO
(05.01.12 @ 04:55 PM)I met you at a Brainwash in January. You are a lovely person from the inside out! You have learned lessons that you've expressed here that some people will never find despite their best efforts. You just had the good sense God gave you to see what He was showing you. Congrats on all that the past 8 years has brought to you - especially God, that husband of yours, and that precious little boy!
(05.01.12 @ 05:19 PM)beautifully said ;) and i will always be your fan no matter famous or not you are an inspirational photographer
(05.01.12 @ 05:35 PM)Lauren, I have never commented on your post but i have followed you over the last 2 years. You are truly inspiring in many ways. God has blessed you with a great spirit and your transparency has encouraged me to analyze what drives me to be the best. Just wanted to say thank you and that you have a Christian brother praying for you and your family in Los Angeles! God Bless. :-)
(05.01.12 @ 11:09 PM)that's some good stuff, lauren. and i'm super encouraged by it. i appreciate your honesty - it's refreshing!
(05.02.12 @ 08:47 AM)Lauren, I love you more and more everytime I hear your heart. Keep following after Christ "and all these things shall be added unto you." I'm still learning how to balance being a mother, wife, and entrepreneur. As long as we are always striving to do it with all our heart, like Paul says in Col. 3:23, then I believe God will continue to bless us. Much love to you Lauren!
(05.02.12 @ 09:45 AM)Lauren, you inspired all of those photographers... myself included! You are amazing and your heart is beautiful and real. We Zellner's love you mucho!
(05.02.12 @ 10:56 AM)WOW...this is the first time I have ever visited your blog and was directed to your post by my dear teacher courtney, from senior blueprint. (she knew what i needed to hear and read) I must tell you, that your words on this page are so powerful and truly authentic. Thank you, and I am grateful for you. In 5 minutes of reading and processing you have cleared up something that I have been trying to figure out for quite a while...be present, be in the moment and give it up to God...he will provide. He is possibility!
Great post, thank you. You're photography was the reason I dabbled further into the trade. I have since stopped because of taking care of three boys (being a stay at home mom was my childhood dream too!) But, I really enjoy your art and have enjoyed watching your journey along the way! I tell my husband that you are my "dream" photographer, one day we will have our pictures taken by you...even though the distance is far! Thank you for being honest, you really are a great photographer and I haven't met you in person, but I do know others that know you and you seem to be a great person as well. Take care!
(05.02.12 @ 09:50 PM)Very moving message Lauren! Thank you for sharing and Happy Anniversary to you :)
I can't begin to tell you what a breath of fresh air this is. There will always be a God-sized hole in all of us that we can fill with a million things, but until it has God's hand on it, it will stay empty. Thank you for posting. A great reminder. I was at your San Diego Love Affair and felt very lost as a first year in business photographer who was one of the oldest women there, if not the oldest, at 38, very intimidating. However, God's grace and God's mercy is sufficient enough! I have built my business slowly and still follow all of you on your blogs. Although the photography information is fabulous and the pictures are brilliant, it is always your words of encouragement in Christ that push me the most. Happy 8th year in business!
(05.03.12 @ 11:19 AM)happy 8 years to you! Thanks so much for sharing all of your thoughts, insecurities, and honest emotion. Want my honesty? you were the first photographer that I 'fell in love with'! I was new to blogging and had your old blog on my blogger site. I've never been much into celebrities, but you (and Jasmine Star) were like movie stars to me! Besides all the amazing pics and your ability to shoot in the harshest sun, I've really enjoyed your personal posts. I still remember reading about your dream during Love Affair, and I was excited for your move to OK (since that's my home!), and now because I've entered the same phase of life (I had my first son about 10 weeks after you), I love your Solomon posts! All of this to say, thank you for sharing your life lessons, and thank you for being the light we are called to be :c)
(05.03.12 @ 09:59 PM)Hi Lauren, thank you for these words of wisdom that are beyond your years. You are truly amazing and this post just shows how truly sincere & honest you are-thank you for baring it all for us- to hear these words. Keep on being real.
(05.07.12 @ 09:56 AM)Hi Lauren! God is using you powerfully. 5 years ago, when I wasn't sure I could do photography, I stumbled upon your blog and you had mentioned that God had got you to where you were in photography. That was THE seed that was planted 5 years ago, that God could indeed, do in me, what he had done in Lauren. Once again, I stumble upon this blog post and God uses you to speak into me again. Thank you for being God's light. =) Thank you!
I was so blessed by reading your blog! I apprecciate your honesty and vulnerability, it was so inspiring and reminiscent it puts thing in the right perspective. Definitely going to reread this article when the flesh wants to have his way...God bless you and your family.
(05.07.12 @ 10:33 PM)Lauren,
Thank you for being so honest and transparent! You said some things that I don't know that I would be so bold to do! It's all so true though!
I feel like I can relate to you in many ways. We have a similar story of starting out young, and gaining success very early. And now I am also a new mother and my priorities have heavily shifted. It's amazing how what once was important to you, now no longer matters. Sure success and accolades are fun, but it's short term. Very much so. Babies grow, time goes on, and eternity is forever. Have to remember the important things in life!

I think I know what you mean!. I have made it a point since my niece was born to go running with her once a week in her stroller and now it's one of her favorite things to do, plus it's time for just us two. It's so nice to be outside, in the sunshine, and have the breeze rush through your hair. I hope you get to have more time with Soloman outside as it gets warmer!
(04.20.12 @ 08:03 PM)

So glad you posted about this. I feel exactly as you do, I love preparing a good meal for my family. Looking forward to food prep for my newest little boy. I need to look into getting a good steamer. I also have felt so intimidated by making my own bread but you have encouraged me to try it out. Thanks!
(04.17.12 @ 05:45 PM)Hello! Just curious on why you decided to make your own bread? Is store bought bad, too much sugar? Or is the taste just better? Also I would love for you to post more of your healthy recipes! Always looking for healthy things to make! I made my own baby food, too, and loved doing it! I'm a cooking nerd! Ha!!!
(04.17.12 @ 10:23 PM)I wanted to make my own bread to see if it would taste better, it does! It is also about half the price!
(04.17.12 @ 11:06 PM)
Oh my goodness! How time flies! I am so happy for you, he is so precious! I love his blue eyes :)
(03.18.12 @ 11:23 AM)





We love you Josh and wish we could have been there to help celebrate...Congrats!!!
(05.06.12 @ 10:28 PM)Congratulations! Cool cake! Haha
(05.10.12 @ 02:56 AM)