(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Lauren Ashley Grenda is making a name for herself online and around the world as the founder and lead photographer of Lauren Ashley Studios.
"One day my Instagram just like blew up…. People found us from all over the world," Lauren said.
But she didn't always want to be a photographer. In fact, she was well on her way to becoming a chiropractor when at 23, her life took an unexpected turn.
"I wound up delivering my son at 25 weeks. He was 1 lb 6 ozs, and he was really, really sick," Lauren said.
"Right then and there, I knew I needed to find a career where I could be home with him Monday through Friday, because no one could take care of my son better than I could."
That's when Lauren turned to photography to help a friend out.
Lauren Ashley Grenda takes photos of a couple at a recent shoot in downtown Chicago.Lauren Ashley Studios
"When I did my first wedding, I did it for $500. It was chaos, but I went home and I was like, I'm going to do this for the rest of my life."
Then in 2020, Lauren was rocked by tragedy when her partner, Ryan, died by suicide.
"Because of everything I went through and losing Ryan… I realized the importance of a photograph."
That realization changed how Lauren takes pictures.
Lauren Ashley Grenda with her partner Ryan and her son.Lauren Ashley Grenda
"I do create a lot more emotional moments with my clients. When I say, put mom and daughter in a room and I'm like 'mom, is there anything you want to tell your daughter,' and the mom starts crying," Lauren said.
"And they look back at these images, they don't remember me saying that. They just remember looking back at the images and knowing how they felt. It feels like it gives me purpose."
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