We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Lejuwaan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, what’s the most important think you’ve done for your children?
As the mother of four children, the most important thing I did as a parent was to give them my time and creativity. When they were young, the artistry in me came out strong. We made space for acting, pottery, painting, singing, photography, dance, going to the library…you name it, we did it. Because I was fortunate enough to be a freelance photographer with flexible hours, I was able to take them to and from school, volunteer in their classrooms and be with them for snacks and after school homework. As a single mom, I even tried to make dinners memorable – whether it was Taco Bell or steak and potatoes, we would light candles and sit around the table sharing our “highs” and “lows.” Now that they are adults, they still love coming home for family dinners and are pursuing their own careers as artists and entrepreneurs. Life was not always perfect and easy for me as a mom, but looking back I would hardly change a thing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I fell in love with photography as a little girl. I had a Kodak film camera, which I used to stylize portrait sessions with a neighborhood friend. Years later, I took a black and white photography class in college where I was introduced to the dark room (that’s a skill in itself). Soon after, my Grandfather Irwin A. Moon – a photographer and film producer – passed away and I inherited his Nikon F2 film camera. The rest is history. After becoming a mom, I began studying portrait photography and practicing on my own children which then led to practicing on my friends’ children…and their friend’s’ children. At first it was fun being creative for free – there was no pressure to succeed and I learned a lot. But soon offering my services for just a “thank you” started to wear on me and I knew I needed to take the plunge and start a business. In 2000, I charged $150 for my first family portrait sitting still using my Grandfather’s film camera. From there, my business quickly grew into photographing babies, families, headshots, engagements, weddings and city life, as well as using photography and graphic design skills for corporate marketing projects. Capturing people with my camera has always been the easy part. Running a business has not always been easy. As an artist, I have always struggled with figuring out what to charge for my time and then having the nerve to communicate that price to the customer. But through the years, I have gained confidence in this area and have learned that if a customer wants you bad enough, they will pay you what you deserve to be paid. In the last ten years, I have slowly shifted my photography subjects from people to flowers. My love for flowers came from my Grandmother Moon (she had a green thumb in the garden) and my time working at the Fullerton Arboretum, a botanical garden located in Southern California. It was at the Arboretum that I discovered the healing properties of nature photography. Getting up close and personal with God’s creation not only grounds me and brings peace, but also brings healing and “a smile” to those who admire my work. I now have an extensive collection of high-res floral portraits that are available for both residential and commercial interiors. I’ve really enjoyed working with architectural and design firms to create that perfect floral print or mural that meets their project needs. The story doesn’t end here. Although being behind the camera is still a passion of mine, I have recently discovered the thrill of being in front of the camera. In 2019, after taking a free acting class offered in my city, I was offered a role in a local community theatre play. It was there that I discovered my love of performing live theatre. I have since expanded to do commercial and film auditions and have booked several projects. So, with all that said. It’s never too late to follow your dream…and it’s never too late to find out that you have more than one. Step into your passions, face your fears, do the unthinkable. You won’t regret it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend we’re coming to So Cal for a visit, and if COVID19 was non-existent, there would be several to-dos on our list. First stop would be Laguna Beach where we would put our toes in the sand, watch the sunset while having dinner and cocktails at the Rooftop Lounge, followed by brisk walk and a scoop of Gelato. The visit would also include a stop at Trader Joe’s to stock up on her favorite French Rose, Champagne and nibbles. (My friend was born and raised in France and requires these items on all of her visits.) Since our West Floral Park back yard was designed in a charming Old World European style, we would spend most mornings there talking up a storm with the LA Times and our homemade cappuccinos. We might spend an afternoon in Olde Towne Orange perusing the shops and grabbing refreshments at Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen. So Cal museums are a tough sell when you’re entertaining someone that is used to the Louvre and d’Orsay, but a trip to the Getty might make our itinerary. Another night might find us at a patio fire pit at Orange Hill Restaurant for a postcard sunset and appetizers. But truth be told, our worlds really revolve around our loved ones and our home. We would genuinely prefer to stay at our house where we enjoy visits from our kids and neighbors. We cook, drink and go on walks down our Mayberry-esque tree-lined streets. Sometimes we take the golf cart, but whether walking or riding, we always run into friendly neighbors and end up chatting in the street. We have the absolute best neighborhood with the most charming people.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My “Shoutout” goes to my husband Doug. Being married to an artist can feel like riding a roller coaster…my highs are high and my lows can get pretty low. Some days my creativity feels “hot” and on the verge of explosion and other days it feels like molasses dripping onto my blank slate. My husband is the stabilizing force in my life and he never wavers. He cheers for my highs and talks me through my lows. He speaks truth even when he knows it will deflate my inflated dreams. He has even been known to tell me to get a “business plan.” (I didn’t like that.) Thank you Doug for supporting me in whatever I want to achieve and for dreaming with me so that I don’t have to dream alone. You are an encouragement to me.

Website: https://lauralejuwaan.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooms.by.laura/ and https://www.instagram.com/lauralejuwaan/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-lejuwaan-0ab635a/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/lauralejuwaanphotography/

Image Credits
Geoffrey Gread Corrie Lejuwaan Jack Belli

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