We recently had the chance to connect with Laura Wolff and have shared our conversation below.
Laura, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are spent either working out or organizing my thoughts/day to make sure I am ready for my shoots that day or later that week. Sometimes I wake up not knowing what day it is, so getting everything lined up really helps me stay prepared for everything the day or week might bring my way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there! My name is Laura Wolff and I am a professional photographer based in Charlotte, NC. I am originally from Vienna, VA and studied Multimedia Journalism/Communications and played softball at Virginia Tech. While in college, I was able to experience photographing many different sports and fell in love with sports photography in general.
After college I spent a summer with the Salem Red Sox (High A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox). In 2015 I was hired as the Team Photographer for the Charlotte Knights (Triple A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox) where I have spent the last 10 seasons photographing everything from games to events.
In 2017, I became a Live Content Correspondent for the NFL with the Carolina Panthers. Over the years, that LCC role formed into a game day position with the Panthers photographing the Entertainment Teams, Community Relations, Partnerships, Marketing and Social Content/On-Field Action departments.
In 2022, Charlotte welcomed the newest MLS expansion team – Charlotte FC. I have been photographing games since their inaugural year as well as the occasional event the team holds.
In addition to the 3 major sports team, I am also the Owner of Laura Wolff Photography, LLC. I photograph events, portraits, weddings, and pretty much anything else!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I wouldn’t say I was a shy person when I was younger, because none of my friends would tell you I was shy. But I was definitely timid and meek around those I didn’t know.
I chose this question in this interview because I know there are a lot of artistic and creative people that might have a hard time with opening up, being outgoing, or just getting out of your comfort zone in general. In my career, I would not benefit from being shy or timid. I am meeting, communicating with, and hired by people I have never met every day. I have had to learn that being my true, authentic, outgoing self is what is best for my business and if someone sees that I am not the best fit for their needs, then that is okay! Not everyone is going to be the right client for you, just like you might not be the right photographer for them! Coming to terms with that has really helped any kind of resentment I may have felt early on in my career when I lost out on a bid for a job.
Once I found my clientele, and gained them as repeat clients, I became more confident in myself and my craft, and ultimately a better photographer.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think for me, like for a lot of people, the fear of uncertainty has probably held me back the most. I have learned to embrace it more since becoming a full-time freelance photographer. After having a normal job and doing photography on the side for so long, not having the steady paycheck, benefits, and retirement plan sorted out is a little unsettling. But betting on myself has been easier than expected.
Previously uncertainty has come from not having a ton of jobs lined up, or a lull in sports or portrait season. But knowing that things always come back around has made it easier to embrace the down time. Instead of looking at free time as a bad thing that means money isn’t coming in, I have learned to look at down time as just that – time that I am able to relax, catch up on editing, invoicing, emails or even just basic life things like grocery shopping or making sure my home is clean.
Uncertainty is hard but training yourself to look at it differently is really freeing and calming.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I think my work and the way that I work with people speaks for itself. I have never had to tell someone that I am a hard worker or have strengths that make me a favorable option to work with. Usually when your referred to someone by a current or former client, the referral alone speaks for itself. Then it is your job to show why you were suggested.
I am very proud of the work ethic that my parents have instilled in me that I am able to maintain throughout my adult life. I have been taught to be accountable, own up to my mistakes and be a good enough person to correct them for the future. I have a great sense of responsibility towards my clients, I know that my product is not cheap and they deserve to receive what they are expecting when they hire me. Other than those core values, I am very proud of my efficiency and time management skills. Even when I am at my busiest, I always delivery galleries on time and make sure to communicate with my clients every step of the way.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I decided to hang up my cameras tomorrow, I think that my customers would miss the comfort of security I provide when they hire me. I am very thankful that my customers have described me as very easy to work with and express that they don’t have to worry about the photography aspect of their event or project when they hire me. That means the world to me, especially as someone who is a “if you want it done, do it yourself” kind of person. Handing off a major part of an event such as photography is stressful for some people, and knowing that I can provide comfort and calming is a such a great compliment!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lwolffphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurawolffphoto/
- Twitter: https://x.com/laurawolffphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lwolffphoto
Image Credits
Photo of me at Carolina Panthers game: Myicha Drakeford
All other photos: Laura Wolff Photography
