Meet Lauren
Photography That Feels Like Home
I’m Lauren Ford Recupero — mom, photographer, and storyteller who believes every family has a beautiful story to tell. My passion is helping you feel comfortable, relaxed, and completely yourself in front of the camera.
For me, photography isn’t about stiff poses, forced smiles, or perfect hair. It’s about connection. It’s about the way your child’s hand fits perfectly in yours, the laughter that bubbles up, and the quiet love that shows up in a simple glance or kiss. These are the moments that matter — and these are the moments I want to capture for you.
My goal is to create a space where you can just be present with the people you love most. No pressure, no expectations — just joy, warmth, and authenticity. The result? Photographs that feel honest and real, images that remind you of exactly how this season of life feels, and keepsakes that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Because at the heart of it all, photography isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about remembering how it felt to be together. And that’s the story I’m here to tell for you.
As Seen In:
The Real Housewives of Orange County, Variety, Luxe Interiors + Design, The Front Steps Project, Minted.
The Process
From our very first conversation to the moment you open your finished gallery, I want every step to feel simple, thoughtful, and stress-free. My goal is to make you feel comfortable, enjoy the experience, and walk away with photos that capture your family just as you are.
Book Your Session
Reach out to reserve your date, and we’ll chat about your vision, location ideas, and the best timing for that beautiful golden light.
Session Day
Relax and have fun! I’ll guide you with natural, easy prompts, keep things moving, and make sure everyone — even reluctant teens and dads — feels comfortable and included.
Your Final Gallery
In just a short time, you’ll receive a finished gallery filled with heartfelt, authentic images that tell your story and become keepsakes you’ll treasure for years to come.
"I just opened my gallery and OMG I am obsessed. Thank you so much!!
The photos this year are so special to us, and I know that we will treasure these for a long time. You are a light and just a wonderful human!! Thank you for putting a big smile on my face. These will be hanging on our wall for years to come."
"Lauren has a gift for gracefully capturing life’s moments.
Her beautiful photos are timeless treasures our family cherishes and will share at graduations, weddings, and every celebration of love and life in between!"
"Lauren doesn’t just take pictures, she tells our story.
With her artistic eye and beautiful vision, she’s timelessly captured our family’s moments. These are the photos we’ll share at graduations, weddings, and every celebration of love and life in between!"
"Lauren has a gift for making people feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
Whether someone uses a wheelchair, is nonverbal, or expresses themselves in unique ways, she meets them exactly where they are: with patience, humor, and pure heart."
What is the basis for your pricing?
What time of day do sessions take place?
What is your cancellation policy?
What if we’re running late?
What happens if it rains?
Why do you only shoot at certain locations?
What if I’ve had photos taken at one of these locations before?
Do you offer retouching?
When will we be able to view our photos?
What is the basis for your pricing?
I believe everyone deserves beautiful, meaningful photos without feeling like it’s out of reach. My pricing is designed so families can invest in photos year after year — for all of life’s milestones. I don’t believe the cost should ever hold you back from capturing the magic of your story.
What time of day do sessions take place?
Most outdoor sessions happen early in the morning or during golden hour — when the light is soft, warm, and dreamy. For in-home sessions, mid-day light often works beautifully. Together we’ll choose the best time and place for the look you love.
What is your cancellation policy?
I completely understand that life happens. That said, cancellations or reschedules made less than 48 hours before your session will result in a 50% non-refundable charge.
What if we’re running late?
Because I often photograph multiple families in one day and rely on natural light, I do have to honor the schedule. If you arrive late, we will start when you arrive and still finish at the originally scheduled time.
What happens if it rains?
While I actually love a little mist and cloud cover, I can’t control Mother Nature. If it rains, I’ll reschedule your session to another date that works for both of us — always doing my best to get you back on the calendar quickly.
Why do you only shoot at certain locations?
After more than a decade behind the camera, I know which spots photograph best. I also try to keep costs down by choosing locations that don’t require pricey permits. If you’d love a location outside of my list, I’m happy to make it happen — but additional permit fees may apply.
What if I’ve had photos taken at one of these locations before?
That’s wonderful! Even if you’ve visited the same spot before, your story has grown and changed—your kids are older, your family dynamic is different, and new memories are waiting to be made. The location sets the scene, but it’s the people in the frame that make the photograph truly special. Each session is a fresh opportunity to capture the magic of who you are right now.
Do you offer retouching?
- Mini sessions: no retouching included
- 30-minute sessions: 3 retouched images
- 60-minute sessions: 5 retouched images
- Additional retouching is $25/image.
- Black & white conversions are $10/image or $100 for your entire gallery.
When will we be able to view our photos?
Frequently Asked Questions
Let's capture this moment
These seasons of life pass quickly
Little ones grow, milestones come and go, and everyday moments soon become cherished memories. But the photos will last forever.
If you’re thinking about booking a session, I’d be honored to tell your family’s story.
Let’s freeze this season before it slips away, and give you photographs that will warm your heart for years to come.
Photographs hold on to the moments that time lets go.
They are the pause button on life’s most fleeting moments — gentle reminders of the love, laughter, and connection that make your story worth remembering.
