Telling Real Stories Through Photos: An Introduction to My Work
Hey there!
If we haven’t met yet, I’m Laini!! I’m the photographer behind Laini Photo. I’m a Los Angeles-based family and couples photographer who’s obsessed with turning real-life chaos into keepsakes. This recent branding session felt like a full-circle moment for me. Sitting on the floor surrounded by hundreds of prints from past sessions, I realized: this is more than a job. It’s a living archive of love, growth, and connection.
Whether it’s a toddler mid-scream, a spontaneous beach kiss, or a windblown family moment that wasn’t in the plan… that’s the good stuff. That’s the heart of my work.
What I Do (and Who I Do It For)
I photograph people in love with their lives, even when it’s messy. I work with families, couples, and brands who want something deeper than perfectly posed photos. My clients are the kind of people who laugh too hard during their session and want their kids to just be themselves. They don’t mind a little wind in their hair because they know that memories matter more than perfection.
As a mom myself, I know how fast life moves. The tiny details you swear you’ll remember, the curls, the dimples, the way they cling to your leg, they fade faster than we want them to. That’s why I do what I do.
I wanted this photoshoot to feel like a visual love letter to the people I’ve photographed over the years. Every image you see beneath me? It’s a moment I was trusted to capture. It’s the story of… A couple’s engagement at sunset, a baby’s first birthday, a mama holding her toddler while chaos unfolds around her, families that show up exactly as they are…
This shoot reminded me that photography isn’t just about showing up with a camera, it’s about showing up for people. Being invited into their lives. Freezing the moments they didn’t even realize they’d want to keep forever.
If you’re thinking about booking a session, you should know- I’m not a stiff-pose kind of photographer. I’m all about real connection, real moments, and making your session feel easy and fun. I’m also a full-time, homeschooling mom of two, running a home full of kids, animals, and big love- and I bring that same energy to my work.
I’m not a big agency or a team of strangers. When you book with me, you’re getting someone who truly gets what it’s like to live in the beautiful chaos. You’ll work directly with me from start to finish: planning, shooting, editing, and delivering a gallery that feels like you. I take on a limited number of sessions to make sure every client gets the care and attention they deserve.
So if you’re also juggling a million things and hoping someone will just get it- I do. I really do.
Here’s what sessions with me usually feel like:
Comfortable and low-pressure
Full of movement, laughter, and snack breaks (if needed)
Guided, but never overly posed
A little chaotic (in the best way)
I’ll direct you just enough to help you feel confident, and the rest? That’s all you. The goal is to capture you as you are, not a filtered version.
I work with:
Families all across Los Angeles
Engaged couples and those celebrating big moments
Moms who want to be in the photo for once
People who don’t love being in front of the camera, and end up loving their photos anyway
Why Photos Like This Matter
We live in a world of endless snapshots — phone pics, selfies, videos that disappear in 24 hours. But professional photography is different. It’s something you can hold, revisit, pass down.
The prints you see around me in these photos? They’re time capsules. They’re comfort. They’re legacy.
And I don’t take the responsibility of capturing that lightly.
Booking Your Own Session
If your gut is telling you it’s time to finally book the session you’ve been putting off, trust it. You don’t need a perfect season, perfect weight, or perfect weather. You just need now.
✨ Now booking Summer & Fall 2025 in Los Angeles!
You can book directly at: www.lainiphoto.com/booking
Not sure what kind of session is right? DM me, I’m happy to help.
I also offer personalized brand and creative sessions for small business owners who want photos that reflect who they are (not just what they sell).
Let’s Capture Your Story
At the end of the day, I want your photos to feel like you. I want you to see your gallery and think,
“Yes. That’s us. That’s our life. That’s our love.”
And if you’re here, reading this, there’s a good chance your story deserves to be seen and celebrated.
