Gilbert photographer Laura Winslow started Laura Winslow Photography after life as a new mom generated all the photography practice she needed. She loves to capture every phase of family life.

What is your focus as a photographer?

I do everything from newborns to babies to kids to engagement photos and families. I do all sorts and love them all. I’ve gotten a lot of newborns and maternity lately. They’re so much fun to do.

I just recently had the opportunity to photograph a homebirth. It was amazing! I would love to do more of those I think but I’m not sure how I would balance that as a mother yet.

How long have you been in the business?

We moved here in 2008 from New Orleans area and I started up the business then. I a lot of support from friends and family and so I just kind of went with what I’ve been doing my whole life, I felt like… I used to make my little sister pose with stuffed animals. I really got into photography when my son was born. When you’re at home together all the time you have all these wonderful moments in morning with the light coming in just right. Kids are such great subjects. You can just practice, practice and practice!

How old are your kids?

I have a three-year-old son, Jackson, and a daughter, Addison. She’ll be one this month. They’re wonderful children. I love, love love them! And Jackson just loves his sister to pieces. She just started walking and that’s been really fun.

What did  you do pre-kids?

It’s funny because I was actually a high school Spanish teacher for seven years so this is not my first career. I miss it sometimes but it’s wonderful to have career now where I can mold and watch my children at home and do this wonderful thing as well. I think having taught helps me have a lot of insight working with people. Also, I moved a lot growing up so I’m good at meeting people. I have the most fun clients! I am so lucky.

How do you make time to run your business and your family?

Isn’t that the million dollar question? I have a supportive husband and I also have a lot of late nights. I get up early in the morning and work late at night. I try to balance it so I can give my kids emotionally what they need during day. When they nap I’m usually at the computer proofing photos. When I have to do a session my husband is wonderful about watching them.

I love being mom and getting to be creative at the same time. It is a challenge to feel like you give one-hundred percent all the time to both your children and you career.  I’m doing something I love and setting a good example for my kids that they can do what they love.

What have you learned that you could pass on to an aspiring mompreneur?

I would say, if you love something, just to do it. If you have the desire and the feeling that you can do it and make it as a business, go for it. It will make you happy. It’s so fulfilling and so satisfying to be able to be a mother and at the same time do something for you that you love so much.

For more information or to contact Laura, please visit laurawinslowphotgraphy.com.