Onwards.

A Blog by Laughlin Photography

Photography is more than images — it's how we remember what matters. Onwards is where we share stories, tips, and inspiration to help you capture your moments beautifully and confidently.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS V1: The Beaten-Up Workhorse That Still Delivers
David Laughlin David Laughlin

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS V1: The Beaten-Up Workhorse That Still Delivers

It’s the Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM V1 — a.k.a. the lens that looks like it fell out of my pickup, rolled through a gravel lot, and got kicked by one of my twins on the way to the field. And honestly? It probably did. I bought it “heavily used,” which basically means it had already lived a full life — and then got handed to me for overtime duty.

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Update Your Portraits — And Print Them, Dang It
David Laughlin David Laughlin

Update Your Portraits — And Print Them, Dang It

Our phones are full of snapshots: kids being silly, vacations, blurry food pics we swore looked artistic in the moment. We snap, we scroll, we save, and then… we forget. All those memories? They quietly get buried in digital purgatory, right between the Notes app grocery list and your 47 attempts at the “good angle” selfie.

Here’s the truth: your memories deserve more than a swipe and a scroll.
They deserve to be printed. Displayed. Passed down. Loved.

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What to Expect at Your First Photography Session
David Laughlin David Laughlin

What to Expect at Your First Photography Session

I do everything I can to help you feel at ease. That starts with clear communication beforehand and continues with a healthy dose of personality throughout the session. The last thing anyone needs is a cold, distant photographer.

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Sportraits: Not Your Typical Sports Picture
David Laughlin David Laughlin

Sportraits: Not Your Typical Sports Picture

We love working with teams — big or small, t-ball to varsity. Baseball, soccer, football, basketball, wrestling — whatever the sport, we’re all in. We bring energy, organization, and creativity to every session, capturing the classic team and individual shots you expect plus the bold, modern images that make parents and players say, “Whoa.”

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Senior Photos: Why They Matter and How to Make Yours Stand Out
David Laughlin David Laughlin

Senior Photos: Why They Matter and How to Make Yours Stand Out

Let's be candid — there’s a lot about senior year that’s a blur of deadlines, decisions, and figuring out where life’s headed next. But your senior photos? That’s your moment. It’s not just a yearbook headshot. It’s the one time you get to freeze who you are right now — before everything changes. Life comes at you fast — Senior photos help immortalize the real you at this pivotal junction of your life. It’s a worthwhile investment to document who you are now to compare it to who you were and who you will be.

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How to Choose the Right Photographer for You
David Laughlin David Laughlin

How to Choose the Right Photographer for You

Let’s be honest—there are a lot of us out here. You could toss a rock into your local Facebook group and hit five photographers offering everything from bargain-basement mini sessions to premium, high-end experiences. The real challenge isn’t just finding a photographer—it’s finding the right one for you: someone whose style, vibe, and price tag line up with your needs.

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Why You Should Hire a Professional Photographer (Even Though Your Phone Thinks It’s a Pro)
David Laughlin David Laughlin

Why You Should Hire a Professional Photographer (Even Though Your Phone Thinks It’s a Pro)

Let’s be honest. We live in the era of portrait mode, where your phone camera brags about its 48 megapixels and cinematic blur like it’s trying to win an Oscar. And listen, phones have come a long way — no argument there. My iPhone can now shoot in RAW, and Androids… well, they can do whatever Androids do (usually while bragging about their battery life and 12,000 features no one uses). But honestly, no one likes the green chats — Just get an iPhone!

But here’s the deal: even with all the tech in your back pocket, a professional photographer is still worth every penny — and I’ll tell you why.

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