Prioritize Your Person — Always
Because Your Marriage Isn’t “Just Another Thing” on the Schedule
Before my career. Before children. Before I ever picked up a camera and before this whole photo thing turned into a side gig, a passion project, and whatever it is now — I married Lauren. She’s been my better half, my rock, and my person for the last 22 years. And she’s still, without hesitation, the most important person in my life.
She’s not just my wife. She’s my partner in everything. The unsung hero behind the scenes of Laughlin Photography. The voice of reason when I want to shoot one more look, even though the toddler is melting down and the sun is gone. She’s the quality control and assurance department. The “did you double-check that before you delivered it?” department. Basically, the department that keeps this whole operation from crashing into a ditch.
You see pretty pictures. I see the person who supported me enough to make them happen.
Let’s be real — life gets nuts. Between work, church, kids, school events, late-night editing, the occasional existential crisis, and the simple act of trying to keep groceries in the house — it's easy to get pulled in 10,000 directions. But no matter how busy I am, or how many sessions are on the books, I have to keep this truth front and center:
My marriage is not optional. It’s foundational.
And if you're chasing your dream (or side hustle or creative outlet), let me lovingly suggest this:
Don’t let your ambition outpace your attention to your spouse.
Schedule the shoot — but also schedule a date night.
Book the client — but also make time just to sit together and simply be. Lay down whatever electronic device you use to edit photos — whether it's an iPad or laptop — and watch your show without worrying about masking, exposure, or shadows. (Fun fact: We’re currently making our way through “The Resident.”).
Say yes to growth — but also say yes to the person who makes that growth possible.
The honest truth? None of this works without her. Not the photos. Not the business. Not the balance. Not me.
So yeah, I’ll hustle. I’ll keep building and chasing the light. She’s the reason I ever found it in the first place.