Sophomore strategic communications major and Chancellor’s Scholar, Lauren Karr, has turned her love for photography into a reality. 

Karr said that in high school, she developed a love for photography but never pursued it as a career opportunity.

“We had no photography classes at my school, and I wasn’t able to be involved in the yearbook because I was doing theater and choir,” Karr said. “So, I never really had the chance to explore it in high school, but it was always something I felt really interested in.”

That passion returned as a new opportunity toward the end of Karr’s first year at TCU. 

“I applied to TCU as a nutrition science major and wanted to go into dietetics,” Karr said. “But in the spring semester of my senior year, I just felt God telling me in my heart that it’s not meant for me.”

She switched her major to undeclared when she came into college and explored multiple opportunities that first semester, Karr said. After choosing strategic communications, a mentor in the advising department recommended that she take an art class. This would reopen the door for photography, Karr said.

One of Karr’s newest roles is being the official photographer for the TCU Dutchmen.

“My senior year of high school, when I realized I was going to TCU, I messaged the Dutchmen account on Instagram and basically asked what I needed to do to be a part of this awesome organization,” Karr said.

Being able to photograph the Dutchmen for the home game comes full circle for Karr. She has now developed meaningful relationships with members of the Dutchmen.

“Working with Lauren this semester has been incredible,” Riley Nowicki, a senior acting major and head Dutchman, said. “She has been able to provide incredible photos of the team from game days throughout the semester that we can use to promote The Dutchmen across TCU’s campus.”

One of the hardest things as a photographer can be developing self-confidence to promote themselves and their work. On top of this, having confidence in the quality of the photos that they produce can be difficult.

“I didn’t feel ready to accept my first client, but I had to learn how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable,” Karr said. “With that, I’ve had to step into a new realm of confidence in myself as a photographer.”

One way Karr has grown her confidence is by working for local photographer Shannon Lange, owner of Shannon Lange Photography. She said that Lange took her under her wing to mentor her and give advice as an established photographer. 

“Mentoring Lauren has been a joy,” Lange said. “She has been a huge help to me, as having an assistant on session with me is important to my end product. She is getting practical experience, learning how I conduct sessions and hearing about back-end business stuff that is, quite frankly, the hard part.”

An important aspect of Karr’s personal brand is that she keeps her business “founded on faith.” She believes that having that opportunity to connect with a client over their faith is a gift.

“I try so hard in whatever I do to love people, like the love of Christ,” Karr said. “I hope to encourage my clients, build them up and make them feel seen. That’s truly one of the best gifts you can give to another person: making them feel seen.”

One of Karr’s biggest passions is developing relationships with her clients and connecting with them. Her relationship with her clients helps to make them feel more comfortable during their sessions.

“I truly believe if you’re a good photographer, you love people, too,” Karr said. “First and foremost, I care about the product, right? But more than that, I care about how I make someone feel.”