Lu, your photo gal!
Not me blushing as I write this.
Hi! I’m Laura—Laura Smid, to be proper. But you can call me Lu!
I’m a born-and-raised Montanan, a daughter of the King, a farm girl turned retro, turned a little bit hippie, turned… well, you get the idea. I like to think I’m a well-rounded woman—I can change a tire and then clean up never looking like I get dirty.
Whether it's through my camera or a paintbrush, I love capturing the beauty in life's chaos. From birth to 100-year-olds (and everything in between), I have a passion for lifestyle and fun-themed photography. I love getting to know people, hearing their stories, and making them feel comfortable and seen. My goal is to embrace and enhance the raw, real, and even the chaotic moments—because there is so much beauty in them. Everyone has a story, and I feel honored to play a small part in telling yours.
Beyond photography, I’m a mother, a wife, and so much more. I’ve faced health challenges and the loss of loved ones, which has deepened my appreciation for the power of photos. To me, pictures are healing—a way to speak without words. I understand the value of capturing moments, and I want my clients to feel at ease, to know they don’t have to look or act “perfect” in front of my camera. Just be yourself.
I know firsthand how precious photos become over time—how they can bring comfort, confidence, and joy. Whether it’s a reminder of who you are or a cherished memory of someone you’ve lost, photographs are gifts we pass down for generations. I’d love to help you create those lasting memories.
Me and first camera! Sitting somewhere in Glacier, nature drawing. 2000
Of course my favorite toy barn was the main photo subject! lol
One of my very first photos. Glacier National park 2000
When I was about six years old, my mother gave me a Fisher Price film camera, and from that moment on, my love affair with photography began. Hehe. Of course, I’ve upgraded my equipment over the years, but I will forever cherish that little camera.
Photography and art run in my blood. My mother had a deep love for photos and would often tell me, "Say peaches!" as she snapped the shot. Sometimes, she would forget to put the film in her camera—yet somehow, my childhood is beautifully documented. I’m so thankful for the stacks of printed pictures she left behind. She was also an incredible artist and taught me so much about creativity and capturing beauty. I've loved pictures for as long as I can remember.
As I grew up, I continued learning and refining my photography skills through 4-H, YouTube, fellow photographers, trial and error, and more. For years, photography was simply a hobby, but in 2017, I turned it into a business—both to help supplement our income and to have a career that allowed me to stay home with our kiddos.
There are so many people who have inspired, encouraged, and taken a chance on a young photographer like me. To all of you—thank you.
Oh! You’re still reading? Awesome—I’ll tell you more!
Who’s this stud baguette (because he’s definitely not a muffin) that I’m about to kiss? Well… don’t you wanna know?! That’s my childhood sweetheart—the father of my children, the pain in my ass, but most importantly, the love of my life. We’ve been married for over a decade now!
And these four cuties? They’re my babies—my joys, my endless bundles of energy, and my reason to never give up. They inspire me daily to be everything God wants me to be as their mommy. Pregnancy and birth were tough journeys for me, so having these four is truly a blessing
Some of The ingredients to a Lu!
I am a chronic migraine, postpartum depression, asherman's syndrome warrior!
Photographer and Documenter.
Lover of coffee, hot baths, house plants, art, dancing, music, outdoors, figure skating, and camping.
I am a wife, mother, and more.
I am a daughter of the King!
Winner of the Postpartum Pageant 2024.
In my pink 30s era!
Getting my PINK back one step at a time.
Said I would never have a dog and now have one of the biggest dogs a gal can get!
Getting back into shape one dumbbell at a time!
Huge fan of “I love Lucy,” 50s music, and most things retro.
Ready to be friends?! What are you waiting for? Contact me, and I’ll be in touch soon!