Branson Photographer Specializing in Portraits for Families, Couples, Creatives & All Life’s Moments
FEATURED IN:
Creative Sessions That Break the Mold
Candid, creative photography for anyone looking to capture love, connection, personality, or a little magic—whatever your story may be.
I am a passionate photographer based in Branson, Missouri, specializing in family, senior, wedding, and vacation photography. Whether you live here or you're visiting the Ozarks for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, I’m here to help you capture the memories you never want to forget.
I create relaxed, joy-filled, natural portraits using the best lighting, flattering angles, and gentle posing guidance. From golden-hour adventures to intimate wedding days, I’ll meet you wherever your story unfolds—camera in hand.
If you’ve ever felt awkward in front of a camera, I get it—I’ve been there. But here’s the truth: it’s not your job to know how to pose. That’s my job. I’ll help you feel confident, seen, and beautiful every step of the way—so your photos feel as good as they look.
Let’s capture the heart of your story—beautifully.
Specializing in:
Family Photography
My family photography sessions are playful, relaxed, and filled with genuine moments—because the best smiles come when you’re just being yourselves. I focus on capturing connection, laughter, and love in a way that feels natural.
Wedding Photography
Capturing weddings with a blend of candid emotion and timeless storytelling—focusing on the connection, joy, and little details that make your day uniquely yours. Whether it’s an intimate elopement or a full celebration, I’ll document your love with honesty, artistry, and heart.
Maternity
Maternity sessions are all about celebrating the beauty, strength, and anticipation of this incredible season. I aim to create timeless, emotional images that reflect both the tenderness and excitement of your growing family.
Engagement
Engagement sessions are a chance to capture your unique chemistry and the excitement of this special chapter. Whether playful or romantic, I’ll guide you in a way that feels natural so your love story shines through every image.
Senior Portraits
Senior portraits are all about showcasing who you are at this milestone moment—your personality, style, and confidence. Whether bold and creative or simple and classic, I’ll create a session that feels true to you and celebrates your journey ahead.
Life Style
Lifestyle sessions are about capturing real, everyday moments in a natural and meaningful way—whether that’s snuggling at home, baking with your kids, or just being yourselves. These sessions are relaxed, personal, and tell the authentic story of your life as it is right now.
Professional Head Shots
Professional headshots don’t have to feel stiff or boring—I’ll help you feel confident and comfortable so your personality shines through. Whether you need something classic, creative, or casual, we’ll capture images that represent the real, professional you.
Creative Concept
Creative concept sessions are where imagination takes the lead—whether it’s fantasy, editorial, or something totally out-of-the-box. These sessions are uniquely themed to showcase you living your best imagination, with bold, cinematic images that are expressive, artistic, and truly one of a kind.
Fresh 48
Fresh 48 sessions capture the raw, emotional beauty of your baby’s first hours earthside—those tiny details, sweet snuggles, and unforgettable firsts. Taken in the hospital or birthing space within the first 48 hours, these sessions preserve the beginning of your new chapter with honesty and heart.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
I’d love the chance to meet you and create something beautiful together. Photography is more than just images—it’s about connection, chemistry, and capturing stories that matter. If you’d like to get to know me better and learn more about the heart behind my work, click below and let’s start the journey.
Lauren Ballenger
What I Provide
Memories
So! You can obviously see that I take photos. But I don't just want to provide you with photos, I want to provide you with beautiful moments that last a lifetime! In which I use professional software and editing to ensure your photos look outstanding and beautiful.
Guidance
There are some people that feel nervous about getting their photo taken, they feel that they get stiff or nervous. Don’t Worry! I’ve got your back! I’m here to make you look stunning and feel comfortable in front of the camera! We are here to have fun! And that is how I want you to remember this shoot!
A Good Time
I want to give you a good experience. Not just posing and shooting. I want us to have fun! And trust me, we will. We will be doing very candid shots where you are placed in scenarios, not poses, to get your natural beauty and chemistry. But beware, I am quirky and a fan of dad jokes.
Photo STORE
Each package offers a different amount of digital downloads with a print release. You can also purchase canvas' and prints. But did you know that you can always purchase more downloads and prints on this website! Everyone's gallery is accessible online for 3 years! This will give you and your family options to always get more photo products!
THE PROCESS
I. BEFORE THE SESSION
Once we narrow down a date and time, I will send you a link to a digital contract- and collect the deposit. I will also help you choose outfits if needed (ask about my what to wear guide), and take care of all the details. Always feel free to send me a picture while you're planning on what to wear - you need an extra set of eyes.
II. DURING THE SESSION
I will always capture a few of those "posed photo"- the shot where everyone is looking straight at the camera smiling, but for the most part, the session is relaxed, easy-going, and at times adventurous. I love taking candid shots of the interaction between loved ones. Over the years, I have strategized poses and scenarios to make the experience easy breezy and lots of fun! I also like to throw in a scenario or two to capture the chemistry between the group. Lots of laughing, action shots, and interaction amongst the ones you love!
III. AFTER THE SESSION
All of your hard work to make these photos is complete, now it's my turn to work my magic and make them spectacular! I will be hard at work editing each unique memory we made to create your online gallery. The average turnaround time for a regular package will be within 2 weeks. Weddings and large events are from 4-6 weeks. Once your gallery is finished, I will email a link to you with detailed instructions, including in your package, ordering instructions, and any further details.
Kind Words
Lauren was great to work with! Our family used her photography skills twice. She responded quickly to emails. She was accommodating and encouraging during the photo sessions. Lauren’s sweet personality made it easy and natural. We would definitely recommend!!
-Stephanie Farnsworth
★★★★★
TESTAMONIALS
This photographer…CHEFS KISS! Made me and baby so comfortable, had us both laughing. Was very nervous coming in, and left with new favorite memories. And she captured all of them perfectly for me to keep forever. Perfect at giving direct and posing ideas, loved working with her! Would recommend her to any and everyone.
ARRIANA DAVIS
★★★★★
TESTAMONIALS
Lauren is a phenomenal photographer! Her energy just puts you at ease. She captures pictures in between poses that you didn't know you needed! I wish I had taken advantage of her talents BEFORE she decided she was moving! I would recommend scheduling with her as soon and as often as possible! She is such a joy and you won't regret it.
-MONICA PHILLIPS
★★★★★
TESTAMONIALS
Amazing!! Fun and relaxing photoshoot. Flexible, great communication, and prompt turnaround times. Continuing to have amazing photos taken!! Repeat customer!! Thank you for continuing to capture our growing family!!
-Amanda Westerfield
★★★★★
TESTAMONIALS
Lauren is a fantastic photographer! We did a mini session in the fall, and we had so many amazing photos it was difficult to pick which ones to get. We ended up ordering a ton more! Since we had such a good experience for the fall photos, we booked a Christmas mini session as well. Our little one wasn’t a huge fan of the cold weather that day, so smiles were nonexistent. Lauren somehow managed to get some amazing pictures again! I plan to continue booking with Lauren as long as she’s a photographer.
-Holly Kruit
★★★★★
TESTAMONIALS
I absolutely LOVE working with Lauren!! She is my favorite to shoot with, makes you feel super comfortable, fun while still being professional, & the pictures come out better than I could imagine every time. I’ve gotten two maternity shoots done and my family pictures, they all turned out so beautifully! Lauren has a way of capturing ideas better than you’ve thought of them. 11/10 recommend.
-MICHEALA CAMPBELL
★★★★★
TESTAMONIALS
Lauren is such a kind, and talented woman. She has taken photos of my family and she is great to work with, and we plan to take advantage of her photography skills again in the future! I definitely would recommend her to friends and family.
-Layla WilLIAMS
★★★★★
TESTAMONIALS
We absolutely loved how Lauren interacted and made our photoshoot a blast! Thank you!
-MISSY WILEY
★★★★★
TESTAMONIALS
OMG!!! She did an amazing job! She was so good with our 8 month old son and was amazing at giving direction for the best shots while also asking if there was anything in particular we wanted to try. She has been the best photographer we have worked with!! She will definitely be our go to from now on!
-Christry BOrden
★★★★★
TESTAMONIALS
My husband and I recently had some 1 year anniversary photos taken by Lauren. She was absolutely wonderful! We did a mini session and only had 15 minutes, but she got so many great photos in such a short amount of time. She was great about helping us not be so awkward, and we had a lot of fun (even my husband and he hates pictures) Can’t recommend her enough 😊
-Elizabeth Antolik
★★★★★
TESTAMONIALS
Lauren has an amazing talent behind the lens! She is so patient with my kids and is still able to capture the photos I envisioned when they are constantly wiggling and on the go. I highly recommend her!
-Kelli Baum
★★★★★
TESTAMONIALS
Lauren did an outstanding job with my daughter for Senior pictures. Lauren had some fantastic idea's that made the pictures unique. She was willing to try anything we wanted as well. Her pricing was very reasonable and her turn around time on getting us the pictures was super quick. Thanks Lauren!
-Dawn Dager
★★★★★
TESTAMONIALS
We did a mini family sunflower shoot with Lauren this summer and she did a great job capturing natural smiles and moments!! I would highly recommend her and definitely use her again for photos!
-Chelsea Beer
★★★★★
TESTAMONIALS
Had a wonderful experience with our fall family photos! She had great ideas and captured the pictures I requested. We received our final product in a very timely manner and were so impressed with the quality of work. We will be hiring her again
-Danielle Paulette
★★★★★
Serving Branson and the surrounding Ozarks.