Welcome back for Part 2 of my business journey! Let’s pick up where we left off, shall we?
We’ve already explored the beginnings of Lauren Melanne Studios, where my journey started with photography before I took a step back to rethink the future of my business. That pause led me to discover the next chapter: photo editing. After moving around, I realized I didn’t have the energy to rebuild my photography business from scratch. Plus, with the likelihood of relocating again—maybe even multiple times—I needed a business model that offered flexibility and didn’t tie me to one place. That’s when I found the perfect fit: private photo editing.
This shift allowed me to work with photographers from all over—some I’ve known for years and others I was meeting for the first time. I could work anytime, anywhere, whether it was day or night, adapting to my current lifestyle. By creating a calendar system, clients could easily book appointments based on my availability, ensuring I was always prepared and never caught off guard. The best part? Even if we moved, my work remained uninterrupted. I didn’t need to inform anyone because my business operated seamlessly from wherever I was. As long as I had a laptop, I could keep going, even in an emergency. It truly was the perfect solution.
Starting this new chapter, I focused on building the foundation for my business. What would it take to make it run smoothly? I developed a system, figured out the billing process, and ensured everything would work seamlessly for the photographers hiring me. Since I was already experienced with photo editing itself, that part was a breeze. However, learning how to manage the logistics—like having photographers send their galleries to me and then returning the final edits without any hiccups—was a new and exciting challenge.
Once I felt like I had my system set in place, I reached out to photographers I knew personally from my years in the industry. Many of them were familiar faces from weddings where we’d worked together. I shared the news about my pivot to photo editing and explained the system I had created. To make sure it was user-friendly for photographers, I asked if they’d be willing to help me test it out. I offered to edit up to 100 photos for free, asking for honest feedback on the process. Was it easy to send me their galleries? Did they feel like I understood their unique editing style? How smooth was the experience of receiving their final edits? Was the turnaround time satisfactory? Their input was essential before I officially launched my paid services. The response was incredible. Everyone who took part in my test run gave thoughtful, encouraging feedback. Two of them even became long-term clients, hiring me as their private photo editor for the next 3 years. I felt so supported and energized to move forward with this new business.
Next, I started promoting my services on Instagram by creating as many posts & videos as I could think of. I also sent out emails to photographers, asking them to share my name with other busy photographers they knew. Essentially, I put my information out there in every way possible. To my surprise, photographers I had never met or even heard of began reaching out to inquire about my services and book me! One month, I found myself editing seven weddings in a single week. It was a whirlwind—my turnaround time was 3-5 business days so it was a major juggling act—but also an invaluable learning experience. Miraculously, I completed all the edits on time without losing too much sleep. However, that intense week taught me an important lesson about setting boundaries. From that point on, I adjusted how many projects I was willing to take on in a week to maintain both quality and balance.
My private photo editing services ran from July 2021 through December 2024. During that time, Evan and I moved several times—first from Ohio, near my family, to Tennessee, near Evan’s family. After a year in Tennessee, we relocated to Florence, South Carolina, where we currently live. I was incredibly grateful for the flexibility that photo editing provided, allowing me to move without needing to notify clients or adjust their schedules. As long as I had internet when we arrived at our new home, I was ready to work. When we settled in Florence, more job opportunities began pouring in. While I loved the work, I started feeling creatively boxed in. Photo editing was inspiring—don’t get me wrong. Seeing the stunning photos photographers captured for their clients, from weddings to quinceañeras, Bollywood sessions, and product shoots, was a joy. It also made me realize that I missed having my creative outlet.
The idea of being your own boss is often painted as a luxury. The dream of setting your own schedule, choosing who you work with, and determining how much to charge for your services sounds incredible. But the reality is that it’s also incredibly challenging. One of the hardest parts of being your own boss is facing the truth—even when it’s uncomfortable. For me, that moment came when I had to admit how exhausted I was. I loved photo editing, but the constant hustle was wearing me down. It’s a fluctuating business, much like photography itself—I knew that from firsthand experience.
As a photographer, there’s always a demand —weddings, senior portraits, engagements, birthday parties, mini sessions, and countless other events. But the reality is that you’re constantly working to find new clients and retain them year after year. With photo editing, my goal was to build a reliable community of photographers who would consistently book me, and for a while, that worked. However, I learned that the ebb and flow of the photography industry affects the flow of photo editors too. Some of my clients decided to take on less work this past year, while others made financial adjustments and took back their editing tasks to save on costs. I completely understood their choices, but it meant less work for me. While I still had a great solid group of photographers who continued working with me, the overall demand shifted. This experience forced me to reevaluate how I could create a more consistent income stream. It was a pivotal moment of reflection and adjustment in my journey as a business owner.
I realized I was longing for something more reliable—consistent work that wouldn’t fluctuate. Private Photo Editing, as much as I loved it, couldn’t provide that stability on the regular. I began searching for a remote part-time work that would allow the flexibility I desired. That’s when I found the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), which supports private Christian schools and educators with certification and accreditation. They had an opening for a fully remote, 15-hour-a-week Certification Specialist role. It was perfect, so I applied and was thrilled to be hired after the interview process. This new role has given me exactly what I needed—a steady income and flexible schedule that fits seamlessly into my life.
After a few weeks in my new role, I realized how much I enjoyed it. Even with photo editing jobs still coming in, I was able to balance it all. But I started to remember the perks of a traditional full-time job—the structure, knowing exactly what I needed to do each day, having weekends free, and the stability of a consistent income. It also left me with time to explore creative outlets on my own terms. To my surprise, I started to wonder if I wanted to shift my focus entirely to this part-time role and step away from photo editing—a thought that truly caught me off guard.
About two months in, my supervisor asked to meet with me. She praised my work, expressing how impressed she was with my knowledge and how quickly I had adapted to their systems. Her encouragement was so refreshing. Then came something amazing & unexpected: she offered me a full-time position! She acknowledged that I had expressed interest in part-time work during the interview process and assured me there was no pressure to change. However, she believed I’d be a great fit for the full-time role available and encouraged me to take time to think it over, discuss it with Evan, and pray about the opportunity. While I took a week to consider it, the truth is I knew after just two days. In my heart, it felt like the right decision. I was thrilled to accept the full-time position. I was also excited to rejoin a team, something I’d missed. The thought of having a stable, reliable purpose and working with an organization that respected my time felt like such a blessing. One of the most exciting parts? For the first time in our marriage, Evan and I would have the same schedule for holidays and time off—a blessing we’re already so grateful for.
As excited as I was, I knew stepping into a full-time role meant it was time to completely walk away from private photo editing. Balancing even one wedding a week on top of a full-time job and our commitments wasn’t realistic. I wanted to give my clients the quality they deserved, and I knew I couldn’t over-promise in this new setup. I emailed my clients with plenty of notice to let them know about the change, thanking them for their trust and faith in me over the years. I provided references for other private photo editors and offered to help if they needed more assistance finding someone. Their support and understanding moved me to tears, and I felt so grateful for the relationships I’d built during this journey.
Over this past Christmas break, I got the rare chance to reflect on my journey with Lauren Melanne Studios uninterrupted. I’m amazed at how my business has evolved over the years, from photography to private photo editing. While I’m relieved to step away from running my own business full-time, I still feel a deep passion for creativity and the wedding industry, which has been a huge part of my life. Without the pressure of finding clients or juggling the fluctuating workloads, I felt a new wave of inspiration. I knew I didn’t want to return to photography or editing just yet, but I still wanted to serve couples planning their weddings in a meaningful way. That’s when the idea hit me: an Etsy shop! I could use my creativity to create invitations, RSVPs, save-the-dates, and other custom wedding stationery—personal touches that make a wedding truly unique.
At the same time, I have rediscovered my love for blogging. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me, and while blogging might not be as trendy as podcasting or YouTube videos are today, there’s something timeless about the written word. Sharing wedding inspiration, trends, and tips with couples excites me. I enjoy watching trends evolve—some dazzle briefly before making way for fresh ideas, while others endure as timeless classics. I’m here to guide couples through it all digitally.
So here we are, January 14, 2025, almost 10 years after Lauren Melanne Photography began, Lauren Melanne Studios is evolving once again — serving engaged couples in fresh and creative ways.
I want to say a few special thank yous:
To my husband, Evan: Your constant support, encouragement, and belief in my dreams mean the world to me. I wouldn’t be doing this without your love and belief in me.
To the clients who trusted me to capture your special moments: Thank you for allowing me to preserve those once-in-a-lifetime memories. Knowing that my photos hang in your homes has been my greatest honor.
To the photographers who hired me as their editor: Thank you for trusting me with your craft and inspiring me with your stunning work over the past three years.
To you, the reader: Whether this is the only blog post of mine you read or the first of many, thank you for being here.
I’m so excited to start this new chapter and share all things wedding-related! If you know someone who’s engaged or planning to be, please share this blog with them. I’d love to be part of their journey.