Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura-Grace Coley.
Hi Laura-Grace, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I officially started my photography journey in Dallas in 2018, though my passion began back in middle school on MySpace. In high school I often served as “historian” for clubs, using my camera to document events. I got my start with freelance commercial gigs in college, eventually discovering my love for creative portraits. Moving to Orlando in late 2019, in a short span of 4 years I worked my way from a studio photographer to assistant manager, became the resident photographer for a professional ballet company, and helped refresh Orlando’s tourism photo library. In 2024 I opened a photography studio in the Mills 50 district where I focus on capturing people and brands in their most authentic light.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest struggles I faced was moving to a new city with no established client base, just before the pandemic hit. It was a setback I couldn’t have predicted, but it pushed me to rebuild my brand from scratch. That experience taught me how crucial it is to build strong connections within your community. Without those relationships, it’s tough to grow and thrive, especially in a challenging time like that. But it also forced me to get creative, stay resilient, and ultimately, develop a deeper appreciation for the value of local networks.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Haifun Studio?
Through HyphenGPhotography I’ve had the privilege of opening Haifun Studio in the Mills 50 district of downtown Orlando, a studio that’s designed to be as accessible as it is creative. It’s more than just a studio; it’s a safe space where artists and clients alike can come to express and create freely. What truly sets my work apart is the empowering environment I strive to create both in the studio and beyond. I believe in capturing authentic moments, which means I work closely with my clients, not just in terms of communication before the session, but also providing posing guidance throughout the shoot. My goal is to help each person feel comfortable, confident, and completely themselves, allowing their true essence to shine through in every image.
I’m most proud of the culture I’ve built around my brand. I prioritize genuine connection and the celebration of individuality. Whether working with individuals or brands, my approach is always centered on authenticity and creating visual stories that resonate.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as the awareness that you can always do better. In today’s hustle culture, it’s easy to reach a goal and immediately set the next one, but I think true success comes from taking a moment to acknowledge and celebrate each milestone along the way. Recognizing that progress, even as you push forward, is empowering. It’s not just about achieving the next thing, it’s about understanding and appreciating how far you’ve come and using that momentum to fuel what’s next.
Pricing:
- Standard: $175/45 minutes
- Studio: $350/1 hr
- Extended: $400/2 hrs
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hyphengphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hyphengphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hyphengphotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-coley
Image Credits
Models: Aleena, Sophi, Jordan, Jazmyn, Palmer, Sarah, Josh, Jojo
