The moment you step into our daylight studio, you immediately feel how alive the light is. It pours in, shifts almost by the minute, and plays with shapes and colours. That’s exactly what inspires and challenges photographers. For this blog, we spoke with Laura from Lauw Design & Photography: a photographer who fully embraces working with daylight. In this interview, she shares how her background in graphic design shaped her journey into photography, why she focuses on photographing women, and how The Livingroom plays a role in her creative process.
From graphic design to photography – a visual journey
What sets Laura apart is her focus on photographing women. From brides and expectant mothers to boudoir sessions and branding shoots, something special always happens. “Many women start off feeling tense and critical about themselves. But during the shoot, you see them change: they relax, soften, and become more themselves. When I later hear that they truly feel beautiful in the photos – often for the first time – I know I’ve done my job well.”
Daylight photography – The charm of the unexpected
As a photographer, Laura prefers to work with daylight. “Daylight is constantly moving. One moment you have hard shadows, the next a soft, diffused glow. It requires creativity and flexibility – and that’s exactly what makes it so beautiful.” Where artificial light often feels controlled and predictable, Laura finds honesty and purity in daylight that perfectly suits her style. The light sets the mood, but always in service of the person she’s photographing. “Beautiful daylight is a bonus. Ultimately, it’s all about the woman in front of my lens."
When Laura first photographed in our Amsterdam daylight studio, she felt instantly at home. She was especially drawn to The Livingroom, with its large windows and calm atmosphere. “The window light is fantastic – exactly that soft side light I love. With the neutral walls and different chairs, I could create endless variations. Closer to the windows gave me stronger light, while the centre offered a gentler mood. It gave me the freedom to make each shoot unique.”
In addition to the light, Laura appreciated the studio’s styling. The tall mirror, textured chairs, and photogenic props sparked plenty of inspiration. “That makes shooting here playful and versatile. I’m excited to try out The Loft and The Playground as well.”
In a time when many photographers rely on flashes and artificial light, Laura remains committed to natural daylight. A daylight studio like The Livingroom offers her the flexibility she seeks. “Daylight feels pure, honest, and emotional. It’s never the same, and that makes every photoshoot unique. As a photographer, it keeps me sharp – it makes me play, and pushes me to make the most of the moment. That’s exactly why I’ll always choose daylight.”
Still hesitant about stepping in front of the camera? Laura emphasises that you don’t need any experience at all. “The only thing you need to bring is yourself. Most of the women I photograph have zero experience. I guide you step by step, so you feel comfortable. In the end, it’s about seeing yourself – at your most beautiful, but above all: truly you.”
