I’m Lauren Schlesselman, photographer and founder of Lauren Nicole Imagery.
I began photographing in a high school darkroom, drawn to the way light and timing could turn something fleeting into something lasting. That curiosity followed me through art school, nearly a decade of teaching, and eventually into a professional photography career. Over the past ten years, I’ve documented more than 300 weddings and hundreds of families across Missouri and beyond. The work has followed people wherever their lives unfold: from quiet hometowns to destinations across the U.S. and Canada.
Today, my work is more intentional, focused on connection rather than volume. I accept a limited number of photography commissions each year. My approach is calm, observant, and deeply human. I photograph what unfolds naturally; the in-between moments, quiet expressions, and subtle connections that often matter most with time.
Trust matters more than perfection. I want people to feel comfortable and at ease before the camera, whether I’m documenting a wedding day or a season of family life. I live just outside St. Louis with my husband and our two children. Becoming a parent has reshaped how I think about time, memory, and what’s worth preserving.
If this approach resonates, I’d be honored to document your story.
My Trusted Team
Lauren Nicole Imagery is led by Lauren, but no meaningful work is done alone. Over the years, I’ve built close working relationships with a small group of photographers and creatives I trust completely. These are the people who understand my approach, my standards, and the level of care I bring to every client experience.
In addition to working alongside me on wedding days and larger projects, these team members also photograph select family sessions through Lauren Nicole Imagery when my availability is limited. This allows clients to continue working within the LNI experience while being cared for by people I know and trust.
Natalie Gutierrez , Photographer & Videographer
Natalie brings a thoughtful, documentary-driven approach to both photography and videography. Her work is rooted in observing moments as they naturally unfold; from quiet details to the emotion and movement that define a wedding day.
With a timeless, true-to-color style and a deep respect for the meaning behind each celebration, Natalie approaches every wedding and family session with care, intentionality, and a calm presence that clients immediately feel.
Maddy Keegan, Photographer
Maddy has worked alongside Lauren Nicole Imagery for years and is known for her instinctive eye and ability to capture natural, candid moments as they happen. She has an incredible sense of timing and a fearless creative energy that allows her to adapt to any situation with confidence.
Whether photographing weddings or family sessions, Maddy brings consistency, creativity, and a deep commitment to telling each story honestly.
Nadia Abusoud , Photographer
Nadia is a freelance photographer working alongside Lauren Nicole Imagery, bringing a strong fashion-forward eye and a love for stylized, intentional imagery. Her work is thoughtful, creative, and grounded in visual storytelling.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Louis University, with a focus on communication, media, and visual storytelling; a foundation that shows clearly in the way she approaches both photography and film. As she continues to grow within weddings and larger projects, Nadia brings a fresh perspective, strong technical skill, and a level of professionalism well beyond her years. I’m excited to have her alongside the team as her work continues to evolve.
At the heart of Lauren Nicole Imagery is a belief that photographs should feel honest, intentional, and lasting.
Whether working with me directly or alongside one of the trusted creatives on my team, every experience is approached with care, consistency, and respect for the moments being documented.
If you’re interested in working together, I’d love to hear more about what you’re planning.