Freelance professional genealogist & family photographer. I’m Laura, and family history captivates me.
That's why I’ve found my niche as both a professional genealogist (worldwide) as well as a professional family photographer (currently serving Champaign - Urbana, Illinois). To me, these passions of mine are actually two sides of the same coin. I help some families find their past through the discovery and analysis of historic records. Other families come to me to with the desire to capture the pr
06/21/2025
Guys, the time has come to "press pause"on my small business. I am so grateful for all who trusted me with their family history over the years. This little venture has led me to my current path and I am so grateful! It was a difficult decision to make, but I know it is the right one...for now! ❤️
01/17/2025
This is quite possibly the happiest photo I've ever taken. I LOVE how this turned out and I LOVE the moment it captured! ❤️❤️❤️
Also, I'm pretty darn happy with the new look Instagram gave my feed today. So I just had to make this post.
10/25/2024
Wondering what to wear for family photos? Tip: Matching is out, but coordinating is IN! 🙌 I am here to help! All clients receive a free "styling guide" PDF upon booking!!
10/17/2024
"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil-painting, and autumn a mosaic of them all." -- Stanley Horowitz
04/03/2024
Class of 2024-- Who's ready?!!!!
04/01/2024
I mean, did this six-month-old understand the assignment, or what?! 😁
That, or maybe I was swinging a blanket over my head like a lasso. 😂
Anyways, the weather is turning warmer, the flowers are blooming and I am getting so excited for Spring sessions!! 🪻📷
02/22/2024
Oh, how I love lifestyle newborn sessions.
That is all.
Thank you.
02/13/2024
A genealogy kismet moment today as I finished a client family history project that for weeks had me absorbed in New Orleans records! Completely unplanned that it's a wrap today, on Mardi Gras. Here's an amazing photo [undated, but circa 1930-50s] of a group of youngsters ready to hit the parade route down St. Charles Avenue (photo courtesy of the City Archives and Special Collections). What an interesting and amazing history the city can boast! Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Resharing this montage of vintage videos as my annual reminder to dust off the albums in the family archive, interview your aging relatives, and don't be shy about bringing out the camera. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from History Runner.
11/18/2023