About The Photographer

I have had a camera in my hand since age 13. What started as a childhood interest developed in my college years, turned into my career and is something I enjoy with every fiber of my being. It’s not just a job for me, it’s something I love to do and is a part of me at all times. I photograph not just with my eyes, but also my heart, and I want that to show through in your images.

I am Columbia College graduate, having received my BFA degree with a concentration in photojournalism. I’ve worked in the field since 1994, having freelanced for weekly newspapers and

businesses in the Chicagoland area before joining the staff of the Daily Herald in 1998. If you are from Fox Valley (Illinois) area, perhaps you have seen me around town or I might have even photographed you or your children while on assignment.

Working at the newspaper has been a rewarding journey, professionally as well as emotionally. I love the communities I cover and have made many great friendships along the way. I truly hope I have made a difference in those communities, telling their stories through my photos.

I continue to work at the newspaper while at the same time I am building my own photography business. I bring my photojournalism skills to your portrait session and specialize in the areas I love: children, children & adults with special needs, families, pets and nature.

I offer a different type of portraiture, perhaps a kind that is new to some people. This is the personal type: you and your family relaxing, showing the true you. None of that stiff stuff with fake smiles. I want your sessions to be fun and a time you’ll look back on with fond memories.  The last thing I want kids to look back on a session and hate having their pictures taken forever. Pictures are supposed to be fun!

I love photographing children as you never know what they might do! Photographing families is like telling a story to me, capturing little moments in time, snippets of happiness and laughter (and goofing around.) These are moments for you to store in your memory bank to go back to and revisit.

Children and adults with special needs also hold a special place in my heart. I just love working with them and find it such a joy to get to know them.

Animal photography is another area that I enjoy. They are just as unpredictable as kids, make you laugh with their personalities and always provide rewarding images. I photograph animals the same way as people-letting them guide how the session will go.

I am a huge animal adoption and rescue advocate and love to donate time and funds to helping animals rehabilitate and find safe, loving new homes. (I have two rescue dogs that have an extensive photo album.) I am also a volunteer at Field of Dreams Horse Rescue and Adoption in Kane County.

Last but not least, my other passion is nature photography. Nature re-energizes me and refreshes my soul. It is my getaway place from everything else. From landscapes to flowers to the tiniest spider, I am amazed at it all. Beauty is all around us, we just have to slow down for a bit and take a look.

And if I have any free time when I’m not taking photos, I love to garden and cook.

“Laura Stoecker Photography…Photography from the heart.”