Humans of East: Q&A with Spanish teacher Laura Buckman about her small photography business

Not only does Spanish teacher Laura Buckman grade conjugation quizzes over her weekends, but she also runs her small photography business: Laura Buckman Photography. Buckman photographs East’s cheer team, senior photos, weddings and graduations. The best way to contact her is through her photography Instagram @laurabuckmanphotography.

When did you start your photography side hustle?

“I think I started actually charging for the photos in about 2017. I did a fundraiser type photoshoot for my son’s preschool at the time, and I took the pictures for the families to donate to the school. I didn’t get paid for it. But then after that, a few of those families hired me back, so it kind of started from there.”

How did you get into photography?

“I took a photography class in high school, and again in college, and I really enjoyed it. And I never really thought that it would be something that I would do, but then I had kids and then [I thought] ‘I can learn how to do this and keep practicing and getting better.’”

What kind of events do you photograph?

“Mostly families and seniors. I’ve done maternity and newborn as well, and [I do] some graduation photos.”

How do you balance photography and being a teacher?

“I mostly do the photoshoots in the evenings or on the weekend. Then, I really like the editing part of it, so I do that in the little free time that I have over the weekend. Or if I’m caught up with grading I’ll maybe do a little bit during seminar just to try to stay on top of it.”

How can someone get into contact with you if they’re interested in your photo business?

“I actually have an Instagram page for my photography. Just called @laurabuckmanphotography for my photography. Just a message on there will work.”