Meet Lauren Hoskins | Photographer at Sweet Potato Photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Hoskins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
This has been challenge that’s followed me throughout my entire photography career: believing in myself.

It took me 12 years to truly believe in what I was building. One day, I finally asked myself, “Why am I putting all of my energy into someone else’s dream instead of my own?” That question changed everything.

I still have moments—sometimes entire days—where I wonder if I should give up. Running a business is hard. It’s scary. There are so many unknowns, and the pressure can feel overwhelming. But giving up on something I’ve poured my whole heart into just isn’t an option.

I absolutely love what I do. And I have two little boys who are watching me every single day. I want them to see what it looks like to chase a dream, work hard, and believe in yourself—even when it’s difficult. I have to believe in myself the same way I believe in them.

My clients become like family. When I see my little ones again, they excitedly show me the tooth they just lost. By the end of our session, they’re holding my hand. Or that little boy who wouldn’t smile at the beginning finally looks at my camera and says, “Cheese!” Those are the moments I hold onto when the intrusive thoughts get too loud.

So if you’re chasing a dream and wondering if you’re good enough, keep going. Keep showing up. Keep believing in yourself, even on the days it’s hard.

You are capable of achieving more than you could ever imagine.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets Sweet Potato Photography apart—besides the unique name—is that I don’t limit myself to one type of photography. I capture every stage of life because I truly love every milestone it brings. From the anticipation of maternity, to the tiny newborn details, growing families, seniors, couples, and weddings—I want to be there through it all.

That’s where my tagline comes from: From First to Forevers – Capturing Every Little Memory.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Honestly, the biggest obstacle wasn’t learning photography—it was believing in myself.

For 10 years, I worked at a job I hated. My creativity was hidden away while I sat at a computer for eight hours a day, and my boys were in daycare. I knew I wanted something different, but fear and self-doubt kept me from taking the leap. It wasn’t until I was laid off that I finally looked at myself and said, “I’ve got this.”

That moment changed everything.

Now, I get to do what I love while being there for my kids after school, during school breaks, and for all of the little moments I used to miss. It has become everything I hoped it would be—and so much more.

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone chasing a dream, it would be this: Just keep going. There will be tears. There will be moments when you question everything. But don’t quit before you see what’s waiting on the other side.

I’ve learned that your business doesn’t have to be perfect before you begin. You don’t need the perfect website, fancy business cards, or the most expensive camera gear. Just start. Build as you go. Even today, I still have a long list of ideas and goals for Sweet Potato Photography, and I check them off one at a time.

The most important investment you’ll ever make is believing in yourself. You are your biggest marketing tool. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, share your story, and let people get to know the person behind the camera.
At the heart of Sweet Potato Photography is connection.

I want my images to tell a story—not just show a pose. I want genuine laughter, little hands reaching for Mom, kids playing Red Light, Green Light, couples dancing barefoot in the ocean, and families splashing in the waves. Those authentic moments become the memories you’ll cherish years from now.

Life moves incredibly fast, but photographs let us hold onto the moments that matter most.
And that’s exactly why I do what I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The best thing about San Diego is the incredible variety of landscapes we have right in our backyard. I’m not a huge foodie—I much prefer being out in nature, which is probably the photographer in me.

If a friend came to visit, I’d take them to all of my favorite hidden gems and photography locations. We’d head up to the Laguna Mountains to take in the beautiful pine trees and sweeping mountain views, then make our way down to the desert for a little off-roading and camping under the stars. We’d end the trip at the beach, walking along the shoreline, hunting for seashells, and watching the sunset over the ocean.

We truly live in one of the most beautiful places, and there’s always something new to explore. One of my favorite parts of being a photographer is that my “office” is constantly changing. Every session takes me somewhere different, and I never get tired of discovering all the beauty San Diego has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely haven’t built this business alone.

I have an incredible backbone of people who have supported me throughout my journey as a photographer.
My sisters have been there through every stage. They answer the endless texts, phone calls, and in-person conversations whenever I start doubting myself. They’re my sounding board, my biggest cheerleaders, and the people whose opinions I trust the most. We’ve spent countless hours bouncing around ideas, dreaming big, and reminding each other what we’re capable of.

A huge thank you also goes to the therapists who have helped me work through trauma and years of self-doubt. They taught me something that changed my life: I matter. They helped me realize that if I’m unhappy, I have the power to change it—even if it’s scary—because what’s waiting on the other side might be better than I ever imagined.

And then there are my clients.

You have become such a big part of my support system. Every text, every email, every kind review, every referral, and every time you invite me back to capture another milestone reminds me why I do this. Watching your families grow and being trusted to document your lives is one of the greatest compliments I could ever receive.
So to everyone who has believed in me, encouraged me, booked a session, shared my name, or simply reminded me to keep going… thank you.

Sweet Potato Photography exists because of all of you.

Website: https://www.sweetpotatophotography.net

Instagram: sweetpotatophotography

Facebook: sweetpotatophoto

Image Credits
Sweet Potato Photography