About Laura

Welcome Aboard!

Hello! I'm Laura Hatcher, a nationally published photographer based in Northern Virginia. I'm passionate about capturing compelling stories through event, headshot, and branding photography. My path to becoming a full-time photographer is a bit unique – it all began as a hobby during my active duty service in the United States Navy.

After I retired in 2018, I quickly discovered that working for others after being institutionalized my entire adult life, is highly overrated. So I traded my uniform for a camera and opened a charming photography studio in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. I'm embracing my second career, not just as a photographer, but also as an instructor, mentor, and entrepreneur.

I've had the pleasure of working with a diverse range of clients, from the Military Officers Association of America to the City of Alexandria and the Navy League of the United States. You might also find me teaching photography and business workshops privately or with other organizations; I'm all about paying it forward.

Beyond my client work, I'm deeply committed to supporting my Veteran community. I provide specialized headshot and military ceremony photography to military transition Veterans.

Awards:

2025 Department of Veteran Affairs Center for Women Veterans Trailblazer Award

2021 Virginia Department of Veteran Services, Women's Veteran Program Office Trailblazer Award

2021 Small Business Development Center Veteran of the Year Award - Alexandria

2021 Small Business Development Center Veteran of the Year Award - State of Virginia (runner-up)

Certifications:

SWaM, SDVOSB, VOSB, WOSB, Part 107 Remote Pilot

Captain (Retired) Laura Hatcher's final salute in the Navy March 2018

Self portrait of Laura Hatcher on a Harley Davidson

Composite of Laura Hatcher posing for Captain Laura Hatcher describing how you can work for yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your working hours?: The first few months I was open I used to sit in my studio waiting....and waiting...but the reality is no one walks into a headshot studio and says "do you have time for a walk-in?" My studio hours are by appointment, on Tuesdays - Saturdays, 9am - 5pm.
As an event photographer, do you do weddings?: I prefer to specialize in military retirement ceremonies, they are like weddings but there is no drama and more tears! If you need a wedding photographer, ask me, I know a few great ones I can refer you to.
What kind of payment do you accept?: Cash, check, credit card, bill pay, and bank to bank transfers.
Do you travel?: Yes, I travel, if expenses are covered by the client.

My headshot studio can be set up in any location.
How do I prepare for a headshot session?: When you schedule your session I will send you a detailed article on how to prepare and what to wear to your headshot appointment.
Do you photograph families or maternity?: I offer high school and college Senior Portraiture, but I am not a family portrait or maternity photographer, however, I can refer you to someone who is.
How far out do you typically book?: The early bird gets the worm! My studio calendar is on a rolling three month schedule, in other words appointments go three months out from the day you are looking at my availability. As my brand gets stronger I am filling up about 2 months out.

About Laura

Welcome Aboard!

Frequently Asked Questions

Current/Past Partners & Clients

Headshots

Events

Branding

Senior Portraits

One

Two

Three