About our Passion
Beyond Ordinary Life Photography is a Wall Portrait Photography Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We often say "Your life isn't ordinary, why should your memories be any different?" We want to capture what makes your life special, unique and truly yours! Our images are created to be focal points in your home showcasing the life you love to live! By working with our clients we provide an experience that is personal to each client. We combine your love and our equipment and expertise to craft memories that are truly one of a kind. We work only with the best labs in the Nation to provide you with high quality art to pass the test of time.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
I AM LAURIE. I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER IN TULSA OK, SELF-PROCLAIMED OKIE, CAR JUNKIE, ULTRA MARATHON/MARATHON RUNNER, ACTIVIST, AND FUR BABY MOM.
I grew up in a small Oklahoma town before moving to Broken Arrow. I went to Oklahoma State, where I realized a 4 year school just wasn’t for me and that my passion lie in Photography. I attended OSU-Okmulgee where I studied photography. After moving to the East Coast for 6 years I came back. One thing never changed while I was away; I was still an Okie girl at heart. Okies are a hearty and fierce bunch. Adaptable to whatever Mother Nature can throw at them. In that way I never left Indian Territory… I still roll with the punches. Once I came back I knew I was home.
I am unique in the fact that I was lucky enough to be the first grandchild in two families of mechanics. While all things girly were encouraged I also had my own sets of tools, learned to turn a wrench and still prefer to do most of the work on my vehicles myself.
The fact that my family encouraged both the arts and practical mechanics I believe makes me a better photographer. I have explained photography more than once by compairing it with rebuilding an engine!
At the age of 30 (!) I woke up one day and decided to become a runner. Just a 5K was the plan. After a few 5Ks I thought maybe a 15K wouldn’t be so bad. Just a few weeks after the 15K was a half-marathon; after all, what’s a few more miles? After a few half marathons I took up trail running and jumped up to a 25K. In 2 years time I went from being the kid who did not participate in PE to a Marathon Runner. I didn’t stop there, and 11 months after my first marathon I ran a 50K. What can I say? Running gets inside you and doesn’t let you go!
If you can’t find me behind a camera or out on a running trail and the weather is good, I am probably outside on some sort of adventure. I might be sightseeing with the top down on my convertible, lazing in a pool or kayaking one of the many bodies of water located here in Green Country. I have a hard time sitting still.
I am an active member of Professional Photographers of Oklahoma serving on the board of directors,and the Professional Photographers of America (member #8252876). I am also the 2016 Past President of Indian Nations Professional Photographers Association – the Tulsa affiliate guild of PPA and PPOK. I have a firm belief that you never stop learning and that everyone has something to teach you. As a result I am continually furthering my education in both photography and owning a business.
Beyond Ordinary Life Photography
- This is America.I can’t tell you how many times I have heard Maya Angelou’s quote reverberating in my head. “When People Show You Who They Are, Believe Them” This last week we heard a lot of politicians saying “this isn’t America.” Here’s the thing by saying ‘this isn’t America,’ we are divorcing ourselves from the responsibility of...Read […]
- Saying Goodbye to Tulsa’s Pedestrian BridgeA few weeks ago I had a chance to help make some memories at a favorite place in Tulsa: the Pedestrian Bridge. It’s no secret that this place has held my attention for some time. In fact, it was my first image to place first in a State Competition and progress on to the international...Read […]
- Holiday Photos are an Oklahoma stapleWhen is it time to book holiday photos? Tulsa Photographer Laurie Biby helps to explain why you need to get this done before you start to deck the halls!
- The Funeral SlideshowAs a photographer, some tasks are always going to fall to you in your family. For me that given is the funeral slideshow. How I found myself creating the slide shows It started as a means to save money on funeral costs years ago but has morphed into a labor of love. Largely because I...Read […]
- My PersonThe history. 28 years ago I met my person. 27 years ago today I started 5th Grade. My best friend’s family invited my mother and I over to celebrate. Coincidentally, this was not the only reason. It happened to be my best friend’s birthday. As the 7 of us sat around a dining table in...Read […]
- Professional Photographer or a Person with a good camera.People tell me quite regularly that my photos are great and I must have a really good camera. While yes, I do have a really good camera and even better lenses, that is not what sets the person with a good camera apart from the true professional. growing as a professional I have spent years...Read […]
- Senior Portrait Clothing TipsOne of the best parts about senior portraits is deciding what to wear! How do you want to be remembered? What do you want the photos to say about you? Big questions right? We are here to help you make these choices easier! 1. Show off your personality! Most importantly show off your style. If...Read […]
- Big or Small – Things you must do for a wedding.Big wedding or small microwedding there are some things you must do. Plan This should go without saying but you will still need to plan the occasion. Leave little to chance – plan a venue, make a guest list. Decide how long you want the ceremony to last. Decide on a cake, music and all...Read […]
- 1 in 10Today I am going to tell you what it is like to be 1 in 10. I have endometriosis, which is a leading cause of infertility. It took me close to 20 years to be properly diagnosed. Sharing my story. I have started to type this post more times than I care to count. There...Read […]
- Giving back to the city I love; TulsaWhy give back? I am a firm believer that you get out of life what you put into it. That if you want to improve the world around you that you must be the change you wish to see in the world. I am fiercely passionate about Tulsa and Oklahoma and our way of life....Read […]