Being a photographer began as my part-time passion project. I've spent the last ten years focused on being a wife, a mom, a biblical counselor and a birth doula. But recently a switch flipped in my mind: why would you pursue a PASSION with only part of your heart? So I jumped in with both feet, and Gift of Grace Photography officially began!
I'm so excited to finally be pursuing this dream of mine - capturing life's most precious moments with an aim to serve mothers well while doing it. You see, I thrive as a helper. Want help organizing your closet? Hit me up. Need recipes for postpartum meal prep? I'll bring you some gumbo! Need someone to pray for you? I'm your girl.
I simply can't wait to serve more beautiful families here in Covington, Louisiana and across St. Tammany Parish & South Louisiana! The southern backdrops (and humidity!) are endless and unique. Let's make something beautiful together!
I strive to create the kinds of images that will remind you of the simple moments in motherhood that slip through your fingers. I'm drawn to all things soft, feminine, and beautiful! It's time to get your memories out of your phone and into your home, girl! Providing you with elegant artwork made from your precious memories is an honor to me!
photographer & Christian birth doula
from Covington, Louisiana
I'm Laura Retzloff
IT’S so NICE TO MEET YOU
- Elizabeth B.
"oh my gosh. the photos are amazing! we love you!”
by the numbers
Honestly my journey to becoming a mom wasn't easy, and certainly didn't feel beautiful. Yet, it's still my greatest earthly gift and I love supporting other moms in all stages! ...But if you want to process your birth trauma...call me.
nine
Years of being Mom
9
I've been shooting photos since I was 17! If we were to put this in Hogwarts terms, I'm in Canon house and will be til I die! It's kind of like how *all* my husband's tools are yellow - I'll never pick up a Nikon, ok???
eighteen
Years of Experience
18
I trained through DONA International and became a Certified Birth Doula in 2014! I'm so passionate about helping moms to work with their bodies, minds, and emotions through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I think it's all beautiful!
eLeven
Years as a Birth Doula
11
I've had the joy of witnessing the births of 62 babies over the last decade! It's an amazing honor and I love seeing my "doula babies" grow up (and getting to photograph them)!
sixty-two
Births Attended
62
If you've been doing the math, yes - that's my whole life. LOL. I honestly came out of the womb taking the whole "sugar and spice" thing seriously. I long to be a girl mom - I'm still praying about it!
thirty-five
Years as a Girly Girl
35
I first learned how to shoot in manual mode way back in high school yearbook class. There was something about freezing moments in time - preserving memories - that got me excited. I also got my first few passport stamps in high school, and fell in love with world travel!
Years later, I traveled around the world again for mission work in Thailand. While there, I witnessed a natural birth for the first time. My life was never the same! I realized how transformative the experience of bringing life into the world truly was. By 2014 I had become a Certified Birth Doula, and since then I've been a steady member of the "birth world." Now I work part-time as a counselor for a crisis pregnancy center!
Merging my creative outlet with my passion for loving on women through their motherhood journeys is honestly my dream come true!
it started on a mission trip...
my "why"
the heart behind what I do
