For Laura Hatcher, a Navy veteran with 31 years spent in uniform and now a celebrated Alexandria-based photographer, her life has always been about reinvention. Raised by a Puerto Rican stepfather who served in the Navy and a British mother, Hatcher’s early years as a “military brat” took her across the globe, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the stories that shaped her journey and her passion for capturing life’s most meaningful moments.
The spark for her photography journey was lit in 2015 when she took a basic photography class at Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory through The Art League while still on active duty. “I showed up with a point-and-shoot camera and no idea what I was doing,” Hatcher laughed. But what began as a creative outlet turned into a new career after retirement in 2018.
Hatcher’s new studio in Old Town Alexandria is a space where personal stories come to life through her lens. Specializing in headshots, corporate branding, events, and heirloom military retirement photography, she’s known for her ability to make clients feel at ease. “Walking into a session can make one feel vulnerable,” she explains. “My goal is to create an environment of trust so that clients leave feeling confident and seen.”
Her work extends beyond business clients. In fall 2022, Hatcher was commissioned by the Virginia War Memorial Foundation to photograph 50 Virginia Vietnam veterans. The exhibit, “50 Years Beyond: The Vietnam Veteran Experience,” featured portraits and video recollections, serving as a powerful tribute to their service and ran for 15 months. “Capturing their stories and preserving their legacies was the highlight–just knowing that I made a difference in 50 people’s lives,” said Hatcher. “I’ve contributed to history. I’ve left my mark.”
Hatcher’s connection to Alexandria runs deep. She collaborates with local businesses like Visit Alexandria and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership to support and engage with the community, always seeking ways to contribute to its growth. “This city feels like home,” she says. “The authenticity and camaraderie here are unmatched.” Hatcher believes in the power of mentorship and is committed to paying it forward by inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Recently, she had the pleasure of hosting a group of talented students from Alexandria City High School’s entrepreneurship class, where she introduced them to the world of professional studio photography and shared her journey from veteran to small business owner.
Laura Hatcher Photography is appointment-based, focusing on creating meaningful experiences for each client. For Hatcher, photography is more than capturing moments—it’s about celebrating journeys. As she often tells her clients, “Don’t wait to document your story. These memories are your legacy.”
Thinking about starting your own business? Schedule a one-on-one counseling session with our AEDP Small Business team, where you’ll receive personalized guidance, resources, and expert advice to turn your business idea into a reality.
Photos courtesy of Laura Hatcher