Contact and Social

Email: laynabugphotography@gmail.com

Cell: 662-207-3319

INSTA: @LaynaBugPHOTOGRAPHY

Facebook: LaynaBug Photography

Starkville, MS and surrounding areas


Say hello.

Let's work together.


Please don't hesitate to send me a message if you have any questions. I'm delighted to hear from you!

Alayna Stevens

Hello!

Greetings! I'm Alayna Stevens, based in Starkville, MS, and proud to be mom of a little boy. Graduating from Mississippi State University in May 2020, I currently serve as a civilian administrator for Air Force ROTC. Photography is not just a hobby for me; it's a passion that enables me to connect with incredible individuals from diverse backgrounds.
As the owner of LaynaBug Photography for 8+ years, I find joy in pushing myself creatively and exploring unique avenues.

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Alayna Stevens - Owner - LaynaBug Photography


Welcome to LaynaBug Photography, where each click is a journey into a world of memories, artistry, and storytelling. I'm Alayna, the heart and soul behind the camera. My love affair with photography began in high school with a yearbook camera in hand, a passion that flourished through my college years as a photographer for the student newspaper at Mississippi State University. With a diverse educational background in Communication, Psychology, and Kinesiology, complemented by specialized training in photography, marketing, and photo editing, I bring a unique perspective to every shot.


Specializing in portraits, family photos, events, and sports photography, my work is more than just capturing images; it's about freezing those fleeting moments that make you smile now and years later. My journey has been rich and varied, from being a Shutterfest attendee and a BOUDiy Uncensored member to capturing the excitement of Mississippi State's women's basketball team at the NCAA Final Four. My accolades include the SAAC AIPP Annual Winter Showcase Exhibit and being named Photographer of the Year at The Reflector, among others. My work has been featured in numerous publications, including Shutter Up Magazine, Starkville Daily, Town and Gown Magazine, The Photograp(her) Magazine, and my very own Visual Vibrance Magazine.


Photography for me is not just a profession, it's a way of life. It's about creating art, capturing memories, and enjoying the independence of shaping my world through the lens. When you look at the photographs I've taken, I want you to be transported back to that moment, feel the emotions, and relive the memories. As a mother to a spirited 5-year-old and a seasoned photographer, I blend life's lessons with professional expertise to capture your special moments. My goal is for you to see my work, connect with it on a personal level, and trust in my capability to capture your cherished memories.


EDUCATION:

I completed my degree at Mississippi State University in May 2020. During my time there, I had the privilege of serving as a student photographer, which included the exciting experience of covering the MSU women's basketball team at the NCAA Final Four for two consecutive years. Additionally, I worked as a photographer and staff member for The Reflector, MSU's student newspaper, where I honed my skills in sports, breaking news, and lifestyle photography. My college portfolio includes capturing moments from various sports and events such as Baseball, Cowbell Yell, Tennis, Softball, and Super Bulldog Weekend. Beyond sports, I documented diverse activities like the creation of Starkville's first mural, the Cotton District Festival Pet Parade, Dog Jog, Rent-a-pup hosted by the Oktibbeha County Humane Society, as well as Miss Mississippi State and breaking news events. Notably, I contributed feature spreads to Town and Gown Magazine throughout 2019 and 2020. In 2021, I had the opportunity to intern as a photographer with Starkville Daily, further expanding my experience.


EXPERIENCE:

  • Shutterfest Attendee, 2022
  • BOUDiy Uncensored Member, 2021, 2022, 2023
  • Starkville Daily, 2021
  • The Reflector, 2015-2019


ACCOLADES:

  • SAAC AIPP Natural Mississippi Exhibit - “A Peek Through” and “The Calm After”, 2023
  • SAAC AIPP Annual Winter Showcase Exhibit - "Where Memories Are Made", 2023
  • Cotton District Arts Festival Juried Arts Competition, 2022
  • Photographer of the Year, The Reflector at Mississippi State, 2018
  • Mississippi Press Association, Best General News Photo, 2018


PUBLICATIONS:

  • Shutter Up Magazine, Issue 316
  • ​The Reflector, Mississippi State University's Student Newspaper 2018-2020, (https://issuu.com/alaynastevens1/stacks/11b816623eb54fcaa29cbaa458b4b71b)
  • Town and Gown: 2019 - July, August, September, October, November, 2020- January
  • The Photograp(her) Magazine
  • Best of Landscapes 2022
  • Best of 2022: Animals
  • Beauty Vol. 2
  • Women Empowerment Vol. 1
  • Family June 2023
  • Open Vol. 2
  • Couples
  • Framed Photographer Magazine, Issue 108, 111, 148
  • Dragonfly Photography Magazine, Issue 45, 46
  • Colorshot Magazine, Issue 248
  • Founder for Visual Vibrance Magazine, 2023


FAQ

How do I book a session?

Booking a session with me is simple - Find the "BOOK NOW" page at the top, and fill out the form. You can also email me directly at laynabugphotography@gmail.com

We will discuss your vision and set a date.

Where are you based?

I am located in Starkville, MS but I am able to cover any surrounding areas (GTR). I also am available for travel depending on the circumstances.

What is your turnaround time?

For any type of portrait session, I ask for up to 2 weeks. I am known for a quick turnaround time, so I like to get your photos back to you ASAP. Need your photos done in a specific amount of time? No problem. I offer a "rush fee" so you can get your photos right away. Print delivery is based upon lab.

48 Hr Rush Fee: $100

What type of sessions do you offer?

There is not a single thing that I don't photograph. I do families, events, sports, weddings, portrait sessions, and lifestyle work. If you can think of it, I most likely take photos of it. I love growing with my clients and exploring new opportunities to create lasting memories.

How much do you charge?

Most of my pricing can be found under the "Investment" page. I am happy to discuss anything in addition to what is found there.

I've never had my photo taken - What do I do with my hands?!

Believe me, even I feel awkward in front of a camera sometimes! My guess is that you do not have professional modeling experience on your resume, and you certainly don’t need to in order to have great photos taken. I don’t like to use the word “posing” because often what comes to mind is those third-grade photos with your palms framing your face as you grin up at the camera. However, I will help guide you to some natural positions that will look great in your photos. I encourage you to interact with your partner or family members as much as possible. I tell great (or cheesy, depending on who you ask) jokes to capture your best and natural smile. I encourage movement, dancing, hugs, and twirling. My goal is for you to have fun, be interactive with your loved ones, and capture awesome photos.

You're the photographer for us! How do we reserve our session date?

Great! The next step is to fill out the "BOOK NOW" page or EMAIL ME to talk. Once we iron out all the details, I will send you a contract to sign and instructions on how to pay the retainer. I cannot hold any date without both the retainer and contract completed. I can't wait to work with you!