What we're All About
I have a feeling you’ve landed here because you want more than just pretty photos – you’re craving images that capture the real stuff. The joy, the tears, the laughter, and every breathtaking moment in between.
And let me guess… you’re not dreaming of a gallery full of stiff, awkward poses, right? Same here. My team and I are all about documenting your day as it feels – natural, emotional, and 100% you.
Here’s the deal – my team and I are here to capture your vibe, the real moments that feel like you. The kind of photos you’ll treasure forever and, might just break the internet when you share them.
It’s all about capturing your day exactly as it felt – from that perfect outfit you rocked to the morning-after buzz when those sneak peeks hit your inbox. It’s about sharing those memories with your people and, years down the road, showing your mini-you’s just how wildly in love (and seriously cool) their parents were 'back in the day.' My team and I are here to freeze those moments so you can relive them – over and over.
The Story Behind Showboat Media Co.
Someday, Lauren will spill all the details in a blog post about the epic backstory behind the name "Showboat." But for now, here’s the short version: if you’ve been around the Midwest livestock show scene, chances are you’ve heard a story or two about "Boat." That nickname stuck with Lauren’s dad back when he was on the road, chasing banners and working cattle shows nearly 300 days a year. His real name? Well, that’s a story for another day – but his legacy is what built the foundation for everything Showboat Media Co. stands for today.
When Lauren graduated high school and headed to college, she realized her future wouldn’t be solely about stepping into the family ranching business. That legacy – Showboat Cattle Company – is something her brother will carry forward. But Lauren? She was ready to build something of her own, while still honoring the roots her dad worked so hard to establish.
Fast forward to 2020 – she picked up a camera, and honestly, she’s never looked back.
Meet the Showboat Media Team
Time to meet the Founder
Lauren is a photographer based in Manhattan, Kansas, with roots running deep in agriculture and a passion for capturing life’s real, unscripted moments. She grew up on her family’s cow-calf operation, where her dad—better known as “Showboat” in the cattle show world—built a legacy that inspired the name behind her business.
While her brother carries on the ranching tradition, Lauren grabbed a camera and started carving her own path. Whether she’s documenting weddings, families, or life on the ranch, her goal is simple: to create photos that feel like you and moments you’ll want to hold onto forever.
When she’s not behind the camera, she’s likely hanging out with her husband Wathan, chasing their dogs Mia and Obi, or helping her dad sort cattle (camera probably still in hand).
& the Personality Hire ;)
Alli is the creative force keeping things running smoothly at Showboat Media Co.—managing social media, podcast blogs, and the email subscription list—while jumping in to help with anything Lauren needs, from marketing projects to behind-the-camera support (and always keeping the vibe fun). Growing up rodeoing and running cattle, her roots are deep in agriculture, but she’s found her sweet spot working in the industry in a more non-traditional, creative way.
A member of the Kansas State University rodeo team, Alli balances college life with her work at Showboat, treating the business like it’s her own. She’s organized yet flexible, always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed—whether that’s behind a computer or behind the camera.
When she’s not working or riding, you’ll find Alli reading a good book, hanging with her boyfriend Clay, or spoiling their dog Tillie. She started as an intern in 2024, but it didn’t take long for her to prove she was meant to stick around—and now, she’s an irreplaceable part of the Showboat team.
Why Photography?
At Showboat Media Co., photography is more than just snapping pictures—it’s about capturing the stories woven into those split-second moments. With every click of the shutter, Lauren and her team frame emotions, passions, and connections, turning ordinary scenes into lifelong memories. Whether it’s the buzz of a wedding day or the quiet in-between moments that mean the most, each image holds a story that will matter for years to come.
We believe the magic of photography lies in its power to freeze time—to bottle up the heartbeat of a moment and turn it into something you can hold onto forever. That’s what drives their passion every day—being invited into life’s most beautiful, intimate moments and preserving those slices of joy, love, and celebration.
Fun Facts About Our Team
We LOVE books! We listen to audiobooks while we work & are always reading if we're not working.
We will pick Lululemon leggings over jeans ANY day.
We live for our mid work-day Scooter's runs.
Lauren loves to make sourdough bread- Alli loves to eat it.
snapshots of our lives!
