The Christian faith is central to the academic courses and programs at Missouri Baptist University; likewise, these three MBU students, with unique styles and experiences, are guided by their faith as they create stunning photographic moments.
Lauryn Pyatt is a senior communications major from Eureka, Missouri, who is graduating from MBU in May 2026.
Pyatt spends her time pursuing various passions including writing, researching, running and the art of photography.
Lauryn Lens is her photography side hustle, through which she captures beautiful scenes in a way that makes others feel seen and loved.
Her photography journey began during the summer of 2024, when she worked for a summer camp taking photos.
What started as a seemingly small position for Pyatt grew into something much greater than she ever expected.
“I originally started my side hustle, Lauryn Lens, because I really enjoyed the photography aspect at a summer camp photography job that I took that summer… I didn’t expect it to be such a big part of my life, but it definitely has shaped into that with me having bookings and meeting new people,” said Pyatt.
Photography is now a creative outlet Pyatt uses to pour into other people.
“My passion in life really is just people,” said Pyatt. “I love meeting new faces and being able to connect with people. I think trying to encourage people around me is why the Lord has put me on this earth, or at least partially.”
While Pyatt loves the artistic side of photography, she finds interacting with people even more valuable, allowing her to share not only her love but also the perfect love of God.
“I really do photography just because it opens up opportunities to meet new people and to love them, in whatever way I can, and that’s the root of it,” said Pyatt. “I just want people to feel loved, and be loved, and to know that they are loved by the unconditional, miraculous, all-consuming love of God.”
Pyatt’s Instagram page is named @laurynlens, and people can view her work and book appointments through her website.
Another MBU student with her own photography business is Delaney Patterson, a junior majoring in elementary education.
Patterson does photography and creative work for MBU spiritual life and student life, and she has a photography business, Delaney Patterson Photos.
Delaney views photography as “a form of worship.”
“I got to take pictures of a youth camp over the summer, and it was so amazing to see these little kids just grow in their faith and be able to capture what God is doing at that camp,” said Delaney. “And then doing it here starting this year … I get to capture just how God is moving on this campus, and it’s beautiful to see it.”
Patterson’s fondness for creative work and capturing beauty began at a young age.
“I’ve always loved being on the creative side of things, even from when I was little. I literally remember having an iPhone 6 when I was in 5th grade and taking pictures of leaves outside,” said Patterson.
Patterson became more interested in photography during high school, thanks to a friend with a similar interest.
“I started really getting into it my junior year of high school actually. My friend was really interested in doing videography for our football team, and I kind of jumped in with her and was like, ‘well, I’ll bring my camera too.’”
What started with sports photography expanded into other kinds of photography during her college years.
“My brother’s girlfriend was a senior in high school at the time I was a sophomore here [at MBU], and so she was like ‘I need some of your pictures.’ … I
started doing senior pictures with her, and then her friends saw them, and I started doing them for her friends too,” said Patterson. “And it kind of just blossomed from there.”
Patterson puts her clients first and involves them in the planning aspect of sessions.
“I usually like the clients to make a little Pinterest board and have them kind of be in control of it, because I don’t do it for myself; I do it for them,” said Patterson. “I want to do what they envision in their own minds. … I love the little details and finding the aesthetic that they want and really capturing that.”
While Patterson has a versatile portfolio, she has a soft spot for capturing beauty and love amongst couples.
Anyone interested in a photography session with Patterson can visit her website or DM her on her photography Instagram page: @delaneypattersonphotos.
Nicholas Kelly, from Imperial, Missouri, is another photographer within the MBU community who blends talent and artistry to create impressive photo galleries.
Kelly graduated from MBU with his bachelor’s in broadcast media in May 2025 and is now pursuing his master’s in business administration through the university with an expected graduation in May 2027.
In his free time, Kelly enjoys “photography, spending time outdoors, listening to and producing music, and hanging out with friends and family.”
While photography began as a personal hobby for Kelly, he eventually transformed this passion into a business to capture others’ moments, big and small.
“I started taking photos about three years ago just for fun. I loved capturing moments and telling stories through different pictures. Over time, I decided to turn my hobby into a small business, helping others keep their memories through photos,” said Kelly in an email interview.
Kelly aims to make photography sessions professional and enjoyable experiences.
“I focus on composition and emotion so that each photo shows the true personality of the people I photograph. I want every client to feel comfortable and enjoy the process,” said Kelly.
Authenticity and personality shine through in Kelly’s business, and thought and care are evident in each photo.
“My favorite part of photography is capturing that real emotion and moments that tell a story. I’m especially good at portraits, sports and landscapes. I love making each photo feel personal,” said Kelly.
Kelly lives out his faith in his photography business by treating others well and having a strong work ethic.
“My faith in Jesus inspires me to be kind, patient and honest in my work,” said Kelly. “I see photography as a way to share creativity and bring joy to others.”
Kelly desires to make each photography session a pleasant experience for clients.
“I love meeting new people and making every session fun and relaxed,” said Kelly. “For me, photography is about capturing memories that last a lifetime. It is my goal to help my subjects feel good about themselves and their pictures. I want to ensure that what I create at a shoot is something that my subjects can look back at and smile.”
The best way to reach Kelly is through email, social media or his website.
Email : [email protected]
Instagram: @nicholaskellyphoto
Facebook Page: nicholaskellyphoto
Website: nicholaskellyphoto.mypixieset.com
