“If a day goes by without my doing something related to photography, it’s as though I’ve neglected something essential to my existence, as though I had forgotten to wake up.”
– Richard Avedon
It’s important to tell a story with your work whether it’s your story or someone elses’. If your photo doesn’t say something then what’s the point?
I was born with so much to say and the only way I know how to really get it out is through photography. It’s a part of my everyday life and how I choose to communicate with the world. Mostly, what I have said through my collection of work is fantasy based but a story is a story whether it be fiction or not. I especially enjoy retelling a well know tale through my perspective. My series entitled Naive does just that. It is basically a retelling of classic fairytales by the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Anderson. It was completely cathartic and overwhelming to recreate those scenes.
Photography has given me more than an an opportunity to be creative but it has also given me chance to stop time. There have been some many wonderful moments in my life and I’m so afraid that if I don’t capture it with my camera I will forget it all. It really is one of the world’s greatest technologies. One thing you will hear me say often is “oh I wish I had brought my camera!” One day I will learn better because I know how satisfying it is to be able to look back through time and see some many wonderful events.
Although, I’m based in Nashville, Tn, I love how my inspiration has come from all over the world. Especially from other artists. I think my best work comes from collaborating with other creatives because they not only inspire me but challenge me to do better.
Some of my favorite professional photographers are: Annie Leibovitz, Tim Walker, Norman Jean Roy, & Richard Avedon. However, sometimes it’s the new photographers, the ones who are exploring the medium, that challenge me even more because they bring such fresh and innovative style to this creative realm plus I can see how hard they are working to get that one perfect shot.
As a photographer in an over saturated industry I am still trying to find my niche. I think that’s the fun part of this business. Hopefully, I will never put myself in a box by saying,”well I only shoot this type of photography”. However, I’m excited about the challenges and success I will meet along the way while discovering what type of photography I enjoy the most. The main thing to remember is never stop shooting. Even if it seems like a completely mundane perspective. You never know who you will connect with, inspire or how you will grow as person/artist because of that photo.
Lastly, I recently decided that since I have been given the gift of creativity that I should be using it for something more than a business or creative outlet. That is what is so great about art. The fact that it can be a way to give back, promote awareness or an avenue to share your beliefs. I challenge all other photographers and artists to do just that.
Links:
Website: www.laurenathalia.com
Facebook: Lauren Athalia on Facebook
Flickr: www.flickr.com/laurenathalia
Leave a Reply