Join us here on ALC for Women With Cameras on Wednesdays, where Dorie Hagler will be highlighting the thoughts and experiences of a professional female photographer or filmmaker. Her goal is to share great work by great professionals who are not yet in the limelight. This week, she spoke with street photographer Laura Husar Garcia, on her recent work.
Laura Husar Garcia was born into a family of storytellers. At age 7, she brought her camera on adventures alongside her father, who was a writer. On Sunday mornings she spun the family globe and wherever her finger landed, that was the Chicago ethnic neighborhood they explored for the day.
Her father wrote stories about the people they met, and Laura took pictures with her Kodak Instamatic, telling stories with her camera. Her passion for visual storytelling led to a career as a photographer.
Now, she’s sitting down with us to talk about her method and art.
Q: If you could only bring three pieces of equipment with you on a photo shoot, what would you bring?
A: My tall boots are the first thing that come to mind, as I’m often walking in the river or creek near my home. The second and third choices would of course be a camera and a lens, but it depends on my current project. I make photographs using several different methods, from large format with a 4×5 to plastic toy cameras (Holga, Brownie, etc.). I also shoot digital and am diving into video, which has been incredibly fun.
Q: As photographers, we all get that “got it” feeling when we get the shot we are after. What needs to be present in an image for you to get that feeling or know you nailed it?
A: That’s one of the best feelings, isn’t it? Such a zen kind of moment, so clear and satisfying. It’s an instinctive sense that I just feel in my gut or core. Then again, when shooting large format or toy cameras, it’s always a guessing game, until the film is processed, which is also part of the wonder of photography.
Q: How do you balance your personal work with your client work? What percentage of your work is what you are passionate about and what percentage is produced to pay your bills?
A: The two are very separate, yet connected, in the sense that I’m passionate about both. So there’s an ebb and flow to the amount of time I put into my fine art work. When there’s an exhibition coming up, I spend more time and money there to prepare. I’m also a creative director, which pays most of my bills. Much of my focus is, of course, there. As a former photojournalist, I’m very good at visual storytelling, and feel grateful to have a career that enables me to continue to do that in my media production business.
Q: If you didn’t have to worry about earning a living, what type of work would you do?
A: When I was in 8th grade we took a test that suggested what types of careers we should choose. My answers were artist, forest ranger, and ambassador. I love all three of those careers, and could embrace any of them. I’m passionate about conservation and love being in the woods near a stream. I’ve also lived in several different countries and was able to embrace their cultures smoothly and respectfully, have a big heart for immigration, etc. The most clear answer, however, is that I’ve always wanted to run a foundation, an incredibly meaningful one that would help people, our planet, and do a great amount of good. I’d also be a painter. It’s still inside of me and will come out very soon, as I’m currently building a new studio.
Q: I often feel that I keep making photographs because I don’t know how not to. Why do you keep making photographs?
A: My work is an expression of who I truly am and whatever story I’m yearning to express. When I’m not creating, I’m less content, as my photography is an extension of myself. So for me, there really isn’t an option. It’s like needing to breathe. I have always been a keen observer, from early childhood. My father was a writer and often took me with him on interviews and adventures. He taught me to see and embrace the world in a visual way, as we discussed what we were seeing and I made photographs alongside him. They were formative years that helped shape who I am.
Q: There are many obstacles and gatekeepers that present challenges to getting my work seen. But I know my worst gatekeeper has been me – I had to learn how to get out of my own way. What has been your greatest obstacle and how did you overcome it?
A: When I was in the throes of early motherhood, I used to say that I felt like I was pregnant, but unable to give birth. To not have the time or energy to create when I had beautiful, tiny babies at home was a temporary challenge I happily accepted, but still, that was a beautifully hard chapter.
I learned much about myself back then, especially my need to continue creating. I actually put my cameras on a shelf for a couple of years and embraced where I was, rooted myself more in my station of life, and only then, my life tree was able to thrive and grow new branches that could withstand the demands of an active creative life.
Strong women in my world were life forces during that time, giving me advice and encouragement. They told me I’ve “got it” and to keep going with my photography, but to also embrace motherhood fully since our children are with us for a fleeting period of time. Soon enough, my children became the bridge to my art, as I photographed them and started exhibiting that work, which was embraced by the photography community and collectors, etc.
Q: What is your dream assignment or project?
A: I am in a present day frame of mind, so I’ll say my dream project is my current series, Wishes, which I’m still working on. Am choosing to embrace where I’m at and enjoy the process wholeheartedly. I yearn to have the kind of life where my creative cup is overflowing so much that I’m able to inspire or help others in a more tangible way with my art and visual storytelling.
To see more of Laura’s work, check out her website, www.husargarcia.com, and follow her on Instagram @laura_husargarcia.
