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 Lauren Welles, on her recent work.
Q: If you could only bring three pieces of equipment with you on a photo shoot, what would you bring?
A: Depends on what kind of shoot it is. When I’m shooting street photography, my Fuji xT-2, 35mm-equivalent lens and comfortable shoes; for interiors, my Canon 5D Mark iii, 16-35 mm lens and a tripod. For most other shoots, a Canon 5D Mark iii 24-70 mm lens, and a Speedlight will get me what I need.
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: Assuming the technical aspects are correct (exposure, focus, etc.), the composition needs to be right and filled with only those elements that are “relevant” to the subject. But, most importantly, it has to convey a moment that makes me feel something.
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: It really depends on the week. There are weeks when I have no time to do any personal work. All work and no play, really gets me out of balance and I have to “work” at staying grounded. There are other times when it’s 50/50. I’m trying to figure out ways to create this balance, rather than let outside circumstances dictate how my day/week will go. Work always took priority, even as a kid, when I would get home from school and do my homework before I would go out and play with friends. The more I go out of my way to make time for my personal work (which might mean telling a client ahead of time that turn-around time will be a little longer than usual), the happier I am, and the better I am at doing my “job.”
Q: If you didn’t have to worry about earning a living, what type of work would you do?
A: Travel to every corner of the earth, find people and stories to photograph (and take intensive language courses, so I could communicate and connect with the culture on a deeper level).
Q: I often feel that I keep making photographs because I don’t know how not to. Why do you keep making photographs?
A: I love meeting and connecting with new people and cultures. Having a camera is like a door-opener in that way, allowing me to partake in experiences, in ways that I probably never would otherwise.
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: I love meeting and talking with new people, but if that involves schmoozing/marketing my work, then not so much. I’ve always thought that if I put my head down and do my work, doors would eventually open. And sometimes doors do open that way. But I can be a bit too dogmatic about it. I’m trying to find a balance by pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
Q: What is your dream assignment/project?
A: The Prince of Morocco once commissioned Albert Watson to photograph Morocco (and the photos were made into a book). Since I have a bit of wanderlust, I’d love to be commissioned to photograph everyday life and culture of some place I’ve never been.
To see more of Lauren’s work, check out her website, Laurenwelles.com, and follow her on Instagram @laurenwelles.
