Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Brown.
Lauren, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I would say my story might be a bit different but as a teen, I loved music and going to concerts and through that is how I began my photo career. In 2009, at 15 years old, I got my first DSLR because I loved capturing images and wanting to photograph concerts, 4 months into bringing my camera to local shows and “practicing”, I obtained my first of many to come photo passes. I would get so much joy of being able to capture a specific moment in time of a concert and to share that with music fans to see in the future and remember that show. Working in concert and live music photography opened so many doors for me and always kept me on my toes as you really couldn’t plan anything ahead or expect to get a certain shot. I created my own music publication to be able to showcase my work but also other up and coming photographers and music features. As I got older and going to college, I actually went on a different career path and wanted to be in the fashion industry as a stylist. During this period of time, I took a small break from the music photography world and focused on that – which led to me into what I’m doing today. I went to FIDM where I got a degree in Visual Communications, from that I met classmates and students needing some photo and fashion work. This was my first step into photographing something other than music related images. By doing that, it took me out of my comfort zone and to try something new. I love the styling and still work on projects or style my own shoots from time to time but I realized how much I love photographing fashion and that I’m now able to take my background in that and my love of being behind the camera into one.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. For me, something I struggled with, especially when shooting live music in a very male-dominated world was being looked down for being a girl in the photo pit. People wouldn’t (and sometimes still) don’t take you seriously or think you are there for the right reasons. I would say the best thing to do is just never let the hate or comments get to you. Prove yourself through your work and then no one will ever have something to say. I think young women especially should just know to be yourself and do what you love and don’t ever let someone tell you otherwise.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I would say my background in live music photography is what I’m known for and still what people expect me to be doing. I think by branching into shooting more fashion and portraits now is setting me apart from other music photographers. I’m most proud of when I was 16 being able to run a music publication so I could photograph bands. I feel people think it’s easier than it looks but it was a lot of time and effort and putting myself out there to be noticed.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I feel that there need to be more opportunities for women in general in any job field! I would say though the great thing about photography is anyone can pick up a camera and start shooting and no one can take that from you. I would love to definitely see more women behind the camera and putting out some awesome content. There are some amazing women photographers out there but I still feel it is seen as a male-dominated field which needs to change!
Contact Info:
- Website: lauren-brown.net
- Email: lauren@lauren-brown.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbrownphotoandstyle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenbrownphotoandstyle
Image Credit:
Lauren Brown
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