Lauren Naylor
Lauren Naylor
Photographer / Designer
Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California
www.lnaylor.com
www.lnaylor.design
Instagram @lnaynay
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a photographer that specializes in conceptual, fine-art portraiture that also shoots fashion, editorial, and commercial photography.”
Most of the time I'm working with models in the LA area to create ethereal, thought-out images that are heavily inspired by human emotion and my love for dreams. I also work as a graphic designer focusing mostly on web design, branding, typography, and illustration!
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
A lot of practice, perseverance, trial-and-error, failure, hopes, dreams, passion, mistakes, and learning about myself as an artist. I am always learning and experimenting with new approaches to photography and design.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
I think a good majority of people in my field tend to rely too heavily on current trends. While it's important to stay on top of trends, only being "good" at being trendy is a very ephemeral kind of joy. I want to make things that last, that are my own and will stand the test of time. I think once I stopped caring about what the majority was doing, that was when my work started to take on a real life.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently I'm always taking on new collaborations and work with models and companies here in LA. I'd love to travel more. I'm also doing a lot of at-home design projects for the photo company Adorama in NYC. Finally, I've got several workshops in LA and online coming soon.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I lean on the darker, edgier side with a strong connection to emotions and dreams. I like to conceptualize my photoshoots, but I also enjoy a beautiful, simple portrait. Here is one my recent conceptual shoots.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Photography. It's so very important to me.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Finding legitimate work. A lot of people reach out to me to collaborate. They want photos but don't want to have to pay for them. Unfortunately, time is money and I put a lot of time and effort into my work and can't afford to do it all for free. At the end of the day I have to pay rent and eat just like everyone else. :)
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Basic assistant work would be so wonderful! I would need them as photo assistants on-site at shoots, and also basic tasks such as uploading photos, and helping with booking.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I don't really have regrets but I guess if there was one thing I would tell myself years ago when I was working a 9-5 to let go, trust yourself, and don't waste time on things that aren't important to you!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Marketing yourself and your business. Also, hosting workshops.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm looking mostly for paid work with modeling agencies, fashion, and awesome companies all over that want to work together and create beautiful images.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
A person or company that trusts my vision while also having a vision of their own and is comfortable with expressing it to me. We work together to combine visions and create the perfect final product that we both love and are happy with. Communication is key!
WHAT IS YOUR RATE?
It depends on the project, but for photo projects with individuals/models I charge somewhere between $275-500 for a 2 hr photoshoot with 3-5 fully edited high res images. If the demand is higher, say for a company that requires more images and time the price rises to $400-1000, but it really depends on a lot of factors! I try to tailor the price according to each clients' needs so that everyone gets a fair deal.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
I prefer email initially. I like the intro to include the scope, needs of the client, and any sort of mentioning of a budget or rate question.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Push myself and then push some more.
This member profile was originally published in May 2016.