Meet Lauren Eli | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Eli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I am an artist. I have never left that behind in pursuit of anything. My parents have always been supportive of my artistic passions and creative abilities. They raised me to follow my creative passion wherever it leads. They’ve never asked me to change or neglect my creativity. My entire life they have fostered my growth as an artist through museum visits, classes, supplies, and opportunities to grow in my chosen crafts. They’ve supported it all. I’ve never had to neglect my art. They taught me to create despite circumstance and have always helped me make that happen. As I’ve grown up these lessons have brought me opportunities to further my creative career. Their confidence in my abilities has consistently pushed me to reach for my goals in spite of self doubt or circumstance. I pursued an artistic career because I am an artist. I’ve never given up because I have two people who are in my corner that have never doubted what I can achieve.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a photographer, I approach capturing images with a painterly eye and a bold voice for graphic communication. I love capturing the moments between words. The exhale then the next breath. I love to challenge conventions with my work. My road to professional photography took hold when Covid hit. After quarantine I began production assisting for another photographer. She allowed me to take photos as well. I got an immediate positive response to my work. I knew from that moment that I was on the right path. I kept working with her and we became a team. We hit a bump in the road when I had a client reach out to me for a paid shoot. It would have been my first paid shoot as a photographer. I shared the information with her because I wanted to do it with her. She went behind my back and took the client from me. From that day forward I was on my own. I took the lessons I learned and kept building my portfolio. I had to deal with my anxiety and imposter syndrome. Major hurdles to surmount. Every time I got through a shoot and got great photos and positive feedback my confidence grew. I began looking for full time photography jobs. I started out as a product photographer for a non-profit. I then got the opportunity to be a photographer at a studio. I learned all about working in studio. I worked there for a year. Throughout that year I focused on photographing for the studio. I only did a handful of shoots for myself. I couldn’t share the images from the studio as I didn’t own the rights. My abilities improved so much though that it showed in my personal work. I wasn’t making enough money to survive working at the studio. I decided to take up an offer a model and friend I worked with had told me about. I began working full time at an office job. My photography work continued on weekends. My skills had improved so much from my year at the studio that I was getting more and more traction on my work. My work was chosen to be on display at an exhibition by the Boca Raton Museum of Art. I’ve had consistent paid photography work since starting my new day job. I wouldn’t change my path for anything. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been afforded and will continue until I can be an artist supported solely by my art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend is visiting next week and we have plans to check out The Falcon, a pop up holiday bar in Delray Beach. We also will be doing a photo shoot together in Delray Beach at the iPic movie theater and The Delray Market. Their interiors are gorgeous and playful! We’ll definitely be hitting the beach for a bit. People watching and getting some vitamin D. We want to go to Art Basel as well. That’s a definite “can’t miss”. We’ll make a trip to our favorite breakfast spot, The Boynton Diner. Lastly, we’ll be taking our pups to the dog park at Quiet Waters park in Deerfield Beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents and my two best friends. Their endless support has carried me through my darkest times and celebrated with me in my brightest.

Website: www.LaurenEliPhotography.com

Instagram: @LaurenEli_Photogrpahy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenEliPhoto

Image Credits
Models: Tallulah, Sammy Jo, Susannah, Ara, and Julie