foto-OP

Laur Nash

beauty, fashion & portrait

Photographer

By Roberé Lett | Publisher | Style Editor

Although we have never met face to face, I am enthralled with the visual artistry of Laur Nash. Laur's images were vibrant yet subdued; there is a stark sense of calm and placement but beautifully composed. Laur asked our agency to test one of our new models, Hanna, and I immediately gave my stamp of approval. The images are stunning, and afterward, I thought I must write about this amazing young woman for Haute is Online magazine and her incredible skill set. My ten questions are to help our Haute fans get to know Laur Nash!

Q: I understand that you are a California girl - what made you decide to move to the often cold and snowy midwest, especially our beloved Detroit?

A: I was born in and raised in the Bay Area in Northern California, but my parents grew up in Michigan (they moved out to California in the 70s). Some of my extended family still resided in Michigan while I was growing up, so we often visited for holidays and in the summer. Michigan always felt like another world to me - no fences, different food, snow! I had no strong love for where I was, so I wanted to start new and get away when it got time to choose a college. Michigan was far but offered some familiarity and a support network.

My hometown high school was huge and somewhat impersonal (4k+ students), so I opted to go to school for Interior Architecture at a tiny private university (Lawrence Tech) that my dad had attended briefly in the early 70s. I wanted more of a sense of community and to be a 'big fish in a small pond' for once. I only attended for one year before dropping out and then moved to community college to focus more on graphic design + photography. I found that Michiganders really have a hard time understanding why a Californian would want to live here, though, and find it funny! It always comes up, and the confused expressions are hilarious. In general, the Detroit area and its people are very welcoming and supportive.

Q: I believe every photographer has a special affinity for their camera equipment. Is there a special bond for you, and if so, what's your favorite brand?

A: I am very bare compared to many professionals and not so well-versed in the latest and greatest equipment. My equipment affinity may lend itself more toward that minimalism. I always have made do with what I had and prefer to keep the tech and lighting side of photography as simple as possible. I use Nikon bodies/lenses for my work, which was the first DSLR camera I got my hands on back in 2010. Most photographers operate the same - you expand on the system you start with. Until last month, my camera body was from 2014, bought used (just updated to a 2020 model), and I currently employ a mixture of what would be classified as professional and entry-level lenses.

I love to have my lighting mimic soft daylight. It's not often I use more than two strobe setups. I have played around with a lot more equipment and techniques in my work but have finally found what I am drawn to and enjoy shooting - which is very simple, polished work. Outside of my professional work, I collected, restored, and sold instant Polaroid cameras (and some film cameras) in the mid-2010s. Their resurgence and reformulation of the instant film happen concurrently with The Impossible Project.

My favorite was learning to use the Polaroid Land Camera with FP-100c peel-apart film (made by Fuji - now discontinued and selling for $130+ p/box of 10, ouch). I grew up with a 600 Polaroid camera at home and am still drawn to the fun aspect of instant film. I would source used cameras at thrift stores, online shops, and garage/estate sales and clean and service them for resale. And until recently, I would always take a couple of quick polaroids at the end of my client's sessions as a takeaway/souvenir.

Q: What other photographers or artisans have influenced your work? Can you name them?

A: I started photographing myself, my friends, and the world around me in high school (class of 2006). DeviantArt was a popular online art platform at the time that I shared my personal photos on, so some of the photographers that inspired me were actively on there as well - namely Lara Jade and Emily Soto. They are both still creating work to this day that I am drawn to. I follow many other contemporary photographers whose work I admire (too many to name, but a few stand out to me) – Jenn Collins, Bryan Whitely, Grant Mills, Oliver Rudolph, and Sylwia Szyplik.

Q: I love your clean, crisp aesthetic. Was that by design or something you grew into?

It was definitely something that I was always drawn to - beneath the surface the whole time. But it took a lot of experimentation and failures to tame it and understand my vision. As a creative, you have to dip your toes into a lot, go overboard, and dial back to what's essential. I try to exemplify Dieter Rams' (Mid-century Industrial Designer) unobtrusive approach and belief - "Good design is as little as possible. It is less but better because it concentrates on the essential aspects, and the products are not burdened with non-essentials. Back to purity, back to simplicity."

Q: Is there a difference for you between shooting women and shooting men and if so what is it?

A: I would say that my visual approach is the same for capturing all genders. Men’s overall sharper features can sometimes handle more contrasted, harsh or experimental lighting, so it can be fun to play with that.

Q: I hear that you are a fan of Indian food. Is there a go-to place for you here in Michigan or the world for that matter?

A: Absolutely a fan! The food is such a wonderful mix of flavor, warmth and comfort. Before covid, Indian buffet was my #1 treat (takeout is still!). The nearby Farmington area has a huge Indian population and therefore a ton of restaurants with their cuisine. The best place I’ve found for consistently great food and the right level of spice is Aahar on Grand River/Drake. I also enjoy the Indian street food that Neehee’s offers (Canton).

Q: Where do you see yourself as a creator, photographer, and image curator over the next decade?

A: I only hope that I continue to create, expand my knowledge, make further connections with the local artistic community and produce work that I am proud of. I am honestly not a highly ambitious or career-driven individual - I would rather focus on doing what makes me and others happy and gives me purpose.

Q: Is there any special advice you would give a budding student or new photographer starting out?

A: I would say a few things - the first would be to jump into the deep end and get as much experience as possible. Go to school if you need external motivation, or create your own projects if you are self-motivated. It will be consistent testing (and failing) that creates progress and refines your eye and style. Another is to create with intention if you are looking at photography as a career. Set goals and study the genre of photographers you admire. Really break down the outcome they achieve.

Try to recreate things, as well as bend some rules, and you will eventually fall into your artistic voice. And the last would be to find and make connections with those who you look up to or who have experience in the industry, whether they are mentors, friends, or collaborative partners. Ask a lot of questions and absorb their knowledge - this is a truly invaluable resource to have!

Q: After being in the fashion industry for so long I look for what I call the element of design; are there certain things you look for in subject matter or surroundings that are uniquely you?

A: I am really drawn to breaking things down to their most essential parts, and have in turn found my voice in photography to lean towards the minimal, natural, and authentic self. I strive to not over-edit, hide natural features, or cater to trends in portraiture. I want to deliver the real you in the present moment - all shiny and polished - but never contrived

Q: Last but not least... If there was one thing you would want the world to know about Laur Nash what would it be?

A: That I love what I do.

A special thanks to Laur for all the beauty she brings to the world and for being gracious and kind enough to share her talents with us at Haute Is Online and our many readers. You can see more of Laur’s work on IG @LAURNASH or her website www.LaurNash.com or book a photoshoot for yourself and be sure to say Haute is referred you!

All images: © 2022 Laur Nash Photography, Corporate, Advertising, Editorial www.LaurNash.com

All rights reserved, No Reproduction Rights Granted Of Any Kind.