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

Hi Lauren, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I think most people, or at least a lot of the people I have spoken to, aren’t super aware of how incredibly difficult it is to make a name for yourself. Networking and marketing myself has been one of the hardest parts of any job I have ever done, and to start from absolute ground zero is such a hard thing to do. Especially with the way the internet is rapidly changing. Algorithms are constantly changing, there are always new sites and apps for people to use, the terms and conditions that state what you can and can’t post are always being reworked. Its a constant uphill battle to stay relevant, and its a lot of work to reach out to as many random people that could move your career forward as often as you have to in order to get people interested in you and your work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like to think of my art as an amalgamation of a lot of different things. I still haven’t quite honed in on my favorite niche. I think that since I am forever changing and growing as a person, my art will continue to do so as well. A lot of my shoots lean more towards a mix between boudoir and moody fashion, but I love the occasional conceptual shoot that gives the viewer more to think about. Recently I have been trying out some new and fun ideas that are fairly different from the norm for me. Nothing about getting where I am today has been easy. I’ve struggled a lot with self confidence and I’ve found that I am my own worst critic. Not to mention the outrageous expense that comes with digital photography, or any art form for that matter. Working in the service industry full time and just barely scraping by can be very discouraging on any given day, but especially so when you need hundreds and thousands of dollars for equipment and marketing. I’ve definitely learned that it won’t always be as fancy or as glamorous as you’d like, and that that’s okay. Sometimes you just have to work with what you’ve got and make the best of things, and I feel as if I’ve done fairly well, all things considered. I started with a passion and an eye for photography, and at the end of the day, that’s really all I need to make things work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My all time favorite place in Atlanta is Little Five Points. I could spend everyday there and be content. There is lots of good food and lots of cool things to see, along with a ton of great stores to shop. People watching is an odd habit of mine, and there are definitely a lot of interesting people around Little Five Points. I’d say Little Five Pizza is my favorite food there, but I’m always down for dinner at the Vortex. It’s a very cool location for photoshoots as well! I also love a good trip to the aquarium. I go at least once a year.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not have even considered trying to do photography if not for my absolutely wonderful friends and husband. They are so unbelievably supportive. There have been so many moments that I wanted to quit and give up entirely, despite my passion and vision for my future. They always talk me off the ledge and push me to keep going and pursue my dream.

Website: Laurenerwin.smugug.com

Instagram: instagram.com/laurenchandler7

Other: Backup Photography pages: instagram.com/beaniebphoto instagram.com/brokesticksphoto

Image Credits
Lilith Jenovax Kelly Siobhan

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.