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

Hi Lauren, what are you inspired by?
So many things inspire me. Growing up as the daughter of a photographer, I saw firsthand how excited people were about seeing their photos. Taking photos has always been fun to me, especially once I became of age to purchase my own disposable cameras lol and then eventually a real camera. The natural beauty around me also inspires me  You know we often look to breathtaking sceneries to be inspired but never pay attention to the things around us in our everyday lives. Growing up in the Bronx I saw colorful artful graffiti, murals, parks, historical buildings and absolutely loved it! That’s what inspired me to start photographing people from the Bronx in the Bronx to showcase us in areas where people wouldn’t think existed here.  In a nutshell, The Bronx inspired me!


Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Busy is a word that sounds daunting to me lol I would like to say what keeps me engaged professionally. Well, photography is an art and having the ability to photograph people is a skill in itself. My clients love working with me because I take the time to really get to know them. Their personality, their musical taste (I create a playlist for each client I work with), their style and then I create an atmosphere that makes them comfortable to work with me. Story telling at its finest!! Each individual person has a unique story they want to convey through a photo and I just assist them with finding the right imagery to go along with it. Finding the right clients to work with is very important. You want to make sure that you are a perfect fit. The lessons I have learned over the last couple of years is to really be proud of your own work. I love and enjoy what I do and it never feels like work!! Do not be super hard on yourself if your photos do not look like another photographers’photos. They are not you and it even took time for them to develop their style. So be VERY patient with yourself. I’m super excited about hosting my first photo art gallery in the near future. That will take all of my energy and patience. I’m not a perfectionist, I just like what I like! Working on rebranding myself not only as a photographer but as an artist. I am my first muse!! This will include revamping and remodeling my website which I didn’t realize is a lot of work especially for me because I just can’t choose a few strong images for my page…it’s around 40+!! Lol I would like people to know that I truly am who my moniker is and thats Just 2 LLs!! Lauren Layne. A woman from the Bronx who loves photography and people. It warms my heart seeing others smile and fall in love with themselves through my lens.


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So people hear “The Bronx” and immediately cringe, sad to say. However as my friend you can trust that I would never steer you wrong with two things food and a great time. So firstly I would take them to Empire Bagel for an authentic fresh homemade bagel. Gotta catch them between the hours of 5am-12pm!! If they decided they wanted more food then you MUST have breakfast at alocal diner. It’s mandatory!  There’s nothing like some good diner food. Then maybe a drive around the area to see my borough. Not every place is scary lol Back to food, I would hit up Havana Cafe or Con Sofrito (a small gem in the Bronx with great food, drinks and absolutely great music and vibes!!)and definitely Brisas Del Caribe- a Spanish owned and ran restaurant that if you are from here…you already know! Then as a little excursion I would drive them to Yonkers to see this beautiful Grecian/Persian garden. Absolutely breathtaking. Camera ready and worthy!! Spend a few hours there because its really something to experience. Then grab something quick like a slice of pizza from Cross Bronx pizza because if it’s not a big greasy thin crunchy slice, are you even having real NY pizza?!! Then end the night at Beastro. I won’t say much but you MUST go and see for yourself. Another Bronx gem!!


Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to La Jones of @LaLovelee for connecting us to do this interview. I would also like to shoutout my fellow women photographers, especially Esmee Kyles of @incrediblywee for her amazing work she often shares that inspires me. I’ve had the privilege of working with her for a wedding and I love her fun professional work ethics. I often tell her when I get married, she’s my photographer!! Plus she’s a wonderful listener, super hilarious and fellow sister of mine in the faith. Best of both worlds! Cant forget my supportive group of loving friends that encourage me to continue doing what I’m doing through their words, laughter and kind hearts.

Website: https://msha.ke/just2lls

Instagram: @just2lls

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/lauren-l-4a192377

Image Credits
Just2lls Photography

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