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Artist Spotlight: Laura June Kirsch

Laura has had a love for photography since the age of five. She has been active on Tumblr for twelve years now and has captured many raw moments for us at multiple events throughout those years. She’s been working on a book for over a decade, and the time has finally come to release it into the world! We checked in with Laura to tell us about her book, advice she has for young photographers, and her love for Tumblr. Check it out.

When did you realize that photography was something you wanted to do professionally?

I’ve always loved photography; it is a passion of mine. I’ve been shooting since age five and majored in photography at SVA. The plan was to work in music, but when I graduated, the recession hit, and getting a job was tough. I did not get one full-time job I applied for! As social media boomed, more photographers and content were needed, and I naturally started getting hired for these jobs. I didn’t think I could get work as a photographer—it was a happy accident that it worked out as my career.

Has evolving technology changed your process at all?

Outside of the digital shift from film (I held onto film as long as I could), not much, honestly! The sharing of photography and presenting of work has changed, though, for sure.

What brings you satisfaction in your work?

I love connecting with people and capturing raw/honest moments. When I get that perfect “decisive moment,” it’s a great feeling. Revisiting a great photograph never gets old for me.

What’s been the most challenging part of publishing a book?

When I first started shopping this project around in 2019, I was told a lot of discouraging things that I eventually ignored—like that I would need to have a major celebrity writer attached to the book and a huge Instagram following to get a publisher. I assumed you would land a publisher, and the writers would come later in the project. It all seemed like a crazy roadblock—how would an average person procure a celebrity for a project with no publisher? My book is all about the people at events, and celebrity culture is so far removed from my work and lifestyle.

The mass Instagram followers expectation drives me nuts. It’s a bummer people focus on that for evaluating work. It’s no secret that a large portion of creatives buys their followers, and I won’t play that game. Authenticity is key to me, and paying for a faux following negates that completely. It’s never crossed my mind to go that route. I think the whole public display of these interactions is bad for mental health and society overall. It’s very “Black Mirror.”

One thing I love about TUMBLR is how they don’t show those numbers and keep it about the content and community. I wish other platforms would follow this model. Ironically, I have a huge following on this platform.

Eventually, I followed my heart and started looking for a publisher sans celebrity or massive IG audience. My awesome publisher, Hat & Beard Press, saw the potential in the work and how passionate I was about this project and the communities portrayed in it. That’s what should matter in an art project! Stay true to who you are, and don’t let anybody stop you from speaking your truth.

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?

Be yourself and go with your gut. The second you start doing things to go with the status quo, you lose yourself. Make sure you are making work that you love, not what you think other people will love. You deserve to get paid. Don’t be afraid to say no to jobs that think otherwise. Walking away is the hardest but most important thing without proper compensation. Taking pictures is a job and a skill; clients are acquiring intellectual property. That is valuable, and so are you!

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of this book! This has been a dream of mine since my high school photography class. I started shooting this project in 2008 and editing it down in 2016. It’s been 13 years in the making. I am so happy with how it shaped out and can’t wait for the world to see it. The amount of time and energy put into this book is insane. The term “labor of love” has taken on a completely new meaning. So yes, I am very proud of this and staying true to my vision.

You can pre-order Romantic Lowlife Fantasies right here!

This interview has been condensed for clarity.