photographer lauren bamford
At what point do you stop daydreaming and start living the dream? For Lauren Bamford it was when "I realised that I needed to take myself seriously as a photographer/artist in order for other people to". Up until that point 9-5 living in an office job left her feeling slightly bitter. She had studied photography but wasn't putting it into practice. So slowly she made changes in her life. Now her work regularly appears in magazines, she has shot a stack of CD covers for bands, and recently held a photography exhibition in Melbourne. She even got to go on an all-expenses-paid road trip through the USA with a Melbourne band who were signed to an American label. "It was incredible, just to be able to document it so casually, and see the country that way," she says. "The trip gave me a huge boost of inspiration and motivation."
Which five words best describe you? Honest, paranoid, tenacious, homey, jovial.
What was your first job/career and what path have you taken since? I wouldn't consider it a career, but my first job (and subsequently many afterwards) was shopgirl, selling kitchen wares and such. Photography has always played a part - in the background sometimes, but the last few years I have been focusing more on making it my livelihood.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? That father knows best.
What’s your proudest career achievement? When I see one of my photographs on the pages of a magazine, or the record sleeve of a favourite band, or when a stranger goes out of their way to say something nice to me about my work - they are all proud achievements.
What’s been your best decision? That would definitely be my relocation to Melbourne from Sydney/Newcastle. I really don't know what would have transpired had I stayed north - I didn't have a clue what to do with my life. Somehow, my transition from teenager to adult resulted in me losing my way and forgetting my creative dreams. I didn't have a plan when I moved south, but eventually a whole new life and way of living opened up to me. I've never looked back.
Who inspires you? On an international scale, photographers like William Eggleston, Juergen Teller, Diane Arbus, Jody Rogac. Locally, photographers Karl Scullin, Warwick Baker, Michelle Tran, Darren Sylvester, Ben Butcher, Ali McCann. It really is mind boggling if you just look at what is being created within the small community of Melbourne. Some of my closest friends are creating music and art that has changed my life, and will stand the test of time.
What are you passionate about? Music, art and food.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Prince. And to name just two amazing ladies, Sunday Reed and Diane Arbus.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Apart from the cliches of travel, etc, my dreams are pretty simple. To work and create at my own pace, and live sustainably.
What are you reading? Just Kids by Patti Smith
images courtesy of lauren bamford