A Morning with Lauren Paley

This winter, I spent some time revisiting John Berger’s Ways of Seeing. I was first introduced this book when I was a freshman at Maryland Institute College of Art, and it rocked the way I perceived the world around me, and how I related to the world visually and how that informed my identity. One part of the book that has stayed with me in the years between then and now discusses the perception of women and how we represent ourselves in the world to be seen. I haven’t done a sustained personal project beyond a test shoot here and there in a long while, but I knew it was time. I dipped my toe in the water to begin a project inspired by this subject, and the converse- who we are when our guard is down. I thought about the diverse, inspiring women I know who are pursuing their own paths in this world, and making an impact. The first person I reached out to was Lauren Paley– a talented singer/songwriter and model who I came across on Instagram. Once we began making photographs, I realized why she was the perfect person to start with. Lauren’s songs are very personal and introspective, but as a model she’s always playing different roles. She trusted me, let me into her world and I’m so grateful. She is insanely talented, so if you have a moment- visit her site and listen to some of her music. This is just a little glimpse of our shoot, and the dualities we explored together. I’m looking forward to exploring this project as it evolves with more collaborators, and I’m attempting to eschew preconceived notions about what it should look like or say, but instead letting the individuals I photograph inform and challenge my own assumptions. Please feel free to send me a note if you, or someone you know would like to be a part of this project! It’s open ended, and just for us- there are no deadlines here.