inside the work of photographer Lauren Tepfer
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It’s been about a year since I’ve been admiring New Jersey based photographer Lauren Tepfer. The first thing that drew me in was the wonderland type setting that her photos evoke. The photos of an East Coast suburb that’s teaming with roses and feels like the land of Oz complete with poppy fields. I decided to ask her a few questions relating to her work and the cinematic eye that lies within.
What is your earliest memory of photography?
I can’t remember any specific early moments in my life that relate to photography, although growing up I was always shooting. My aunt often gave me her lend-me-down cameras whenever she got a new one and I remember always running around outside taking photos on my little handheld cameras.
Are there any photographers and/or artists that inspire your work or process?
Yes! I derive a lot of my inspiration from photographers like Todd Hido, Patrick Joust, Olivia Bee and Joel Meyerowitz. I also am inspired a lot by musicians, especially Sia – her visuals are always so next level!
What keeps you motivated?
This is so broad, I love it! I obtain a lot of motivation through the people I surround myself with. Everyone I associate with are always doing amazing things and it’s so inspiring – it makes me want to do better and better! I also am motivated a lot by the future, I want to do the best I can for myself and I know it’s important for me to work hard.
Take a photo of something in your room that means something to you. Why is it important?
This is one of my Rookie Yearbooks. I couldn’t find the rest of my collection but Rookie is such an important part of my life, I get so much inspiration from everyone at Rookie.
What music do you listen to during/before/after your shoot?
I listen to alot of Regina Spektor, Gabrielle Aplin, LANY, The Lumineers, Bon Iver and Sia.
Your photos have a cinematic quality to them. What films/music videos have inspired you?
I am so obsessed with the film Her which is directed by Spike Jonze. The cinematography is gorgeous and terribly exquisite. I also really love the Stranger Things cinematography (obviously)!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do first?
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d probably go to Paris! It seems so dreamy. I would spend my entire time there shooting!
Lastly, do you remember your last dream?
I don’t, but for a long time I kept having this recurring dream where I would be outside and look up in the sky and there would be multiple moons. It was so cool and super creepy at the same time, I’m sure it was symbolic for something!
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