throwback thursday - lauren j marshall
We're jumping back on the Throwback Thursday train today, by checking in with Melbourne photographer Lauren J Marshall.
We're jumping back on the Throwback Thursday train today, by checking in with Melbourne photographer Lauren J Marshall. Back in issue 55 we featured the sweet-as-pie tales of three lovely lady couples, snapped delightfully by the talented shutterbug.
Her portfolio has continued to grow since then (including pics of the weddings of some very familiar faces), so we thought we'd check back in with Lauren and find out what's been happening in her loved-up world.
What have you been up to since we interviewed you in frankie magazine? I've continued working full-time, primarily photographing weddings and my Loved-Up shoots. I've also been shooting some editorial pieces, which keeps me on my toes.
What kind of reaction did you get from the article?
I've had amazingly positive feedback from the article. I've had clients recognising my work and the girls have even been stopped in the streets!
For people who missed the article, tell us a little about who you are and what you do. My name is Lauren J Marshall (from LJM Photography) and I'm a Melbourne-based documentary photographer. I love telling people's stories. Two years ago I documented three same-sex couples with one of my Loved-Up shoots, which basically
captures the essence of a couple (or family): who they are today in an environment and setting that is unique and special to them. Although I often find that most people love sharing their stories with me, I am merely there to be a fly on the wall to capture it.
What are you currently working on that you want to tell us about?
Even though I am in the thick of wedding season, I've also been working on another documentary project. Again, I am photographing three same-sex couples' journeys. This project is very close to my heart as I've included my wife and my story.
I'm hoping to have a solid body of work over the next six months.... so watch this space.
Have you had further contact with the ladies you photographed for the article? Yeah, I actually caught up with two of the couples last week. I've been lucky enough to stay mates with all the girls.
I have since photographed all their weddings, too. Last year I flew to New York to document The Becs' big day in a book store. Did I mention it was in New York?! It was bloody amazing!
What sort of relationship have you built with the ladies over time?
I have a habit of becoming friends with some of my clients, especially the awesome ones.
Do you have any fun stories from the weddings?
Watching The Becs' wedding location transform from a book store into a ceremony/reception in under an hour and witnessing a handmade chuppah being assembled and squeezed under a mezzanine floor with millimetres to spare.
I also loved documenting The JAMS as they decorated their local pub with handmade bunting, kewpie dolls and a shopping trolley for their 'unwedding'.
What is it about person-to-person interaction and photojournalism that you love so much?
Everyone has their own story to tell, and they are all so unique and different. I love the person-to-person contact, meeting new people every week and listening to them regale us with stories from their past/present/future.... or watching that glint in their eye as they speak about something that excites them. That glint is what I love to capture.
And what drew you specifically to photographing same-sex relationships?
I noticed there weren't many documentary photographers shooting same-sex couples/weddings when I was looking for our wedding photographer (my wife and I got married in 2012). I realised there was a niche market out there waiting to be tapped into. Our government might not recognise a same-sex marriage, but it is exactly the same as a legal marriage. Love is love. There is something awesome about documenting LGBTI weddings; there is a vibe that is different. It's like everyone is there for the pure reason of celebrating the couple's love. I cant describe it really, it's an amazing buzz in the air, different to "straight" weddings.
What do you have in mind for your next project? As I've mentioned previously, my next project involves documenting my wife and I (among other same-sex couples) on a very personal journey. So far I've found it has really pushed me emotionally and professionally. I can't wait to see how it unfolds.