Welcome back to another edition of the Engaging Marketeer. Today, I’m joined by Laura Shimili, a portrait photographer based in London. Laura is telling me all about her journey in the world of photography; where her inspiration comes from, how she got into the industry and what her current goals are.
You can watch the full interview over on our YouTube channel, which includes these highlights:
Laura on her introduction to photography…
Darren: One thing I like to ask with people that do a creative role is, what actually sparked that interest? Where did your interest in photography first come from?
Laura: I am from Albania originally, and I moved to Paris to study when I was 18. That was quite an experience going from a small country coming out of communism to Paris, the city of lights. I bought a camera in Paris and started just taking photos of the streets, of people, of friends, and that’s how it really started, that was the first time that I felt photography could help me with my creative outlet.
Darren: What was the first camera you bought?
Laura: The first camera I bought was a Canon, it was an analogue camera, and I just enjoyed taking photos on film and learning the process of developing it.
…on how she got into professional photography…
Darren: When you left Paris, what was the next step into professional photography?
Laura: After Paris I went back to Albania, where I started working with my degree in economics and I also did a masters in philosophy and so I started working in public policy; photography was still on the side at this point. Then I started taking part in competitions about Tirana and street photography over there. After my husband and I moved to London and had our first baby, that’s when I started doing photography more regularly.
…on the importance of photography techniques…
Darren: I notice a lot of photographers don’t really go out and learn all the methods of techniques of photography, they just do it as part of the art. How important do you think it is to study the different aspects and techniques of photography?
Laura: It’s very important. It’s important for the technical side, but its also important as part of growing in confidence with your photography.
…on people that are camera shy…
Darren: How do you get over somebody that is afraid to have their picture taken?
Laura: So that’s the majority of the population. It can be easier with younger people, they’re often more familiar with photographing themselves, they know their best angles. With older people like us, it’s about creating a safe space where people know they can be their best selves.
…on her ’40 over 40′ campaign…
Darren: I see on your website you’ve got a 40 over 40 campaign. Can you tell me a little about that?
Laura: The 40 over 40 campaign is an ongoing campaign where I’ll be selecting 40 people over the age of 40 for a photoshoot which will be part of a magazine where everybody will be featured with their portrait, as well as their story.
…on her ideal target audience…
Darren: In terms of the kind of work you do with portraits, what sort of ideal clients are you looking for with who you photograph.
Laura: Currently, the 40 over 40 campaign is my main campaign, until I complete it.
Darren: So if anyone is listening and wants to get involved in that, you’ll get them in straight away?
Laura: Absolutely.
…her advice for aspiring photographers…
Darren: What advice do you have to people that want to get into a career in photography?
Laura: What I’d recommend is to get started now. Even if you are just helping somebody that works in photography, making connections is important, especially when you want to build a career in the field.
If somebody would like to get in touch with Laura to discuss her photography work, the best way to reach her is through LinkedIn, where she is active to discuss business opportunities and much more, her Instagram, as well as her website.
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