Lauren Themm | Grand Blanc, MI
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I started off with just a little digital 8mp camera that I borrowed from my mom. I distinctly remember going to a friend’s house, she had these really huge rocks in her yard and we got all dressed up and we took what we thought were “fashion photos” on and around the rocks. They weren’t very good, but at the time I thought they were. Since then I’ve been improving, majorly.
Tell us a little bit about the city/town/neighborhood you live in.
What can I say about Grand Blanc, Michigan? It’s probably the most uninspiring city to live in for a photographer. I suppose that living here is what makes me want to move somewhere where there is more scenery, but while I wait, I work with what I’ve got.
How supportive are your friends and family of your photography?
My friends love it! I used to have photos hanging in my room and whenever someone would come over they would always look at them and tell me how good they were and how they wanted me to take pictures of them. My family is also very supportive. All of the SLR’s I’ve acquired are from my grandma and my uncle and my mom usually pays for my prints.
Are there any themes that you like to explore through your photography, and if so, what?
Right now I’m going through a phase where I like to take multiples of an object, place it on a wooden table, and take photos of it. I’m not sure if that’s a theme exactly, but it’s something I do often.
Are there any photographers you know in real life who've affected you?
Oh sure, my friend Mickey, she is the girl that appears in most of my photos. We often shoot together, we like to share rolls of film.
If you had one super power, what would it be and why?
I sure would love to teleport. I could go anywhere and see anyone, and, keeping in the theme of photography, I could take so many amazing photos all over the world.
Who is/are your inspiration(s) in photography?
These ladies inspire me, www.flickr.com/photos/marieedwards/ and www.flickr.com/photos/tamgutlich/ . I think they both take amazingly beautiful photos and I love that they use film.
Which is your favorite photo that you've taken? Is there a story behind it?
This photo in particular but I really love the whole set. The story behind it is that Mickey and I (the girl in the photo) hadn’t taken any pictures together all winter because it was so cold out, but one day we grew some balls and went out there for like, a half hour. I didn’t think the photos would turn out well at all because I was so cold and I was rushing the whole time- but to my surprise, when we got the photos developed, they had actually turned out amazing.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in photography?
I think you should know what you want your photo to look like, don’t just go around and snap photos and call yourself a photographer. Set it all up, literally and in your mind as well.
If you had a day to spend with anyone alive, dead, or fictional, who would it be?
Hmm this is a hard one. Harry Potter because he is just magical and awesome or maybe Eric Northman from True Blood because he’s a total babe.
What's your current music?
Recently I’ve been listening to Childhood by Beach House on repeat but my favorite bands are; Fleet Foxes, Modest Mouse, Annuals, Beirut, The Unicorns, Grizzly Bear, Wavves, Andrew Bird Islands, and The Shins.
Where is a good place to get some cheap second-hand lenses? Hook a brotha up.
I’ve actually only ever bought one lens and it was from someone on Ebay. Sorry I can’t be of more help!
What would you like to ask our next interviewee?
What’s the biggest problem you’ve ever faced when photographing?
Thanks very much for letting me interview you, Lauren!
To view more of Lauren's work, click here!
My friends love it! I used to have photos hanging in my room and whenever someone would come over they would always look at them and tell me how good they were and how they wanted me to take pictures of them. My family is also very supportive. All of the SLR’s I’ve acquired are from my grandma and my uncle and my mom usually pays for my prints.Are there any themes that you like to explore through your photography, and if so, what?
Right now I’m going through a phase where I like to take multiples of an object, place it on a wooden table, and take photos of it. I’m not sure if that’s a theme exactly, but it’s something I do often.
Are there any photographers you know in real life who've affected you?
Oh sure, my friend Mickey, she is the girl that appears in most of my photos. We often shoot together, we like to share rolls of film.
If you had one super power, what would it be and why?I sure would love to teleport. I could go anywhere and see anyone, and, keeping in the theme of photography, I could take so many amazing photos all over the world.
Who is/are your inspiration(s) in photography?
These ladies inspire me, www.flickr.com/photos/marieedwards/ and www.flickr.com/photos/tamgutlich/ . I think they both take amazingly beautiful photos and I love that they use film.
Which is your favorite photo that you've taken? Is there a story behind it?
This photo in particular but I really love the whole set. The story behind it is that Mickey and I (the girl in the photo) hadn’t taken any pictures together all winter because it was so cold out, but one day we grew some balls and went out there for like, a half hour. I didn’t think the photos would turn out well at all because I was so cold and I was rushing the whole time- but to my surprise, when we got the photos developed, they had actually turned out amazing.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in photography?
I think you should know what you want your photo to look like, don’t just go around and snap photos and call yourself a photographer. Set it all up, literally and in your mind as well.
If you had a day to spend with anyone alive, dead, or fictional, who would it be?Hmm this is a hard one. Harry Potter because he is just magical and awesome or maybe Eric Northman from True Blood because he’s a total babe.
What's your current music?
Recently I’ve been listening to Childhood by Beach House on repeat but my favorite bands are; Fleet Foxes, Modest Mouse, Annuals, Beirut, The Unicorns, Grizzly Bear, Wavves, Andrew Bird Islands, and The Shins.
Where is a good place to get some cheap second-hand lenses? Hook a brotha up.
I’ve actually only ever bought one lens and it was from someone on Ebay. Sorry I can’t be of more help!
What would you like to ask our next interviewee?
What’s the biggest problem you’ve ever faced when photographing?
Thanks very much for letting me interview you, Lauren!
To view more of Lauren's work, click here!
