Occupation: Photographer & ‘Snap’ Festival Coordinator/ Creator.
I didn’t seek my subject out today, she came to see me. Not to be my 50/50/50 thats a nice coincidence but to collect her PG Tips! (She was running low on her English girl medicine!)
Laura is an Associate from the UK. We have met at industry events, in fact I have photographed her before, we have chatted over social media, share mutual interests and friends. Enviably Laura & her lovely hubby Pete are travelling the US. Visiting various cities, catching up with friends and sharing their amazing pictures of these places online for us all to enjoy. This is all a prelude to shooting a wedding in Tobago! I’m pleased for them both, the trip is well deserved, they work hard and judging by their relaxed ‘holiday mode’ appearance they are throughly enjoying it. I’m glad I got to spend a couple hours with them and hear about their travels and future plans whilst finding out a little more about Laura.
I’ve watched Laura Babb on her journey with photography for a few years and when ever I see anything slightly resembling a Flamingo I shall always think of her. When we first met it was clear she had an ambitious determination to succeed, could recognise an opportunity and knew where she wanted to be. I have seen her style develop and grow, her love of architecture & landscapes in portraits is very prolific and easily recognised. Well respected in the industry as her sold out photography festival will testify, she is all set for big things.
Personally, I think more than one G&T was required to allow Laura to share more of herself with me, other than her public profile but I did get a little insight into her personal life, the journey she has taken and the people that have inspired her.
1, Where were you born and raised?
Harlow, Essex. Laura enjoyed a happy family upbringing with her parents and brother.
2, Tell me a childhood memory.
Ironically one of Laura’s childhood memories was a family holiday to Florida and going to Universal, which is where she is staying right now. I think I am correct in saying that Laura enjoys nostalgia so in that spirit she went on the ‘ET’ ride to rekindle her earlier memory, I think maybe slightly disappointed it didn’t quite live up to her memory and I can vouch that it probably hasn’t had a refurb since 1987. Another was Laura’s memory of a firework party at home. Describing the fireworks being stored in a ‘Biscuit’ tinned evoked my own memories of our early Health & Safety standard in the UK, sadly the night left Laura with a fear of loud noises..go easy around her with Christmas Crackers, you’ve been warned.
3, What is your favourite season and why?
Lauras words..’I’m torn, I love Autumn but Autumn leads to Winter. I love the smell of bonfires and all that Autumn brings, coming out of summer but still warm enough to just wear a cardigan’. (For my American readers you can google cardigan) Winter for Laura like many leads to fatigue and a general depression, the lack of light for some is quite physical and I can definitely relate. Fortunately this year she is surrounded by glorious light for the winter months.
4, Tell me about someone you love.
Laura found out after her Grandfather had died that he was an avid photographer. Sadly, he never knew of her passion, he suffered from dementia so never got to witness her fabulous talent. I believe that he is a silent observer. Fortunately, she has a wonderful and aspirational collection of his printed images and some of his equipment. Laura told me about a particular image that she is clearly proud of, taken by her Grandfather of a diver in mid dive, looking graceful and elegant, the image beautifully exposed and the memory of it clearly emotive in Laura’s eyes. I’d love to see that image. Thats what happens when we put images in print. Food for thought.
5, What words of wisdom do you have for me?
‘My philosophy is to enjoy life as much as possible, you only get one life really and its your responsibly to have all the experiences that you can to shape that life. Testiment to the fact that we’re homeless currently and travelling aroud America.
Enjoy yourself and make every effort to have experiences that you will be able to look back on and reminisce about and just try to live life to the fullest that way.
6, Dreams for the future?
Very happy with her career and its natural and successful growth I asked Laura about her own personal dreams for the future. Without hesitation.
‘Travel more’. I feel freer not being anywhere, travel more and see more of the world’.
I enjoyed chatting to Laura and Pete, its always good for creatives to meet up, albeit so very different we can find inspiration for ourselves in our own work. Laura is a free spirit, I have always admired that attribute, loves life, can laugh at herself and obviously has a big heart..but saves it for those she loves and cares about..look closely though and you can clearly see it in her work and the company she keeps.
You can see Laura’s work here: http://www.babbphoto.com
And if you would like to find out about the fabulous ‘Snap’ festival follow the link: http://www.snapphotofestival.com
